Ten Beginner's Pointers to Learn Before Diving Into Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

A fun fact: The “Obscur” in Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 references the initially cryptic nature of the interface systems and gameplay loops.

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 casts you as a group of glamorous spellcasters, fronted by the daring British Daredevil, on a journey to combat a global affliction that halts the natural aging process. It fuses turn-based RPG encounters with timed defensive moves reminiscent of Soulslike games, all presented with a distinctive aesthetic language.

It has proven to be the major games of the year, having sold millions and earned the premier award praise. The adventure can feel somewhat dense at first, but once you lock in, you’ll uncover a layered and fascinating role-playing game that differentiates itself from many others. Here are are ten crucial starting pointers for Clair Obscur: Expedition 33.

Change Team Members Regularly

In Expedition 33, party members who are active during a fight earn a hefty increase to Experience Points compared to those on the bench. What's more, the narrative will periodically mandate you to include particular characters. The most straightforward solution to both issues is to change your lineup frequently and aim to keep everyone at a roughly equal level.

The positive aspect is that farming experience is not too tedious. Battles award a substantial amount of XP, often sufficient for a stat increase after just several. You can reset an zone's monsters by stopping at an save point—these markers are scattered throughout each level. If you need to accumulate XP fast, simply engage in combat near a flag, rest, and do it again.

Rotate Gear Regularly

The game features two main ways to bestow bonus effects to your characters: Picto gems and Luminas.

• Pictos are items which grant stat boosts and include a special ability. A character can equip three different Pictos. Once slotted, finishing four fights with a Picto unlocks its linked Lumina.
• Luminas function differently but can be thought of as unlocked abilities. Every ally has a number of skill points (which you can raise via consumables). Each Lumina has a set cost. Provided that a character has sufficient LP, you are not restricted can benefit from the same skill, allowing you to layer key bonuses across your whole party.

The smartest tactic is to always someone has equipped any new accessory and completes the required fights to gain its Lumina. That way you gain access for later builds.

If you don't have unleveled accessories to level up, simply slot the Pictos with the best stats for your playstyle.

Perfect Guards Are Not Your Single Choice

Expedition 33’s defining element is its marriage of turn-based combat with twitch-based defenses. That said, the parry window is extremely brief on any mode. In place of frustrating yourself trying to hit perfect blocks, focus on rolling.

Even though a well-timed block grants a resource and inflicts massive extra damage, missing the timing gives you nothing. Luckily there are several accessories and abilities that grant AP on a successful dodge. If you find parrying difficult, equip those evasion-based perks instead.

The Break Status Is Your Greatest Advantage

Break is a battle-altering condition that can secure victory. As you attack a foe, a yellow gauge charges under their life bar. Once charged, you can stun the enemy, which slashes their armor by a significant amount and skips their turn for an entire round. It is the top-tier condition in the game, but only specific skills can trigger it.

Allocate Points Intentionally

You can reset attributes and skills using a rare item called a Respec token. Since they are uncommon, it's prudent to plan your build prior to using your attribute points. Get a feel for a hero's kit and map out a build strategy first.

Always Stop At the Checkpoint Flag

Resting at an save point refills the health of your entire party and replenishes every healing items, including Chroma Elixirs and Revive Tints. Make it a habit to use each flag you see!

Expedition flags also function as the closest thing to navigation in the game. You won't find a traditional map, waypoint system, or quest indicators. Instead, each flag has a designation. At a flag, you can view a list of every flag you've found in that zone under a navigation option. It's a minimalist way to track your progress.

Locked Chests Are Consistently Rewarding

Paint Cages are effectively puzzle caches that need you to locate and shoot three concealed seals in the immediate vicinity prior to getting the loot. The reward is consistently high-tier, often containing rare resources or unique gear. The three locks aren't easy to spot, but they are usually located close by. If you are stuck, try smashing crates or looking up.

Yes, Challenge the Merchant

Each shopkeeper carries a hidden special good that doesn't appear in their normal inventory. To gain access to it, you must choose one character and beat them in combat in a single combat. This proves to be worth doing, as these items are game-changing. The earliest vendor you meet, for reference, sells a special accessory that inflicts the vulnerability status, which increases damage dealt against the target by a significant margin.

Rely On the Autosave

The game lacks {manual saving