Ten Newcomer Tips to Know Prior to Diving Into Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

A fun fact: The “Obscur” in Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 hints at the initially cryptic nature of the game's menus and systems.

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 places you in the role of a team of magical influencers, fronted by the bold British Daredevil, on a quest to halt a universal phenomenon that stops people from growing old. It blends traditional RPG battles with real-time parries reminiscent of challenging titles, all presented with a unique artistic lexicon.

It has emerged as the major titles of the period, having sold millions and won the premier award recognition. The adventure can feel a bit off-putting in the beginning, but once you lock in, you’ll uncover a layered and captivating RPG that stands apart from many others. Below are 10 essential beginner's tips for Clair Obscur: Expedition 33.

Change Party Members Often

In Expedition 33, characters who are active during a fight receive a sizable bonus to XP compared to those not fighting. Furthermore, the narrative will at times force you to field certain characters. The easiest solution to these challenges is to switch members often and strive to keep your roster at a similar level.

The good news is that grinding is not too tedious. Fights provide a sizable amount of XP, often enough for a character progression after just several. You can refresh an zone's monsters by taking a break at an checkpoint banner—these markers are scattered across each zone. If you need to accumulate XP fast, simply engage in combat near a flag, refresh, and do it again.

Swap Items Regularly

The game features two primary ways to bestow passive perks to your allies: Pictos and Lumina skills.

• Pictos function as gear that give stat boosts and come with a special ability. Every party member can wear three different Pictos. When equipped, completing four fights with a Picto will unlock its linked Lumina.
• Luminas function differently but essentially act as skill tree nodes. Every ally has a number of LP (which grows via level-ups). A Lumina has a required LP amount. If a character has the required amount, there is no limit can equip the same skill, allowing you to combine useful effects across your whole party.

The most efficient strategy is to ensure a party member equips every new Picto and fights through the required fights to unlock its Lumina. That way the ability will be available for when needed.

If you don't have unleveled accessories to work on, simply slot the Pictos with the highest bonuses for your needs.

Blocking Is Not Your Single Choice

Expedition 33’s key feature is its marriage of turn-based combat with real-time parries. However, the parry window is extremely brief on any mode. In place of struggling endlessly trying to master the timing, prioritize dodging.

While a successful parry grants Action Points and inflicts massive extra damage, failing to parry leaves you vulnerable. Luckily there are several Pictos and Luminas that restore Action Points on a well-timed evade. If you struggle with the timing, equip those evasion-based abilities instead.

Breaking Enemies Is Your Greatest Advantage

Inflicting Break is a game-changing state that can secure victory. As you damage an enemy, a yellow gauge increases beneath their life bar. Upon maxing out, you can apply the Break status, which lowers their defense by 20% and skips their turn for one full turn. It is the most impactful debuff in the game, but only certain attacks can trigger it.

Level Up With a Plan

You have the option to reallocate stat points and abilities using a limited consumable called a Recoat item. Because it's rare, it's prudent to plan your build before using your skill points. Try out a hero's kit and map out a progression route first.

Make Sure to Use the Checkpoint Flag

Stopping at an checkpoint completely restores your all characters and refreshes your supply of consumables, including HP restoratives and revival items. Make it a habit to stop and heal up!

These flags also serve as the closest thing to quick traversal in the game. The game lacks a overworld map, waypoint system, or quest indicators. However, each flag has a designation. By resting, you can access a log of every flag you've found in that level under a teleport list. It's a simple but effective way to navigate the world.

Glowing Cages Are Always Worth the Effort

Glowing chests are effectively sealed loot boxes that demand you to find and hit three hidden locks in the surrounding area prior to getting the loot. The treasure inside is without fail high-tier, including items like Recoats or strong equipment. The required seals aren't always obvious, but they are typically near the cage. If you are missing a lock, try breaking objects or checking elevated spots.

Go Ahead and, Fight the Vendor

All vendors stocks a one-of-a-kind piece of gear that won't show up in their regular wares. To unlock it, you must select a party member and defeat the merchant in a one-on-one fight. This is invariably a worthwhile endeavor, as these rewards are truly unique. The initial shopkeeper you meet, for reference, provides a special accessory that inflicts the vulnerability status, which amplifies attacks against the foe by 25%.

Trust In the Automatic Saving

The game lacks {manual saving