When you had informed me {that a} debut double-A recreation from a studio of largely unknown builders can be one of many greatest contenders for the Recreation of the Yr awards in 2025, in addition to the most effective RPGs ever made, I’d’ve laughed. However 2025’s been fairly the yr, and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 shouldn’t be your common recreation. If you have not performed Sandfall’s masterpiece but, or have been holding out for a sale, I’ve bought nice information: you possibly can seize it for its lowest ever value over on Loaded proper now.
I really like an amazing RPG, however I choose the fast-paced fight of the extra action-focused video games like Closing Fantasy 16 over your customary, JRPG-style turn-based gameplay. Nonetheless, at the same time as somebody who prefers real-time motion, I can not fault Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, which has rapidly earned a spot on our checklist of one of the best PC video games ever made.
Impressed by lots of the greatest JRPGs, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33’s predominant narrative has world-ending stakes. The Paintress, a godlike determine that pulls a quantity annually, successfully killing anybody of that age or above, is a looming risk that feels as existentially dreadful because it does undefeatable. However that does not cease Lumiere’s residents from launching expeditions annually to cease her, although nobody has ever managed to take action.
Whereas the combat towards The Paintress is on the core of the sport’s plot, Expedition 33’s narrative is much from easy. Every of the characters, from the lovable Gustave to the daring, courageous Maelle, all have distinctive personalities that really feel actual. It additionally helps that the solid is stuffed with unbelievable voice actors, who all make their characters particular and uniquely theirs.
On prime of this, Sandfall’s debut additionally takes turn-based fight and sprinkles extra technique into it, requiring you to make use of efficient combos as a celebration. The truth that it is advisable dodge or parry when the enemies assault makes every combat extra participating than simply urgent a button and watching turns play out.
Expedition 33 is an incredible expertise, and one which my household and mates are in all probability uninterested in me speaking about. As such, I am additionally recommending it to you, pricey reader, and on condition that it is simply $29.19 / £21.49 over on Loaded (previously CDKeys), there actually is not any excuse to not attempt it.
Whereas I like to recommend simply diving into Sandfall Interactive’s RPG, there are some things you are able to do to assist make the expertise a bit of simpler. Personally, I recommend studying our greatest Expedition 33 builds information to make sure every character is nicely outfitted to combat the Paintress, or examine our our checklist of one of the best Expedition 33 weapons in order that your assaults are even stronger.
Whether or not you cried throughout your time enjoying Expedition 33 and need to discuss it (observe that we’re not educated professionals), otherwise you’re figuring out one of the best ways to see your harm numbers go massive with different gamers, take a look at our PCGamesN Discord server. When you do be part of, you may should excuse my rambling.


