In an unexpected surge of excitement, the Collector’s Edition of the much-anticipated turn-based RPG, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, flew off the shelves within just days of its unveiling. This remarkable response underscores the growing buzz around the game, which is set for release on April 24, 2025.
The brainchild of the indie French studio, Sandfall Interactive, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 plunges players into a shadowy fantasy realm, drawing comparisons to the beloved Persona series with its methodical turn-based combat. As players journey through diverse terrains, they will strive to thwart the sinister Paintress, a formidable entity capable of ending lives by simply painting numbers in the sky. Since its intriguing reveal in 2024, the game has captivated audiences with its striking artistic style and engaging narrative. The star-studded voice cast, featuring talents like Ben Starr from Final Fantasy 16, the legendary Andy Serkis of The Lord of the Rings fame, and Devora Wilde from Baldur’s Gate 3, has only added to the fervor within the gaming community.
Despite announcing the Collector’s Edition just last week, Sandfall Interactive has confirmed its complete sell-out. The team expressed surprise at this overwhelming reception in a heartfelt Twitter message, thanking fans for their enthusiastic support. They highlighted the challenges involved in creating the physical Collector’s Edition, which was priced at $149.99 and packed with exclusive bonuses, including a hand-painted music box statuette, a Steelbook featuring key characters, and a detailed art journal. While the studio is exploring options to restock, they gently cautioned fans that restocking is not guaranteed.
In a testament to its impressive achievements, Sandfall Interactive—operating with a team of just 30 developers—continues to win over the gaming community with Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. Offering the game for only $49.99, the developers aim to make it accessible to a wide audience. The core storyline promises about 30 hours of gameplay, supplemented with ample side quests for explorers at heart.
Another piece of exciting news came during the Xbox Developer Direct on January 23rd, when it was revealed that Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 would join Xbox Game Pass on release day, April 24. Additionally, the game will feature enhancements on the PlayStation 5 Pro, although specifics on these upgrades remain pending.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is not just a game; it’s an innovative leap in turn-based RPGs. Its real-time mechanics add a captivating depth to battles, set against a mesmerizing backdrop reminiscent of Belle Époque France. Players will develop unique Expeditioner builds, harnessing the synergy of gear, stats, and skillsets in combat. Engage in thrilling, real-time actions—dodge, parry, counter, and chain combos with precision. The story follows Gustave, Maelle, and their fellow Expeditioners, who have only a year to break the Paintress’ deadly cycle. The world they explore, from the mysterious Island of Visages to hidden quests, promises awe-inspiring sights and formidable foes.
Available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC, with both the standard release and enhancements on the horizon, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is setting the stage to be a standout in RPG gaming for 2025.