As we approach 2025, one game that’s creating quite the buzz is “Clair Obscur: Expedition 33.” Crafted by the emerging studio Sandfall Interactive, this RPG promises to shake things up as the studio’s first outing. It merges the classic feel of a turn-based JRPG with fresh mechanics borrowed from action RPGs and other genres.
Since its unveiling in the summer of 2024, “Clair Obscur” has been on the radar of gaming enthusiasts, especially after its deeper exploration at the Microsoft Xbox Developer Direct in 2025. Adding to the excitement is its inclusion on Xbox Game Pass, making it accessible to a wide audience on Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC.
Naturally, fans are eager to know exactly when they can dive into this new RPG across different platforms. Fortunately, the developers haven’t kept us waiting; the release date and launch times are set, which we outline below alongside game details like file size and preload info.
### What is Clair Obscur: Expedition 33?
“Clair Obscur: Expedition 33” is the brainchild of Sandfall Interactive, with Kepler Interactive handling the publishing. This 30-hour single-player RPG leverages turn-based combat akin to JRPGs such as “Persona” or “Metaphor: ReFantazio,” while also integrating action RPG elements.
The gameplay involves a dynamic blend of strategic turn-based actions and real-time combat maneuvers. Players will have to carefully execute moves and perfect their timing, incorporating both rhythmic button presses and manual defensive tactics like dodging and parrying for counter-attacks. It harks back to classics like “Mario & Luigi” or “Eternal Sonata” but with a modern twist, backed by a robust RPG framework featuring gear, stats progression, and skill trees.
Set in a richly detailed fantasy world drawing inspiration from the French Baroque era, the game also shines with a stellar voice cast from iconic franchises like “The Lord of the Rings” and “Baldur’s Gate 3.” The plot follows a group from Expedition 33, engaged in a desperate battle against a malevolent force known as “the Paintress,” who wields a deadly paintbrush erasing lives each year.
Upon its release, the game will be available for Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC (via Steam, Epic Games, Xbox app), and PS5. While retailing at $49.99, a sweet deal on CDKeys offers a preorder discount for the PC version. Unfortunately, similar deals are not available for the Xbox and PlayStation versions, though it remains on Xbox Game Pass.
### Clair Obscur Expedition 33: Release Date and Launch Times
The anticipation for “Clair Obscur: Expedition 33” has been mounting since its 2024 announcement, and the wait is nearly over. The RPG is scheduled to release on April 24, 2025. The global launch time is synchronized to 8:00 a.m. British Summer Time, meaning players across different time zones can expect to begin their adventure at varied times throughout the day.
For a detailed breakdown of when “Clair Obscur: Expedition 33” will unlock in your region, check the official timetable provided.
### Does Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Offer Early Access?
At present, there is no Early Access for “Clair Obscur: Expedition 33.” Unlike many modern titles offering early play periods to deluxe edition buyers, this game requires all players to wait for the official launch date.
### Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Launch Countdown
Eager to start playing as soon as possible? Keep an eye on our countdown clock, set to match the game’s official release time.
### Preloading Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
Preloading is a fantastic perk that lets you download a game early so you can jump right in once it’s live. Currently, you can preload “Clair Obscur” on Xbox and PC via the Xbox app. However, it’s not yet possible on Steam or PS5, and there’s no word on whether that will change before launch.
### Clair Obscur Download Size
For those concerned about hard drive space, rest easy: “Clair Obscur: Expedition 33” requires around 43GB. That’s significantly smaller than many other big-budget games, though do note it necessitates an SSD for optimal performance.
To free up space, consider removing games or files you no longer use, or invest in a new SSD to expand your storage capacity.
“Clair Obscur: Expedition 33” is poised to become a standout among Xbox and PC games this year, delivering a fresh take for fans of both turn-based and action-packed games. Look forward to its release on April 24th for Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC, and PS5.
