Clair Obscur: Expedition 33has quickly become a standout debut for Sandfall Interactive. In just 33 days after its April 24 release, the game sold over 3.3 million copies across PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, and PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store. This strong commercial reception confirms a clear appetite for the game’s surreal tone, emotional storytelling, and tactical combat.
That level of success raises an important question. Should Sandfall continue with a direct sequel toClair Obscur: Expedition 33or use this momentum to create something entirely new? The case for both is compelling, and the studio now finds itself at a creative crossroads.
A Clair Obscur Sequel Be Bittersweet
Asequel toClair Obscur: Expedition 33could allow the studio to build on its strongest asset: a deeply personal narrative world that struck a chord with fans. Characters like Gustave and Monoco offered glimpses of layered backstories that were only partially resolved. A follow-up could flesh out their arcs, explore the aftermath of the expedition, and introduce new characters that continue the world’s emotional and thematic legacy.
The original also blended combat and narrative in ways that felt fresh.Enemies inExpedition 33were designedto embody the characters’ internal struggles. Boss battles often reflected emotional climaxes rather than just physical threats. A sequel could enhance that by tying character development more directly to gameplay evolution.
One standout element was how the game tied class abilities and visual effects to emotional growth; for example, the wayGustave’s ability tree inClair Obscur: Expedition 33evolved as his sense of guilt increased added narrative weight to every upgrade.
Still, the emotional payoff of the first game may be difficult to replicate. Returning to the same setting could risk making the surreal familiar, and some players may prefer to leave the original story intact rather than stretch it into something that no longer feels as focused. It can be difficult to surprise players when they already know the rules of the world, as subtly and lightly asClair Obscurdefines them.
Clair Obscur’s Success Could Fund Something New
There is also a strong case for Sandfall to start fresh. The studio is independent and not bound by franchise expectations. It has the freedom to explore new genres, new tones, and entirely new settings, and theunexpected success ofClair Obscur: Expedition 33could provide the creative and financial security to do just that.
A new IP does not mean abandoning what worked.Sandfall Interactive could focus on emotionally resonant storytelling, visually striking art direction, and layered character design while shifting the mechanics and themes. As such, the studio could explore a real-time system or a branching narrative structure that focuses more on player agency and long-term consequences.
The developers have mentioned their interest in European surrealist art and literature, which could translate into a completely different kind of world, from postmodern cityscapes to a mythic dreamscape grounded in new philosophical ideas.
Taking the opportunity to reinvent itself could also broaden the studio’s identity. By avoiding the trap of becoming only known forClair Obscur, Sandfall could position itself as an independent developer that surprises its audience with every release. That would help it stand out in an increasingly crowded RPG landscape.
Sandfall’s Identity Hinges on Its Next Move
Sandfall’s future depends not just on what it makes next, but on how it wants to be perceived. A direct sequel toClair Obscur: Expedition 33would likely please fanswho want more of what they loved. It would offer the chance to refine combat mechanics, respond to feedback, and provide emotional closure. However, it may pigeonhole the studio.
There are middle ground options as well. A prequel or side story set in the same universe could allow the studio to build on its existing foundation while exploring new perspectives. A story told from a non-Expedition member, for instance, could shift tone and theme without abandoning the core world entirely.
The decision ahead is not just about narrative continuation. It is about tone, ambition, and how Sandfall wants to engage with its growing fanbase. As an independent studio with newfound success, theClair Obscurcomparisons to Larian Studio andBG3are already there. That choice will likely define the studio’s identity in the years to come.
