As we approach 2025, a game that could become one of the year’s standout titles is Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. Fresh from Sandfall Interactive, this intriguing adventure is their first foray into the gaming world. It promises to breathe new life into the traditional JRPG format by weaving it with elements from action RPGs and more. This unique blend could very well set it apart in the gaming landscape.
The game first captured gamers’ attention when it was announced in the summer of 2024, and the anticipation only grew after a deep dive at Microsoft’s 2025 Xbox Developer Direct. Adding to the excitement, it’s coming to Xbox Game Pass, which means subscribers on Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC can dive right in without extra cost, amplifying interest among the platform’s avid users.
With the buzz surrounding Clair Obscur, fans are eager to know when they can get their hands on a copy. Fortunately, the developers haven’t kept them in suspense, having announced the release date some time ago. Recently, they’ve also shared specific launch times. Here’s a comprehensive look at those details, including the game’s features, preload information, and its file size.
## What is Clair Obscur: Expedition 33?
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 marks Sandfall Interactive’s debut in game development, with publishing handled by Kepler Interactive. This single-player RPG offers a 30-hour journey featuring turn-based combat akin to what you’d find in JRPGs such as Persona or Metaphor: ReFantazio. However, it spices things up by integrating action RPG elements.
This results in a game where thoughtful turn-based strategies merge with real-time actions. Players will craft combos and optimize their effectiveness with well-timed button presses. Engaging combat features include manually dodging or parrying enemy attacks, where successful execution leads to powerful counterattacks. The combat style bears similarities to the Mario & Luigi RPGs or 2007’s Eternal Sonata, enhanced with magical animations and a contemporary flair. Traditional RPG elements like gear, stat upgrades, and skill trees underpin the gameplay.
Set in a vibrant yet somber fantasy world inspired by the French Baroque period, the game boasts a voice cast featuring talent from The Lord of the Rings, Baldur’s Gate 3, and FFXVI. The narrative follows Expedition 33, a group tasked to put an end to “the Paintress’s” reign. Every year, she erases individuals who’s age matches the number she paints, counting down annually—starting at 33 when you pick up the story.
At launch, players can enjoy Clair Obscur on Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC (via Steam, Epic Games, Xbox app), and PS5. Priced at $49.99, a preorder deal is currently offering the PC version for $34.59 on CDKeys. Unfortunately, no such discounts are available for the console versions, but Xbox players can access it through Xbox Game Pass.
## Clair Obscur Expedition 33 Release Date and Launch Times
The excitement for Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has been building since its 2024 reveal, and now the wait is nearly over. The game is set to launch on April 24, 2025. Sandfall Interactive has announced a simultaneous global release at 8:00 a.m. British Summer Time (BST). This means depending on your time zone, you could be playing bright and early, or later in the day. For those in the Americas, it’s an early morning treat, while those in eastern regions will play in the afternoon or evening.
Check out the table below for the specific launch times in your region:
| Time Zone | Launch Time |
|———–|———————–|
| PDT | Apr. 24, 12:00 a.m. |
| CDT | Apr. 24, 2:00 a.m. |
| COT | Apr. 24, 2:00 a.m. |
| EDT | Apr. 24, 3:00 a.m. |
| BRT | Apr. 24, 4:00 a.m. |
| BST | Apr. 24, 8:00 a.m. |
| CEST | Apr. 24, 9:00 a.m. |
| SAST | Apr. 24, 9:00 a.m. |
| EET | Apr. 24, 10:00 a.m. |
| AST | Apr. 24, 10:00 a.m. |
| GST | Apr. 24, 11:00 a.m. |
| UTC+7 | Apr. 24, 2:00 p.m. |
| UTC+8 | Apr. 24, 3:00 p.m. |
| KST/JST | Apr. 24, 4:00 p.m. |
| AEST | Apr. 24, 5:00 p.m. |
| NZST | Apr. 24, 7:00 p.m. |
### Early Access for Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
Unlike many modern games offering early access through pricier editions, Clair Obscur isn’t following this path. You’ll have to wait until April 24, regardless of the edition you purchase.
## Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Launch Countdown
Excited to see when you can jump into Clair Obscur: Expedition 33? Keep this page bookmarked for a live countdown to its release!
## When Can You Preload Clair Obscur: Expedition 33?
Preloading a game lets you hit the ground running as soon as it’s officially available. This feature is currently offered on Xbox and PC (Xbox app version) but not yet on Steam or PS5. It remains uncertain if preloading will become available for those platforms before launch, but we’re hoping for a positive update soon.
## Clair Obscur Download Size: How Big is It?
Modern gaming often means massive file sizes, but Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 keeps things manageable—requiring just about 43GB, varying slightly with platform. While this is relatively modest, it does demand an SSD for installation. Most recent systems include one, but double-check if you’re on an older setup.
If you’re low on space, consider uninstalling less-played games or decluttering large files. Alternatively, investing in one of the best SSDs could offer you more room for gaming fun.
Clair Obscur is poised to make a splash across platforms and could be among the top Xbox and PC games for 2025. Ready your systems for its arrival on April 24, when it launches on Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC, and PS5.
