Summary
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33is making huge waves in the gaming world. The interactive turn-based RPG is winning the hearts of fans and critics alike with its compelling story,beautiful art direction, enchanting music, and engaging gameplay. While the main story will keep the players engaged from the get-go, there are plenty of things that players can do on their expedition to defy death itself.
With a prologue followed by three acts,Expedition 33expands with each new segment. New regions of the game’s world become accessible, filled with mystery and unknown challenges. Alongside these new areas, additional mechanics and activities are introduced. Upon completing the first act and stepping into the second, a range of optional activities becomes available. While these tasks won’t alter the core storyline or ending, each offers a rewarding experience and can provide benefits for the challenges ahead. Be sure to pursue these activities in Act 2 before progressing toward the endgame.
8Increase Relationship Levels
Strengthen Bonds Between Party Members
The importance of relationships with party members becomes evident after the conclusion of the first act. To highlight these connections,Expedition 33introduces a more structured relationship system as players progress into Act 2. While interactions with characters are possible earlier in the game, the real depth of bonding begins here. This added layer not only enhances the narrative, but also unlocks exclusive abilities and story moments tied to each character.
As players spend time with other characters, the game rewards them with relationship levels. Players need to talk to other characters between each main area to increase their relationship level with each expedition member. While optional, there’s no drawback to participating in these interactions. They require little effort and time, andoffer valuable insights into each character, alongside unlocking powerful, character-specific skills. Depending on the choices made during these conversations, it’s even possible to develop romantic connections.Relationship progression isn’t just a way to acquire new abilities— it serves as a welcome respite from the harsh realities of the expedition.
7Find The Gestral Kids
A Search And Rescue Mission
Gestralsare the first friendly beings the expedition comes across upon setting foot on the continent. Though drawn to combat, these creatures differ from the ruthless Nevrons and other hostile threats. After players clear the Flying Waters region, they’ll stumble upon a lost gestral child, who returns to the camp following a brief encounter. This discovery kicks off a side quest where players assist Sastro — a quirky, chef-hat-wearing NPC —in locating nine missing gestral kidshe was meant to watch over, now scattered throughout the continent.
Each time a missing kid is returned to Sastro, the eccentric gestral hands out a reward.Players can track down six of the missing children in Act 2. Most of Sastro’s rewards lean towards the quirky side, but one stands out in particular. After rescuing the fourth child, Sastro grants the Paint Break ability, a crucial skill that allows players to shatter certain rock formations blocking paths. These hidden routes often lead to valuable loot and hidden treasures.
6Find The Hidden Gestral Arena
Prove Your Worth
Gestrals are goofy, simple beings driven by a love for combat. While their antics might seem lighthearted, these creatures hold deep respect for anyone demonstrating strength. In Gestral Village, their obsession with battle runs so deep that settling disputes by fighting is actively encouraged. Yet even the regular scuffles of village life aren’t enough to satisfy their hunger for combat, leading them to seek out stronger opponents wherever they can.
Hidden on the continent lies the secret Gestral Arena, a battleground where the fiercest gestral warriors gather in search of worthy challengers. Upon discovering this secluded area, players can take on some of the toughest gestral fighters.Defeating these opponents for the first time rewards players with various pictos. Though the arena doesn’t offer additional unique rewards after the initial victories, it remains a reliable spot for farming XP.
5Gestral Mini Games
A Relaxing Retreat
With relentless combat encounters across the game’s sprawling regions, moments of calm are few and far between. To offer a much-needed change of pace, the Gestral Beaches serve as a welcome retreat. These serene areas allow players to step away from the tension, offering a variety of activities and lighthearted diversions.
Most of the Gestral Beaches become accessible once players unlock the ability to swim in Act 2.Each beach offers its own unique mini-game and a set of rewardsfor those who complete the challenges. While most of these rewards are cosmetic, the activities themselves provide a refreshing break from the expedition’s relentless trials. Players can face off against a Sakapatate in a lively game of volleyball, tackling parkour courses, or try outExpedition 33’s version ofOnly Up!
4Seek Collectibles And Monoco’s Skills
Exploration Is Rewarded Handsomely
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33hides a wealth of collectible treasures throughout its expansive world. While players are free to gather these items at their own pace,it’s wise to approach the hunt methodically. Though collectibles might seem insignificant to the casual adventurer, they hold real value for those aiming for 100% completion. From music records that can be played at camp to expedition logs chronicling the trials of past expeditions, these items add depth to the game’s lore and offer meaningful rewards for the diligent collector.
Once Monoco becomes a part of the party in Act 2, exploration and combat take on an added layer of importance.Monoco learns new skills in an unconventional manner: by actively participating in battles against a variety of enemy types.This encourages players to explore each area and engage with different foes to unlock unique abilities for Monoco. Strengthening this versatile ally early on not only expands combat options, but also ensures a valuable edge in the tougher encounters in the later stages of the expedition.
3Interact With Merchants
Trade Is Vital
There are plenty of merchants inExpedition 33to be found across the continent. As players explore the world, they will find Chroma, the essence of life of creatures on the continent. This is a form of currency that players can trade for various items from gestral merchants.
These merchants carry a wide variety of items. Players can use their Chroma to unlock a wardrobe of outfits, a variety of pictos, secret collectible items, and an arsenal of weapons. Though visiting merchants is optional, it’s worth checking out each one before moving towards the end of the game to see whether they hold an item players are looking for.
2Master As Many Pictos As Possible
An Incredible Way To Power Up
Pictos play a crucial role in shaping a character’s buildinClair Obscur: Expedition 33. Acquired through various means, these items grant passive abilities that activate under specific conditions during combat. In addition to their passive effects, pictos also enhance a character’s sub-stats, offering valuable boosts that can help players shift the momentum of battle, especially in critical moments.
Each pictos inClair Obscur: Expedition 33comes with a unique passive effect known as a Lumina, which becomes accessible only after mastering it.To master a picto, players must win four battles with it equipped. Doing so opens up opportunities for more intricate and customized character builds. The period just before wrapping up Act 2 is an ideal time to review the collection of pictos gathered so far, master the most useful ones, and assign them to each character. This ensures the party is prepared for the difficulty spike in the final act.
1Fight Optional Enemies
For Those Seeking A Challenge
Players who are familiar with complex parry mechanics, or those who have quick reflexes, will find the combat ofClair Obscur: Expedition 33a bit easy, even on the highest difficulty. To challenge such players, the game developers included some optional battles.
These enemies are hard-hitting, to the point that even one mistake can lead to an immediate loss. While players can technically level up and come later to defeat these enemies, the thrill of taking on adversity will be missing. There are plenty of these optional opponents in the second act, like theFrost Eveque, Glaise, and Grosse Tete.Players should face them and defeat them before completing the second act and moving on to experience the true hardships of the game. They’ll also earn substantial rewards upon defeating them.
