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An interesting tidbit: The “Obscur” in Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 references the complex nature of the game's menus and systems.

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has you leading a team of glamorous spellcasters, spearheaded by the daring British Daredevil, on a journey to combat a worldwide curse that prevents aging. It merges turn-based RPG combat with timed defensive moves inspired by Soulslike games, all presented with a idiosyncratic aesthetic language.

It has emerged as the biggest titles of the year, having achieved massive sales and secured Game of the Year recognition. The experience can feel slightly intimidating initially, but when it clicks, you’ll discover a rich and captivating experience that stands apart from other games. Here are are 10 essential beginner's tips for Clair Obscur: Expedition 33.

Change Characters Regularly

In Expedition 33, characters who take part in a fight receive a significant 50% bonus to experience versus those in reserve. Furthermore, the campaign will periodically require you to field certain characters. The easiest solution to these challenges is to switch members often and try to keep everyone at a similar power level.

The good news is that leveling up is relatively quick. Fights provide a substantial amount of XP, sometimes sufficient for a character progression after just a few. You can respawn an local foes by stopping at an save point—these markers are placed in each zone. If you need to accumulate XP fast, simply battle monsters near a flag, refresh, and do it again.

Change Gear Often

There are two main ways to provide bonus effects to your allies: Picto gems and Luminas.

• Pictos are items which grant numerical bonuses and come with a constant effect. A character can wear three different Pictos. When equipped, finishing four encounters with a Picto will unlock its associated Lumina.
• Luminas are not gear pieces but can be thought of as skill tree nodes. Every ally has a pool of Lumina Points (which can be increased via level-ups). Each Lumina has a specific point cost. Provided that a character has enough points, multiple characters can use the identical ability, allowing you to stack useful effects across your entire team.

The most efficient tactic is to always someone is wearing each fresh Picto you find and completes four battles to gain its Lumina. This ensures the ability will be available for later builds.

Should you not have new Pictos to work on, simply equip the Pictos with the most beneficial attributes for your current build.

Blocking Is Not Your Sole Defense

Expedition 33’s signature mechanic is its combination of RPG systems with real-time parries. But, the opportunity to deflect is incredibly short on any mode. Rather than frustrating yourself trying to hit perfect blocks, prioritize evading.

Even though a successful parry refunds one AP and causes massive extra damage, missing the timing leaves you vulnerable. Luckily there are a number of gear and skills that provide resources on a successful dodge. If you find parrying difficult, use those evasion-based perks instead.

The Break Status Is Your Secret Weapon

The Break status effect is a game-changing mechanic that can swing a fight. As you attack a foe, a special bar fills up below their health bar. When full, you can inflict break, which slashes their armor by a significant amount and prevents them from acting for one full turn. It is the most impactful debuff in the game, but only particular abilities can apply it.

Allocate Points With a Plan

You are able to re-spec attributes and skills using a scarce resource called a Respec token. Because it's rare, it's prudent to consider your path prior to using your stat investments. Try out a party member's role and map out a build strategy in advance.

Don't Forget to Stop At the Expedition Flag

Resting at an expedition flag refills the health of your entire party and restocks your supply of potions, including healing potions and Revive Tints. Make it a habit to rest at every flag!

These flags also act as the only means to quick traversal in the game. The game lacks a traditional map, waypoint system, or floating icons. But, each flag has a identifier. At a flag, you can view a list of every flag you've found in that area under a navigation option. It's a basic yet helpful way to track your progress.

Locked Chests Are Invariably Worth It

These special containers are basically locked treasure chests that require you to locate and shoot three concealed seals in the nearby environment prior to getting the loot. The reward is consistently worthwhile, often containing respec items or strong equipment. The three locks aren't easy to spot, but they are typically located close by. If you can't find one, try breaking objects or looking up.

Absolutely, Fight the Vendor

All vendors stocks a hidden special good that won't show up in their normal inventory. To gain access to it, you must choose one character and beat them in combat in a one-on-one fight. This is invariably a worthwhile endeavor, as these pieces of gear are truly unique. The first merchant you meet, for reference, provides a special accessory that applies the vulnerability status, which increases damage dealt against the affected enemy by 25%.

Rely On the Auto-Save System

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