One of the most anticipated RPGs in recent memory was released this past week, and I’m not referring to The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered. In case you didn’t know, a little indie developer named Sandfall Interactive released their first-ever game,Clair Obscur: Expedition 33.
The old-school, turn-based RPG not only surprised gamers but alsoimpressed a lot of critics. It’s now the best-reviewed game of 2025 so far. While publisher Kepler Interactive hasn’t shared sales figures, the game is off to a promising start.
Players Left Stunned By Clair Obscur’s Major Missing Feature
Its lack of AMD’s upscaling tech has some players on PC dealing with performance issues.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33’s Steam Performance Has Now Passed Metaphor ReFantazio
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33’s first weekend saw the game hit a concurrent player high of 98,000+ on Steam, according toSteam Charts! This means Expedition 33 has already beaten Metaphor ReFantazio’s Steam concurrent player count of 85,000 last year. Bear in mind, Metaphor ReFantazio was nominated for multiple Game of the Year awards, and is considered one of the best games released last year.
While 98K might not seem like much compared to some games, it’s worth noting that Expedition 33 is purely a single-player game, and is not even a AAA project. On the contrary, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 was made by a team of 30 people and didn’t have the marketing push of most big-budget AAA releases.
Also, this 98K figure doesn’t factor in players on PS5 and Xbox Series X}S, which will surely bump this figure significantly.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33: Every Party Member, Ranked
The most extraordinary expedition of all time needs an equally special team.
Released this Thursday, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33has alreadysold 500.000 units, and that’s with the shadow drop release ofThe Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remasteredand the game being available on Game Pass.
If you’re still unsure about the game,read our spoiler-free review:: “From the incredibly impactful and deeply emotional narrative to the enjoyable, challenging, and rewarding combat, Expedition 33 delivers on all fronts. I wanted an old-school RPG that sticks true to its roots while taking advantage of modern game design.”
For more on Clair Obscur: Expedition 33,check out our in-depth guides and walkthrough.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33: 11 Essential Beginner Tips
This bold JRPG epic has a lot of cool systems, and these tips will help you get the most out of them.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
WHERE TO PLAY
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a ground-breaking turn-based RPG with unique real-time mechanics, making battles more immersive and addictive than ever. Explore a fantasy world inspired by Belle Époque France in which you battle devastating enemies.In this evolution of JRPGs, real-time actions enhance the heart of turn-based combat. Craft unique builds for your Expeditioners that fit your playstyle via gear, stats, skills, and character synergies. Open an active dimension in combat - dodge, parry, and counter in real time, chain combos by mastering attack rhythms, and target enemy weak points using a free aim system.With only one year left to live, join Gustave, Maelle, and their fellow Expeditioners as they embark upon a desperate quest to break the Paintress’ cycle of death. Follow the trail of previous expeditions and discover their fate. Get to know the members of Expedition 33 as they learn to work together against impossible odds.Explore an enchanting realm populated by surreal adversaries. Wander through breathtaking landscapes, from the Island of Visages to the Forgotten Battlefield, discovering secrets and hidden quests along the way. Find allies of fortune in creatures of legend and recruit special companions, access new travel methods and discover secret areas in the World Map.
