Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a new action RPG game released on April 24, 2025. It is made by Sandfall Interactive and published by Kepler Interactive. The game tells a dark and emotional story where a group of heroes, called Expedition 33, go on a dangerous journey to stop the “Paintress” – a magical woman who paints a number every year, and people of that age die and disappear.
This game has beautiful graphics, exciting turn-based battles with real-time action, and a fantasy world inspired by Belle Époque France. You can play this game on Windows PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.
ESRB Rating (USA)
The Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) has rated Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 as M for Mature 17+.
Reasons for ESRB Rating:
- Violence: The game contains intense fantasy violence, including scenes where characters are seriously harmed (head cut off) in cutscenes. Blood is shown on the ground and on people’s clothes.
- Strong Language: Words like “f**k”, “b@stard”, and “sh!t” are used in the game.
- Suggestive Themes: There are scenes near a brothel where players can hear moaning. The game includes romantic scenes where two characters spend the night together. The screen fades to black, and the text says they had a passionate moment.
- Suicide References: In one scene, a man points a gun to his head but is stopped. Another character talks about a past suicide attempt.
- Alcohol and Gambling References: Characters drink wine in some scenes. There’s a casino building, but players can’t enter. There’s also a card game mentioned, but it’s not actually played.
No interactive elements like sharing location or chatting online are part of this game.
PEGI Rating (Europe)
The Pan European Game Information (PEGI) has rated Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 as PEGI 18.
Reasons for PEGI 18 Rating:
- Graphic Violence: There are scenes of strong violence and blood effects which may not be suitable for young players.
- Strong Language: The game uses very strong words.
- Sexual Content: There are moaning sounds outside a brothel, romantic scenes with strong innuendo, and text suggesting sex has occurred (though nothing is shown).
- Disturbing Themes: Some characters talk about suicide and loss. Dead bodies and blood are shown in the game’s world.
- Scary Creatures: Some enemies may be frightening for younger players.
This game is not suitable for children under 18 years old.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Parents Guide- What Parents Should Know?
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has mature and emotional themes. It talks about death, trauma, love, and loss. The gameplay includes both turn-based strategy and real-time action, which can be intense. Here are a few key things parents should note:
- Violence Level: High. Characters are attacked in different ways, and blood is shown clearly.
- Sexual Content: Moderate. No visuals, but text and sounds strongly suggest sex.
- Language: Strong curse words are used in the dialogue.
- Mental Health Themes: Some scenes deal with thoughts of suicide and emotional pain.
- Alcohol: Wine drinking is seen but not interactive.
- Gambling Reference: Mentioned, but not played.
Parents should only allow teens to play this game if they are mature enough to handle emotional and violent content.
Gameplay Summary
In the game, players take control of different members of Expedition 33. You travel through magical lands, fight enemies in turn-based battles that include real-time controls (like dodging and aiming), and try to stop the Paintress from painting the number 33, which would cause everyone who is 33 years old to die.
You can explore places like the Island of Visages and the Forgotten Battlefield. Players can build relationships with team members and make important choices during the story.
System Requirements
Minimum (for Windows PC):
- OS: Windows 10
- Processor: Intel i7-8700K / AMD Ryzen 5 1600X
- Memory: 8 GB RAM
- Graphics: GTX 1060 / RX 5600 XT / Intel Arc A380 (6 GB)
- Storage: 55 GB
- Extra: SSD required, 1080p at 30 FPS (low settings)
Recommended:
- OS: Windows 11
- Processor: Intel i7-12700K / AMD Ryzen 7 5800X
- Memory: 16 GB RAM
- Graphics: RTX 3060 Ti / RX 6800 XT
- Storage: 55 GB
- Extra: SSD required, 1080p at 60 FPS (high settings)
Final Thoughts
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a deep and emotional game with beautiful art and a powerful story. But it includes strong violence, disturbing themes, and adult content, making it only suitable for players aged 17 or 18 and older, depending on your region (ESRB or PEGI).
Parents should read this guide carefully before deciding if the game is right for their teen.
FAQs
Q1: What is the age rating for Clair Obscur: Expedition 33?
A: The game is rated PEGI 18 and ESRB M (Mature 17+), meaning it is not suitable for children or teens under 17 or 18 years old.
Q2: Why is Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 rated 18+?
A: It contains graphic violence, strong language, sexual innuendo, and mature themes such as suicide and death, which are inappropriate for younger players.
Q3: Does the game show blood and gore?
A: Yes. It features realistic blood, decapitation, and impaled bodies, which may be disturbing for children or sensitive players.
Q4: Are there any sexual or romantic scenes in the game?
A: Yes. While no direct sexual activity is shown, there are romantic scenes, moaning sounds, and text suggesting intimacy between characters.
Q5: Is there any strong language in the game?
A: Yes. The game includes strong language such as “fk”, “b@stard”, and “sh!t”, which is not appropriate for kids.
Q6: Are there references to alcohol or drugs in the game?
A: Yes, there are references to alcohol, such as characters drinking wine, but no drug use is depicted, and players can’t consume substances.
Q7: Is this game suitable for my 12-year-old?
A: No. This game is made for adults (18+) and is not suitable for a 12-year-old due to violent and mature content.
Q8: Does the game include any content related to suicide?
A: Yes. Some scenes involve discussions of suicide or characters attempting suicide, which can be emotionally heavy and triggering.
Q9: Can parents block or filter this game on their child’s device?
A: Yes. Most consoles and PCs have parental controls that allow parents to restrict access to mature-rated games.
Q10: Is there any educational or positive content in the game?
A: The game focuses on dark fantasy and emotional storytelling, but it does not contain educational or child-friendly content.
