Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 invites players into a haunting cycle of doomed youth, artistry, and rebellion. The titular expedition is just one of many sent out each year to confront the Paintress, a force tied to the unnatural Gommage that erases every person of a certain age. Although Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 focuses closely on its main cast, its lore is built on a long legacy of other expeditions, each one with a unique tone and philosophy.
Among these, Expedition 41 stands out for its focus on hunting and dominance, contrasting sharply with the brief and emotionally intimate journey of the 33rd. If Sandfall chooses to explore past expeditions in potential downloadable content or a Clair Obscur sequel, then building a DLC around Expedition 41 could offer a dramatic departure in tone, gameplay, and narrative approach.
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One Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Character Fits the DLC Bill Perfectly
One character’s past in Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is filled with stories, making him the perfect character to lead a potential DLC for the RPG.
Expedition 41 Could Shift the Game’s Tone
Where Expedition 33 emphasized emotional vulnerability and introspection, Expedition 41’s reputation as the “WOLF Expedition” paints a picture of ruthlessness and pride. Led by Emilie, the team identified strongly with hunting Nevrons, carrying their trophies, and celebrating conquest. This emphasis on control over fear could make for a DLC that leans into more aggressive combat mechanics and competitive systems.
A possible Expedition 41 DLC could introduce a trophy-based skill tree where players earn passive boosts or new skills by defeating and tracking specific types of Nevrons. Each trophy might offer a specialization path—speed, strength, stealth—allowing for a more personalized and combative playstyle. This would create a deliberate contrast with Expedition 33, where progression was often tied to narrative revelations and character bonds.
A shift toward a hunting expedition could bring in more open-zone tracking mechanics or even time-sensitive boss fights, adding intensity to a game known more for its painterly surrealism.
This kind of expansion could keep Sandfall’s core design principles intact while letting the team experiment with systems that appeal to players seeking a more proactive, tactical experience. It would also work somewhat in the frame of mind that Sandfall wants to continue improving the Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 experience.
New Dynamics Could Reinforce Group Tension
The journals in Clair Obscur reveal that not all expeditions were close-knit families. In Expedition 48, internal power struggles led to mutiny and death. But even within Expedition 41, a group built on conquest, there is potential for character conflict and instability.
A DLC focusing on Expedition 41 could explore the psychological toll of always being on the offensive. Characters could clash over whether the hunt serves a greater purpose or just feeds into destructive pride. This setup could allow players to make morally weighted decisions affecting who stays in the group, what routes are taken, or how trophies are used, offering branching paths and endings.
Sandfall could even introduce a rivalry system within the team, with characters vying for leadership or favor depending on player choices. This would deepen replayability and align with themes of fractured identity and control.
A Hunting-Focused DLC Would Still Serve the Lore
A common criticism of prequels or alternate campaigns is that they can feel unnecessary if the outcome is already known. But Clair Obscur has never been about winning or escaping fate. Even in failure, the stories of the Expeditions offer meaning, whether it is peace, regret, or twisted glory.
Expedition 41’s story does not need to end with the team reaching the Monolith. Instead, the goal could be to retrieve a legendary Nevron trophy rumored to have never been captured. Players might learn that this quest served no real purpose, and in the end, it only masked the expeditioners’ fear of their upcoming Gommage.
Rather than undermine the core game, such DLC would expand its impact. It would explore how different philosophies shaped each expedition and what it means to leave behind a legacy, even in failure. With Sandfall in full control of its creative direction, the studio is well-positioned to explore that legacy in thoughtful and challenging ways.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
- Released
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April 24, 2025
- ESRB
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Mature 17+ // Blood and Gore, Strong Language, Suggestive Themes, Violence
- Developer(s)
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Sandfall Interactive
- Publisher(s)
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Kepler Interactive
- Engine
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Unreal Engine 5