Clair Obscur Expedition 33 Fracture Lore explained
(Image via Sandfall Interactive)
In
Clair Obscur Expedition 33
's haunting world, the city of Lumière engages the players with Fracture's lingering scars. It's a cataclysmic event that reshaped the city's destiny, birthing a terror cycle and binding the citizens to a mysterious force's orchestrated cruel ritual. While the survivors might cling to hope, the truth behind the event remains shrouded with despair. Here is all you need to know about the
Fracture
in Obscur Expedition 33.
Clair Obscur Expedition 33 Fracture led Lumière city to Isolation
The origins of Fracture in Expedition 33 trackback 67 years ago, when a diety-like figure, the
Paintress
, emerged from the sea. With her, she brought the colossal Monolith on which she inscribed the number 100, sealing the fate of the city. The act severed
Lumière city
from the mainland to despair and isolation. Every year since then, the figure returns and reduces the number by 1, sealing the fates of ones whose age matches it.
The city that was once a vibrant culture now revolves around the annual terror. The survivors live in the dread of Gommage, the macabre ceremony, where the marked individuals vanish in smoke and the flower petals. Despite the fear, the citizens of Lumière city have clung to hope, launching the expeditions to confront the Paintress. However, none returned.
Expedition into the unknown with the cycle of despair and hope
The first defiant stand of Lumière city against the Paintress started with Expedition 0. The volunteers vowed to dismantle the Monolith or defeat the creator of it. However, their fate is unknown. Over the 6 decades, all missions vanished without any trace. It left behind grief and rumors. Every failed attempt deepened the diminishing hope, and yet the people refused to surrender.
The focus of
Clair Obscur
Expedition 33 embodies desperate perseverance. It is led by Gustave, the protagonist. The team seeks the answers that the others could not uncover. Yet the motives of Paintress and the purpose of Monolith remain elusive. Is she a trapped spirit or a vengeful god? The survival of Lumière city might hinge on unraveling such mysteries.
Ritual of sacrifice and survival— The Gommage
Every year, Gommage serves as the grim reminder of the grip of the Fracture. As the Paintress lowers the number of Monolithmonoliths, citizens of that age disintegrate instantly. The families mourn the loved ones who get lost while the survivors brace for their potential fate. The ritual underscores the fragility of Lumière, blending brutality with beauty.
The cycle fuels division and unity. While some see Gommage as the divine punishment, others consider it the curse to break. Yet, all do agree on one truth: until the Paintress is stopped, Lumière will be the prisoner to her whims. Even though all the expeditions so far have been futile, they symbolize the refusal of the city to surrender.
Now, with Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 unfolding, the players will have the chance to navigate the world where horror and history collide. The legacy of the Fracture, after all, is not just lore but is a living nightmare woven into the quests, dialogue, and festival quizzes that are shaping all choices. Only time can tell whether the expedition will succeed or join the predecessors.
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New Indian Express
03-06-2025
- New Indian Express
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, a review
If you were told that there were only a few precious decades left in this world — and you could either try the impossible and attempt to stop it, or accept your fate and enjoy your last few years here, what would you do? Now this isn't some sobering outlook on climate change, but the actual premise of 'Clair Obscur: Expedition 33'. To answer my own question, I would want to try to stop it, even if there's only an incredibly small chance of my succeeding. And that's probably why I love the game so much. I'll admit the lore of 'Clair Obscur' sounds a bit ridiculous when I describe it in a few short sentences, but you've got to give it a shot anyway, ok? Because it has one of the most riveting plotlines I've seen in a video game recently. You see, a French town called Lumiere seems to be the only piece of land inhabited by humans, after a catastrophic event occurred exactly 67 years ago. Note the date. This is important. Every year since then, a mysterious number hovers in the sky in shining light (that's clair obscur in French), like a Lotto call out from hell. What it means is this: everyone above the age of the number would all perish during this now annual event called the 'gommage'. And so, every year, a group of expeditioners who fall under the age category go on a courageous quest, to try and attack the entity behind the fatal 'gommage' before they too perish. They haven't succeeded yet. In the game, we follow 'Expedition 33'. Which is actually the 67th expedition. Will they make it? Will they be the expedition that defeats the evil 'paintress' that slowly eats up the only humans left? Well, it's in your hands now. The actual gameplay has little to do with the story, and I've never played anything quite like it. I've played turn-based games, and I've tried souls-like games. This game is a combination of both. It combines real-time elements within the turn-based gameplay. Imagine Pokémon, but without the cute monsters. It's much darker. No, darker than what you're imagining — think Cthulhu and Dark Souls-inspired graphics. That's more like it. Now imagine that the enemy you face has five arms, two swords, and is a gigantic faceless beast with spikes and thorns for skin. It comes at you with a flaming sword, swinging it. Act fast! You have to avoid its killing blows — dodge, or if you are confident, parry. Too late now, you missed your chance. You are now burned and stunned. You lose 50 HP and can't attack in the next turn. You might as well read more about the game. Since we follow an Expedition, the game involves playing as a small team of people. The team grows in skill as the Expedition makes it deeper into the mainland where the 'Paintress' lives. Skills can be modified in checkpoints and the character menus. They consist of actions, 'Lumina' (or special skill upgrades), passive 'Pictos', weapons with elemental abilities, and the character's own unique strengths. Gustave is undoubtedly the most powerful character when the game starts, but you eventually add new members to the team, and different play styles may persuade you to pick other characters. Let me know when you meet Monoco — he's my favourite playable character. Every time he plays an action, an arbitrary wheel turns, which decides which of his skills will be more powerful during the next turn. The skill and combat mechanics are sort of congealed in a messy way, and it makes it feel more like a deck-building strategy board game than anything else. Character interactions, story, and combat aside, this game is mostly about the vibes. The vibes are excellent. It's gritty, it's gloomy, and it's absolutely beautiful. The music is a constant operatic undertone throughout the entire game, and it deserves an analysis of its own. But the game isn't without its setbacks. One of the more annoying parts of it is the menu; the skill menu isn't super intuitive to use, and I struggled a bit with it initially. But there aren't too many moving parts, and I did get used to it. On occasion, I was also confronted with some strange bugs with optional side bosses. The most irritating gameplay mechanic that I struggled with was movement. The game isn't built for running, turning, and jumping. And it was an absolute struggle to do some of the traversal-based side missions — you'll know what I mean if you encounter these islands called the 'Gestral beaches'. I admit these aren't important, and you should try the game anyway! The game is best played with a controller; don't bother going at it with a keyboard and mouse. It is currently available on Windows, Xbox, and PlayStation. I played this game for free as it comes as part of the Xbox PC Game Pass.
The Hindu
19-05-2025
- The Hindu
‘Clair Obscur: Expedition 33' game review
There are two types of gamers: those who are obsessed with turn-based Japanese Role-Playing Games (JRPGs), and those who steer well clear. Today, a close friend of mine, firmly in the latter camp, surprised me by saying they have been drawn into Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, the latest turn-based, Final Fantasy-inspired JRPG from a passionate team of French developers. A game so deeply rooted in JRPG tradition, yet since its launch, it has been turning heads, blurring genre boundaries, and drawing in even the most hesitant of players. Given its rapid virality, it would be easy to dismiss Expedition 33 as just another flash in the pan. But even a cursory glance at the trailers and previews reveals a labour of love, one that pulls you into its mysterious world with a compelling story, inspired and challenging combat, incredible characters, and arguably one of the most memorable narratives in recent gaming history. Every year, the surviving humans gather for Gommage, a grim ritual in which a towering figure known only as The Paintress paints numbers in the sky. Each number erases everyone of that age from existence. That is where Expedition 33 begins: the number 33 is painted, and the protagonist Gustave is forced to watch his loved ones turn to roses and ash. With heavy hearts, the expedition sets out to end The Paintress, but the journey is anything but simple. Gustave and his companions must traverse a world of eerie beauty and unspeakable horror, one richly inspired by French art. The game begins in a deceptively light-hearted way, reminiscent of Chrono Trigger, with you meeting a friend at a fair. But things take a dark turn quickly when the number 33 is painted. From that moment, the game has you emotionally invested in Gustave's story. Expedition 33 excels at keeping you at the heart of its narrative filled with grief, hope, and quiet resilience. Despite the odds, its cast clings to hope as they march toward a conclusion that is as satisfying as it is weighty. The Paintress may paint death, but the developers have painted a storytelling masterpiece. The battle system is a love letter to the best elements of turn-based RPGs. It blends Final Fantasy's materia systems, Persona 5's sleek UI, Mario RPG's timing-based dodges, and even Sekiro's parries into a combat system that is both reactive and precise. The thrill of landing a perfect parry or using a character's unique mechanics to gain the upper hand is immensely rewarding. However, there are moments when the game throws overwhelming multi-hitting enemies at you, occasionally bordering on unfair, forcing you to truly master the mechanics. Each character has a distinct combat style, ranging from complex to beginner-friendly. For example, Lune generates elemental 'stains' based on her attacks, and chaining specific combinations boosts her damage output. Meanwhile, Maelle, a fan favourite, employs a more straightforward fencing stance system to deal powerful blows. The diverse cast allows players to experiment with different builds before settling on the party that best suits their playstyle. Clair Obscur Expedition 33 Publisher: Sandfall Interactive, Sandfall S.A.S. Developer: Kepler Interactive Price: ₹4,999 on Playstation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, PC Forget Steampunk, Expedition 33 embraces the elegance of the belle époque, a stunning yet ironically chosen aesthetic for a game centred on mass erasure. The world design is exquisite, clearly influenced by French art, history, and architecture. Every environment feels like a painting worthy of framing. Despite its harrowing plot, the game provides moments of peace, allowing players to explore, discover, and engage in well-crafted side quests that genuinely add value. Visually, Expedition 33 is astonishing. Sandfall Interactive — a relatively small team, many of whom are ex-Ubisoft — have delivered a game that feels AAA in every respect. At a time when even major releases like Star Wars Outlaws launch in rough shape, Expedition 33 stands as a testament to what passion and vision can achieve. While big studios often scoff at turn-based systems in favour of formulaic design, Expedition 33 proves there is a hungry audience for innovation within tradition. As Final Fantasy continues to drift away from its roots, perhaps this game will inspire a return to form. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a triumphant reminder that the JRPG is not only alive but thriving. If you are after a game that is beautiful, intricate, and emotionally resonant, look no further. It is only May, and yet this already feels like a strong contender for Game of the Year, especially with Grand Theft Auto VI sitting out 2025.
Time of India
13-05-2025
- Time of India
How to open Paint Cages in Flying Waters in Clair Obscur Expedition 33?
If you've made it to Flying Waters in Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 , you already know this area is more than just a visual masterpiece — it's full of sneaky secrets and high-value loot. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Among them? The mysterious Paint Cages. These organic-looking containers guard essential resources, but they won't open unless you figure out their puzzle-like mechanics. Here's a simple guide to opening the Paint Cages in Flying Waters fast. What Are Paint Cages in Clair Obscur Expedition 33? Paint Cages are strange, living containers you'll spot throughout Expedition 33's watery biomes. They're sealed with energy beams and can't be opened directly. To unlock them, you'll need to locate and shoot specific glowing weak points scattered in the environment around the cage. Paint Cage Achievement & Puzzle Solution in Flying Waters | Clair Obscur Expedition 33 How to Open Flying Waters Paint Cage 1 in Clair Obscur Expedition 33? Once you've splashed into Flying Waters and followed the main path, keep going until you reach a circular area with a huge whale statue at its center. The Paint Cage sits quietly near the right-hand edge of this arena. Now here's how to unlock it: Weak Point 1: Directly to the right of the cage, partly hidden in the reeds. Look for a faint pulsing glow. Directly to the right of the cage, partly hidden in the reeds. Look for a faint pulsing glow. Weak Point 2: Opposite side — up on the cliff wall above some broken stone pillars. Opposite side — up on the cliff wall above some broken stone pillars. Weak Point 3: On the whale statue's fin. Hard to miss once you look up. Shoot all three, and the cage cracks open. Your prize? A Chroma Elixir Shard — a party-wide HP boost item. Definitely worth grabbing. How to Unlock Flying Waters 2nd Paint Cage in Clair Obscur: Expedition 33! How to Open Flying Waters Paint Cage 2 in Clair Obscur Expedition 33? This one's trickier. After the emotional reunion with Maelle in the Manor, exit and take the right path. Pass the anchor and the giant Cruler blacksmith, then look for a red-tinged side opening — that's your entrance to Coral Cave. Inside, you'll drop into a hostile arena with three Crulers. The Paint Cage? Right in the middle. Whether you fight or flee, here's how to break it open: Weak Point 1: Behind the cage, up on a cliff ledge. Grapple if needed. Behind the cage, up on a cliff ledge. Grapple if needed. Weak Point 2: On a tight cluster of small stone pillars to the right. On a tight cluster of small stone pillars to the right. Weak Point 3: Suspended on an underwater mine, slightly elevated across from the cage. Take out all three points (quickly, if you're dodging Crulers), and the cage bursts open. Inside, you'll find a Revive Tint Shard that boosts your in-battle revival power. Big win. Quick Tips Before You Dive Back In Use the environment: Many weak points are cleverly hidden behind or above major landmarks. Many weak points are cleverly hidden behind or above major landmarks. Don't always fight: Sometimes grabbing the loot and sprinting is the smarter move. Sometimes grabbing the loot and sprinting is the smarter move. Stay alert: Even after opening the cage, enemies won't pause to celebrate. Paint Cages might seem like a side distraction, but the rewards they hold are awesome especially as the difficulty ramps up. So keep your eyes peeled, your aim steady, and don't leave Flying Waters without cracking them both open.
