Crafting effective strategies for Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 can be a nuanced endeavor, reflecting the game’s intricate design rather than its simplicity. Often compared to the renowned Persona series, this French JRPG-style game possesses unique elements that set it apart. Players will find themselves engaged in real-time combat mechanics reminiscent of rhythm games, where dodging, parrying, and jumping become essential skills. While the social dynamics may not be as pronounced as in Persona, the expansive overworld exploration offers a wealth of secrets, puzzles, and optional bosses waiting to be uncovered. Here are ten insightful tips to navigate the continent and its myriad mysteries.
Explore the continent as much as possible
In Expedition 33, exploration is not just a side activity; it is a fundamental aspect of the gameplay. Taking the time to traverse the continent reveals rich lore and the trials faced by previous expeditions against the Paintress. Players will discover powerful pictos, weapon upgrade materials, healing items, and even stylish outfits. Those who diligently explore every corner will encounter optional bosses, quests, and stunning locales that enhance their gaming experience.
Don’t neglect lumina points
The lumina mechanic stands as one of the most potent combat features in Expedition 33, yet it can easily slip from players’ minds. While characters can equip three pictos for various benefits, lumina points allow for the activation of additional pictos, enhancing combat effectiveness. After completing the Flying Waters area and unlocking the Curator in your camp, players can upgrade their expedition resources using any Colour of Lumina items found, thereby increasing their party’s capacity for active buffs.
Play into enemy weaknesses
Combat in Expedition 33 is layered with complexity, featuring a straightforward elemental weakness system for enemies and bosses. Each enemy has specific vulnerabilities, resistances, or immunities based on damage types. Players should pay close attention to these elements, as each weapon carries a fixed element that dictates the damage dealt during attacks. Skills also inflict elemental damage, so maintaining a diverse arsenal is crucial for overcoming challenging foes.
Git gud at quicktime dodging
Mastering quicktime dodging is essential in Expedition 33, as players will encounter real-time dodging, jumping, and parrying during battles. Each enemy has a limited set of attacks, making it manageable to learn their patterns. However, responding appropriately to each attack type—whether it requires a dodge, jump, parry, or gradient counter—adds a layer of challenge. The game gradually introduces these mechanics, ensuring players can adapt without feeling overwhelmed.
Your gun has a lot of uses in combat
In combat, Gustave’s gun offers more than just a nod to familiar mechanics; it serves as a versatile tool. Known as “free aim,” this turn-based gunplay allows players to target enemy weak points, triggering various effects. For instance, shooting an enemy’s mine can cause collateral damage to others. Some bosses incorporate shooting mechanics that can either grant bonuses or prevent devastating attacks. Additionally, the gun can be used to deal with evasive enemies that dodge standard attacks.
Smash enemy shields with free aim
Utilizing free aim to dismantle enemy shields is a strategic move during battles. Enemies often employ abilities that grant them shields, represented by an icon above their health bar, which can absorb damage. Instead of wasting a turn on regular attacks, players can use free aim to shoot down these shields, allowing for effective damage once they are removed.
Many of the exploration upgrades are optional
Players approaching Expedition 33 with the expectation of unlocking all traversal and exploration abilities through the main storyline may find themselves mistaken. Numerous upgrades are accessible only through optional activities, such as breaking large blue rocks or diving underwater. This serves as an additional incentive to explore thoroughly and engage in side quests rather than solely focusing on the primary narrative.
Chat with your expedition pals and track down merchants
While Expedition 33 may not offer the intricate relationship mechanics found in Persona, players can still foster bonds with their expedition team. Spending time with companions at camp enhances these relationships, unlocking new character abilities, including traversal skills that facilitate exploration. Players should take advantage of hangout events that typically arise after significant story moments. Furthermore, customizing characters with cosmetics is made easy through quests, tracking down mimes, or locating Gestral merchants scattered throughout the world, who offer upgrade materials and character cosmetics.
Build your characters towards action point economy
In Expedition 33, maximizing damage output hinges on managing action points effectively. While players can accumulate action points through basic attacks, this approach is inefficient. Instead, leveraging pictos and lumina points to activate buffs that generate action points is a more strategic choice. Skills like Dodger, Rewarding Mark, and Energising Break provide opportunities to gain additional action points, allowing characters to unleash their most powerful abilities more frequently.
Learn your characters and their combos
Each character in Expedition 33 boasts a unique playstyle, from Maelle’s buff-confering stances to Lune’s powerful spellcasting. The integration of pictos and lumina encourages players to experiment with combinations that amplify damage and effectiveness, particularly against formidable endgame bosses. Fortunately, the game allows players to choose their preferred characters, enabling them to develop strategies that align with their playstyle. For those seeking early-game power, Maelle’s Percée skill is particularly advantageous, but with the right combinations, any character can shine in battle.
