If you’ve been craving a new RPG that breaks away from the usual medieval formulas and sci-fi tropes, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 might just be the surprise of the year. Launching this week on April 24, 2025, this upcoming title from Sandfall Interactive has been quietly building hype with its haunting art direction, unique world-building, and combat system that promises something fresh.

So the question is: is this the dark fantasy RPG we’ve all been waiting for?

What Is Clair Obscur: Expedition 33?

Set in a world inspired by a dark, surreal version of Belle Époque France, Expedition 33 throws you into a society on the brink of collapse—both culturally and existentially.

Here’s the twist: every year, a mysterious entity known as “The Paintress” awakens and erases a chosen number from existence. Not just a name or person—but anyone born that year. Gone. Forgotten. As part of Expedition 33, your team’s mission is to reach The Paintress and stop the next number from vanishing.

It’s stylish, eerie, and full of philosophical weight.

Key Gameplay Features

Here’s a quick look at what’s drawing attention from RPG fans and critics alike:

Turn-Based Combat with Real-Time Input

• Battles use a turn-based system with interactive timing mechanics (think Legend of Dragoon or Paper Mario).
• You’ll need to parry, dodge, or aim your attacks in short bursts of real-time input, making every encounter feel active.

Dynamic Party System

• You control a team of misfit adventurers, each with their own secrets and special abilities.
• Party interactions change depending on your choices and battle outcomes.

Hybrid Exploration

• Movement is in full 3D, with environments that blend dream-like surrealism and gothic architecture.
• Puzzles, environmental storytelling, and decision-making shape how you engage with the world.

Art-Driven World Design

• The whole game feels like it’s been pulled from a painting—brushstroke textures, fog-laced cities, golden lighting.
• It’s gorgeous without feeling overly polished or artificial.

Visual Highlight: Party Combat Snapshot

Element	Description
Battle Style	Turn-based with real-time inputs
Team Members	Up to 4, each with unique combat styles
Visual Theme	Surreal art nouveau meets gothic horror
Boss Encounters	Elaborate, story-driven, and cinematic
Platforms	PC, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5

The Story Hook That Sets It Apart

Most RPGs focus on saving kingdoms or defeating monsters. Expedition 33 is about memory, identity, and survival in a world that forgets you ever existed.

It leans more psychological than epic. You’re not just fighting to survive—you’re fighting to be remembered.

That narrative focus has drawn comparisons to games like NieR: Automata, Persona 5, and Disco Elysium, but Clair Obscur still feels like its own beast.

Early Impressions from the Beta and Previews

While full reviews won’t hit until later this week, early preview access has left some strong impressions:

• Combat is engaging and feels like a welcome mix of classic and modern mechanics.
• Visuals are stunning, especially the enemy design and cinematic cutscenes.
• Writing is sharp, though some previewers mention a learning curve in world lore.

One common comment: this isn’t a game that spoon-feeds its story. You’ll be piecing things together through dialogue, art, and exploration—which is a major plus for players who love deep lore.

Should You Play It?

If you’re into dark fantasy, philosophical storytelling, and a combat system that keeps you on your toes, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 deserves a spot on your radar.

It’s not chasing trends. It’s building something rich, original, and maybe even a little weird—in the best possible way.

Expect a moody soundtrack, heavy emotional moments, and a game that challenges both your reflexes and your thinking.

Whether it becomes the next cult classic or a genre disruptor, we’re excited to see where this expedition leads.