Expedition 33, officially titled Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, is not just another RPG—it’s a game that has redefined what emotional storytelling can look like in 2025. Set in a hauntingly beautiful Belle Époque-inspired world, the narrative plunges you into the lives of characters who are racing against time. The premise is chilling: every year, everyone who reaches a certain age is wiped from existence by the mysterious Paintress, and this age keeps dropping.
The story opens with Gustave, who, facing his final year, joins the desperate Expedition 33 to end this cycle. The game doesn’t shy away from loss, sacrifice, or the weight of mortality, and it’s this raw emotional core that makes every twist hit hard. As a lifelong RPG fan, I found myself genuinely invested in the fates of these characters, a testament to the writing and world-building on display.
Innovative Combat That Blends Strategy and Action
The gameplay in Expedition 33 is a masterclass in blending old-school turn-based mechanics with modern action elements. Battles unfold in third-person, with players choosing between melee attacks to build Ability Points and spending those points on ranged attacks or powerful skills. What sets it apart is the real-time aspect: during enemy turns, you’re not just waiting—you’re dodging, parrying, or jumping to avoid damage, making every encounter feel dynamic and engaging.
Each character brings unique mechanics, from Lune’s elemental “Stains” to Monoco’s ability to transform into enemies, ensuring that combat never feels repetitive. The addition of customisable “Pictos” and the evolving Lumina system means there’s always something new to experiment with, keeping even long sessions feeling fresh.
Art Direction and Sound: A Dreamlike Masterpiece
Visually, Expedition 33 is breathtaking. The art direction is surreal, blending dreamlike landscapes with eerie, almost grotesque character designs that stick with you long after you put the controller down. The environments are lush and detailed, each area telling its own story through colour and architecture.
The soundtrack deserves special mention—it’s not just background noise but a driving force in the game’s emotional impact. The score topped Billboard’s Classical Music charts, and it’s easy to see why. Every track feels meticulously crafted to heighten the drama, the melancholy, and the fleeting moments of hope that define the game’s tone.
Critical Acclaim and Community Response
Expedition 33 hasn’t just resonated with me; it’s become a phenomenon. The game has received “universal acclaim” from critics, boasting a Metacritic score in the 90s and a user score of 9.7—potentially the highest ever for a major release. Reviewers across the board have praised its cohesive design, heartfelt storytelling, and innovative mechanics.
Sales figures back up the hype: over 2 million copies sold in less than two weeks, a staggering achievement for a new IP. Even the President of France weighed in, calling it “a shining example of French audacity and creativity.” For a genre that often struggles to break into the mainstream, Expedition 33’s success is nothing short of historic.
Final Thoughts
As someone who’s played countless RPGs, Expedition 33 stands out as a rare gem that manages to be both a love letter to classics and a bold step forward. Its willingness to tackle heavy themes, combined with innovative gameplay and stunning presentation, makes it a true masterpiece. Every hour spent in its world felt meaningful, every battle a test of both strategy and reflexes. If you’re looking for a game that will move you, challenge you, and linger in your thoughts long after the credits roll, Expedition 33 is essential. It’s not just the best RPG of 2025—it’s one of the most important games of the decade.
