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An interesting tidbit: The title term “Obscur” in Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 references the initially cryptic nature of the in-game systems and gameplay loops.

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has you leading a team of social media mages, spearheaded by the daring British Daredevil, on a journey to combat a worldwide curse that prevents aging. It fuses traditional RPG combat with real-time parries inspired by action RPGs, all wrapped in a unique artistic lexicon.

It has become one of the major titles of the year, having sold millions and earned Game of the Year praise. The adventure can feel a bit off-putting initially, but once you lock in, you’ll uncover a deep and engrossing role-playing game that is quite unique from other games. Here are are ten crucial starting pointers for Clair Obscur: Expedition 33.

Swap Characters Regularly

In Expedition 33, characters who are active during a encounter receive a sizable bonus to XP versus those on the bench. What's more, the story will at times mandate you to include particular characters. The easiest method to these challenges is to rotate your team and strive to keep everyone at a similar strength.

The upside is that grinding is fairly fast. Encounters provide a sizable amount of XP, sometimes sufficient for a stat increase after just several. You can refresh an local foes by resting at an save point—these markers are placed across each zone. If you need to gain levels quickly, simply engage in combat near a flag, refresh, and repeat.

Swap Gear Often

There are two primary ways to provide passive perks to your allies: Pictos and Luminas.

• Pictos are items which provide attribute increases and include a special ability. A character can slot up to three Pictos. When equipped, completing four battles with a Picto unlocks its corresponding Lumina.
• Luminas aren’t physical items but can be thought of as unlocked abilities. Each character has a amount of LP (which grows via consumables). Each Lumina has a set cost. If a character has the required amount, you are not restricted can benefit from the same skill, allowing you to stack powerful passives across your whole party.

The smartest approach is to ensure someone has equipped each fresh Picto you find and fights through four encounters to gain its Lumina. That way you gain access for later builds.

When you aren't have unleveled accessories to work on, simply use the Pictos with the highest bonuses for your playstyle.

Parrying Isn't Your Only Option

Expedition 33’s signature mechanic is its fusion of strategic battles with twitch-based defenses. However, the timing for a perfect block is notoriously tight on any mode. Rather than frustrating yourself trying to hit perfect blocks, prioritize dodging.

While a successful parry restores one AP and causes significant bonus damage, missing the timing gives you nothing. The good news is there are multiple accessories and abilities that grant AP on a successful dodge. If you can't get the block down, use those dodge-focused perks instead.

Break Is Your Key Tactic

Inflicting Break is a decisive state that can turn the tide. As you damage an enemy, a yellow gauge fills up below their health bar. Once charged, you can stun the enemy, which reduces their defense by 20% and skips their turn for one full turn. It is the most impactful condition in the game, but only certain attacks can trigger it.

Build Characters With a Plan

You have the option to reallocate stat points and abilities using a scarce resource called a Recoat. Since they are uncommon, it's smart to consider your path instead of committing your skill points. Experiment with a party member's role and plan a build strategy beforehand.

Make Sure to Use the Save Flag

Resting at an save point completely restores your all characters and restocks your supply of potions, including Chroma Elixirs and revival items. Develop the routine to use each flag you see!

These flags also act as the primary method to navigation in the game. There is no traditional map, GPS, or quest indicators. But, each flag has a identifier. At a flag, you can view a list of your progress in that zone under a fast travel menu. It's a simple but effective way to track your progress.

Glowing Cages Are Consistently Rewarding

These special containers are basically sealed loot boxes that require you to discover and activate three scattered mechanisms in the surrounding area to claiming the prize. The reward is always valuable, such as respec items or unique gear. The associated mechanisms aren't easy to spot, but they are usually near the cage. If you are missing a lock, try breaking objects or looking up.

Absolutely, Fight the Merchant

All vendors carries a hidden special good that isn't listed in their standard shop. To get them to sell it, you must select a party member and beat them in combat in a solo battle. This is always worth doing, as these rewards are exceptionally powerful. The initial shopkeeper you meet, for instance, offers a special accessory that applies the vulnerability status, which increases damage dealt against the affected enemy by a significant margin.

Have Faith in the Automatic Saving

The game lacks {manual saving