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Expedition 33 – The Dark Fantasy RPG That’s Turning Heads

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Gigletter
April 24, 2025

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 was officially revealed during the Galaxies Gameplay Showcase 2025. There was something instantly captivating about the way it blended surreal, almost dreamlike visuals with an emotionally heavy premise and a gameplay style that felt both familiar and refreshingly new.

The originality of its world-building, combined with its narrative depth and fast-paced, tactical combat, immediately set it apart from anything else in the RPG space right now.

|What is Expedition 33?

At the heart of Expedition 33 is a strange curse: every year, a mysterious woman known as the Paintress paints a number in the sky, and anyone of that age dies. The main characters are part of the 33rd expedition, the latest group tasked with breaking the cycle. It’s an eerie setup that immediately sets the tone for something deeper and more emotional than your usual RPG.

Honestly, I haven’t seen anything quite like it.

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|Not Just Another RPG

What really stands out to me is the combat. While it’s technically turn-based, it doesn’t feel slow or outdated. There’s real-time dodging and timing involved, kind of like a mix between classic JRPGs and action-RPGs. It’s the kind of system that feels familiar but fresh at the same time. If you’re someone who enjoys strategy and staying on your toes, you’ll probably be into this.

And can we talk about the art? The game world looks like it’s been painted by hand, everything is soft, dreamy, and bizarrely beautiful. It feels more like you’re playing a moving artwork than just another game.

The developers didn’t hold back on voice talent either. Charlie Cox (you might know him as Daredevil) and Andy Serkis are both involved in the game’s story. That alone tells me the narrative is going to be taken seriously, and with a world this strange and emotional, I’m here for it.

|Platforms and Release Details

You’ll be able to play Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. It’s also launching day-one on Xbox Game Pass, which is amazing if you’re already subscribed. The official release date is April 24, 2025.

Just a heads-up, there’s no mention of older-gen support (like PS4), so you’ll need a current-gen console or a capable PC.

|Why This Game Could Be Huge

To me, Expedition 33 feels like a game with a soul. It’s not just about flashy combat or pretty environments, though it has those in spades, it’s about telling a story that makes you think about life, death, and purpose. That’s a rare thing in games today.

With its bold concept, emotional weight, and a gameplay formula that dares to experiment, this could be one of the most memorable RPGs in years.