Reactive turn-based fantasy RPG Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 announced for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC

Developer Sandfall Interactive and publisher Kepler Interactive have unveiled a brand-new turn-based RPG at the Xbox Games Showcase 2024 called Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. It revealed a stunning first look at the game with story cinematics and combat gameplay with reactive turn-based battles. The title will be releasing in 2025 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC; it will be coming to Game Pass on Day 1.

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 introduces its premise with a Paintress that wakes once a year to paint a number on her monolith. That number has everyone of that age immediately fade away into smoke; consecutive years has that cursed number tick down by one. Players take on the role of Gustav and other Expeditioners to stop this cycle that the Paintress has begun.

The game is developed with Unreal Engine 5 and players can perform additional inputs in a timed window to enhance the damage of their attacks. Some incoming attacks will allow players to react defensively in real-time, as well.

Learn more about the debut title of Sandfall Interactive down below with its Reveal Trailer, along with more information and first screenshots.

Developer Sandfall Interactive unveiled their highly ambitious debut title, ‘Clair Obscur: Expedition 33’ in today's Xbox Games Showcase. Inspired by beloved classic fantasy JRPGs and action games alike, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 sets itself apart with immersive reactive turn-based battles, a mature and moving narrative and a stunning, evocative art style inspired by French and Parisienne art and architecture. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 promises players a beautiful story-driven experience and an emotional cast of characters that will stay with them long after the credits roll. Published by Kepler Interactive, it is currently in development for Xbox Series X|S (available day one with Xbox Game Pass), PlayStation 5 and PC. 

Once a year, the Paintress wakes to paint a cursed number upon her monolith and everyone of that age instantly turns to smoke and fades away. Year by year, that number ticks down. Tomorrow she’ll wake and paint “33.” Join Gustave, and his fellow Expeditioners as they embark on a desperate quest to break the Paintress’ cycle of death once and for all. Retracing the steps of dozens of failed Expeditions before them, players will overcome powerful enemies and fight to save the future of their world. Set in a dreamlike world, the story unfolds as fantasy and art converge, backed by an enchanting soundtrack to create a breathtaking story unlike any other. 

“We poured our hearts and souls into creating the game of our dreams, something that would feel fresh and new, so we sincerely hope you will enjoy discovering the world and characters we crafted with love,” said Guillaume Broche, Founder of Sandfall Interactive and Creative Director of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. “With an incredible and epic story, a unique reactive turn-based system, and a vast hand-crafted world to explore, we gave our all to make the journey in ‘Expedition 33’ one that you will never forget. We can't wait to share more with you as we get closer to release!” 

Powered by Unreal Engine 5, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, or ‘Expedition 33,’ is an innovative reactive turn-based RPG with immersive real-time offensive and defensive commands to enhance combat, making battles more engaging than ever. Players will master their offensive skills and magical abilities, dodge, parry and counter enemy assaults in real time, and target enemy weak points using a ranged free-aim system to overcome seemingly overwhelming odds. Furthermore, players will be able to customize each character’s unique stat growth, skill tree and gear alongside a wide range of learnable passive traits, offering endless opportunities to fine-tune their preferred strategies. 

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is available to wishlist now and will be available for Xbox Series X|S (available day one with Xbox Game Pass), PlayStation 5 and PC (via Steam and the Epic Games Store) in 2025. Fans curious to learn more about the gameplay, story and world of Expedition 33 can visit the game’s official website at www.Expedition33.com and sign up for the newsletter and receive new information and updates. 

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33