10 Newcomer Strategies to Understand Prior to Beginning Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

A curious piece of trivia: The title term “Obscur” in Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 hints at the initially cryptic nature of the in-game systems and systems.

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 casts you as a band of social media mages, spearheaded by the bold British Daredevil, on a journey to combat a universal phenomenon that halts the natural aging process. It merges turn-based RPG encounters with real-time parries inspired by action RPGs, all cloaked in a distinctive aesthetic language.

It has proven to be the most successful games of the season, having garnered a huge player base and won top honors praise. The adventure can feel a bit off-putting initially, but when it clicks, you’ll discover a deep and captivating RPG that stands apart from many others. Here are are 10 essential beginner's tips for Clair Obscur: Expedition 33.

Swap Team Members Frequently

In Expedition 33, allies who are active during a encounter receive a hefty increase to experience versus those on the bench. Furthermore, the campaign will sometimes require you to include particular characters. The easiest approach to both issues is to switch members often and try to keep everyone at a roughly equal strength.

The good news is that grinding is not too tedious. Encounters award a sizable amount of XP, sometimes enough for a stat increase after just a few. You can reset an zone's monsters by stopping at an expedition flag—these markers are scattered in each area. If you need to gain levels quickly, simply engage in combat near a flag, use the flag, and do it again.

Change Accessories Frequently

The game features two main ways to bestow constant buffs to your party members: Picto gems and Lumina abilities.

• Pictos function as gear that provide attribute increases and come with a unique passive skill. Each character can slot three different Pictos. Once slotted, finishing four encounters with a Picto will unlock its associated Lumina.
• Luminas function differently but are similar to equippable passives. Every ally has a number of LP (which you can raise via consumables). A Lumina has a set cost. If a character has sufficient LP, you are not restricted can use the same skill, allowing you to combine useful effects across your whole party.

The smartest tactic is to ensure one of your characters equips every new Picto and fights through four battles to reveal its Lumina. That way you gain access for future use.

When you aren't have new Pictos to level up, simply equip the Pictos with the highest bonuses for your needs.

Perfect Guards Are Not Your Single Choice

Expedition 33’s key feature is its combination of turn-based combat with real-time parries. But, the parry window is incredibly short on every setting. Instead of struggling endlessly trying to master the timing, concentrate on rolling.

Even though a successful parry restores Action Points and inflicts significant bonus damage, not blocking gives you nothing. Luckily there are a number of accessories and abilities that grant AP on a successful dodge. If you can't get the block down, focus on those evasion-based options instead.

Breaking Enemies Is Your Key Tactic

The Break status effect is a decisive state that can secure victory. As you whittle down health, a yellow gauge fills up under their HP bar. Once charged, you can apply the Break status, which lowers their damage resistance by a fifth and prevents them from acting for their next action. It is the single most powerful condition in the game, but only specific abilities can apply it.

Build Characters Deliberately

You can reset attributes and skills using a scarce resource called a Recoat. Because it's rare, it's smart to think ahead before committing your stat investments. Experiment with a character's playstyle and plan a build strategy first.

Don't Forget to Stop At the Expedition Flag

Stopping at an checkpoint refills the health of your whole team and refreshes your supply of consumables, including healing potions and revival items. Develop the routine to use each flag you see!

These flags also serve as the closest thing to quick traversal in the game. There is no overworld map, GPS, or objective markers. However, each flag has a name and number. By resting, you can see a menu of all discovered flags in that zone under a navigation option. It's a minimalist way to navigate the world.

Locked Chests Are Consistently Rewarding

These special containers are essentially sealed loot boxes that need you to find and hit three concealed seals in the immediate vicinity to opening them. The contents is without fail worthwhile, often containing rare resources or strong equipment. The required seals aren't always obvious, but they are typically near the cage. If you are stuck, try smashing crates or checking elevated spots.

Go Ahead and, Challenge the Merchant

Every merchant carries a secret, unique item that doesn't appear 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 always worth doing, as these rewards are exceptionally powerful. The initial shopkeeper you meet, for example, sells a Picto that inflicts the vulnerability status, which increases damage dealt against the foe by 25%.

Trust In the Auto-Save System

There is no {manual saving