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A curious piece of trivia: The name “Obscur” in Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 alludes to the complex nature of the game's menus and mechanics.

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 places you in the role of a team of social media mages, fronted by the bold British Daredevil, on a quest to reverse a global affliction that prevents aging. It merges strategic role-playing battles with real-time parries inspired by Soulslike games, all cloaked in a idiosyncratic visual style.

It has proven to be the most successful titles of the season, having garnered a huge player base and secured Game of the Year recognition. The adventure can feel a bit off-putting initially, but after you grasp its systems, you’ll uncover a deep and engrossing role-playing game that stands apart from other games. Listed here are a collection of early-game strategies for Clair Obscur: Expedition 33.

Swap Team Members Frequently

In Expedition 33, characters who take part in a fight gain a significant 50% bonus to experience relative to those in reserve. Additionally, the story will periodically mandate you to field certain characters. The easiest approach to these challenges is to switch members often and strive to keep your roster at a similar power level.

The positive aspect is that leveling up is fairly fast. Battles grant a sizable amount of XP, frequently sufficient for a stat increase after just two or three. You can reset an zone's monsters by taking a break at an save point—these flags are placed throughout each area. If you need to accumulate XP fast, simply engage in combat near a flag, refresh, and repeat.

Change Accessories Frequently

There are a couple of key ways to grant constant buffs to your allies: Picto accessories and Lumina abilities.

• Pictos are items which give attribute increases and also feature a unique passive skill. Every party member can equip a maximum of three Pictos. After being worn, completing four fights with a Picto unlocks its corresponding Lumina.
• Luminas are not gear pieces but can be thought of as unlocked abilities. Each character has a amount of skill points (which you can raise via items). Every Lumina ability has a set cost. If a character has sufficient LP, you are not restricted can use the same skill, allowing you to stack powerful passives across your entire team.

The most efficient approach is to always one of your characters is wearing every new Picto and wins four battles to unlock its Lumina. That way you gain access for future use.

When you aren't have new Pictos to work on, simply slot the Pictos with the highest bonuses for your needs.

Perfect Guards Are Not Your Only Option

Expedition 33’s signature mechanic is its combination of turn-based combat with real-time parries. But, the opportunity to deflect is notoriously tight on any mode. In place of frustrating yourself trying to hit perfect blocks, prioritize rolling.

Although a well-timed block grants one AP and deals massive extra damage, failing to parry gives you nothing. Luckily there are a number of gear and skills that provide resources on a successful dodge. If you can't get the block down, equip those evasion-based perks instead.

Break Is Your Key Tactic

Inflicting Break is a decisive condition that can secure victory. As you attack a foe, a yellow gauge charges under their HP bar. Upon maxing out, you can stun the enemy, which slashes their damage resistance by a fifth and skips their turn for their next action. It is the top-tier debuff in the game, but only particular attacks can trigger it.

Level Up Intentionally

You can reset your build using a rare item called a Recoat. Given its scarcity, it's wise to think ahead instead of using your attribute points. Get a feel for a hero's kit and chart a build strategy first.

Don't Forget to Stop At the Checkpoint Flag

Stopping at an save point fully heals your all characters and replenishes your supply of consumables, including healing potions and phoenix down equivalents. Remember to use each flag you see!

These flags also act as the closest thing to navigation in the game. You won't find a traditional map, GPS, or quest indicators. However, each flag has a identifier. At a flag, you can access a log of your progress in that level under a navigation option. It's a minimalist way to track your progress.

Locked Chests Are Invariably Rewarding

These special containers are essentially puzzle caches that demand you to locate and shoot three hidden locks in the immediate vicinity prior to opening them. The reward is without fail worthwhile, often containing Recoats or powerful weapons. The associated mechanisms aren't in plain sight, but they are almost always located close by. If you are missing a lock, try exploring thoroughly or scanning the environment vertically.

Yes, Challenge the Merchant

Each shopkeeper carries a hidden special good that won't show up in their regular wares. To unlock it, you must select a party member and win a duel in a single combat. This is invariably worth doing, as these items are exceptionally powerful. The first merchant you meet, for reference, offers a Picto that inflicts the vulnerability status, which boosts damage against the foe by a significant margin.

Trust In the Autosave

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