Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is the highly anticipated debut RPG from French studio Sandfall Interactive, blending rich storytelling with deep, strategic gameplay unlike anything else on the market. Whether you're diving into the continent for the first time or gearing up for late-game challenges, Maxroll delivers expertly crafted guides to help you master every aspect of the game—from foundational mechanics to optimized builds. Explore the full Codex for weapons, skills, Pictos, and Lumina, or jump into the Build Planner to design and share your own strategies in the Community Builds section.
Getting Started
Jump into Expedition 33 with confidence using Maxroll’s beginner-friendly character guides, Pictos breakdowns, and essential resources. For a step-by-step walkthrough that syncs with your playthrough, check out IGN’s comprehensive Expedition 33 Walkthrough.
Beginner’s Guide
Maxroll’s Beginner’s Guide covers everything new players need: world exploration, Nevron combat mechanics, character-specific systems, and progression through weapons, attributes, Pictos, and Lumina. Pair it with IGN’s 10 Things Expedition 33 Doesn’t Tell You for quick tips on easily missed mechanics.
Combat Guide
Learn how to dominate in battle with IGN’s Combat Guide, offering tactical advice for defeating Nevrons—including optimal use of Lune and Maelle’s unique abilities.
Weapons, Attributes, and Upgrades
Weapons are central to team composition in Expedition 33. Each deals distinct elemental damage—some more effective against certain Nevrons than others. As you level weapons (with enhanced scaling per character), special bonuses unlock at levels 4, 10, and 20. Dive into Maxroll’s detailed guide to optimize your loadouts.
Pictos and Lumina System
Pictos grant powerful stat boosts and unique effects—each character equips three. Combine them with the Lumina system to stack even more strategic advantages. Struggling in a fight? Swap Pictos to add defenses, increase damage, or support your team with buffs like Shell or Powerful.
Early Game Pictos Recommendations
While Pictos offer deep customization, some shine early on. Look out for Dead Energy II and Critical Burn, complete side content for “lone wolf” builds like Last Stand, and use Recovery to transform one character into an unbreakable tank.
Character Guides
Master each playable hero with Maxroll’s in-depth skill and mechanic breakdowns:
- Gustave
- Lune
- Maelle
- Sciel
- VersoMonoco
More Advanced Guides
Once you’ve got the basics down, Maxroll’s midgame and endgame guides help you unlock map areas, exploit enemy weaknesses, and equip top-tier Pictos for maximum efficiency.
How to Unlock All of Esquie’s Traversal Abilities
Esquie unlocks key traversal tools like swimming, flying, and underwater diving as you progress. This guide walks you through each ability’s unlock conditions—plus, don’t forget: those black rocks with blue cracks? Smash ‘em!
Enemy Strengths and Weaknesses
Exploit elemental weaknesses to deal 50% more damage—and avoid using types enemies absorb, which actually heal them. Maxroll’s guide ensures you’re always bringing the right tools for the job.
Zone Progression Guide
Stuck after the main story? Maxroll’s Zone Progression Guide recommends the ideal order for tackling optional zones. Pair it with IGN’s Side Quest List to prioritize high-reward missions.
Best Pictos (Early & Late Game)
From universally strong picks to niche-build enablers, Maxroll breaks down the best Pictos for every stage of your journey—whether you're just starting or pushing endgame content.
Codex
The Maxroll Codex contains every weapon, skill, Picto, and Lumina in the game—with stats that update based on level. A must-bookmark for theorycrafters and planners alike.
Planner and Community Builds
Create, test, and share your builds using Maxroll’s interactive Build Planner:
- Select characters and set active party
- Tag builds (e.g., “Story” or “Post-Story”)
- Choose weapons with adjustable levels (scaling shown dynamically)
- Pick 6 core skills per character (Gradient Skills covered separately in Codex)
- Assign Pictos (one per team member)
- Add Lumina points (tracked automatically)
- Distribute attributes (aligned with weapon scaling)
- View live stat totals from gear, Pictos, and base damage
- Add notes for rotations or item sources
- Set build to public and join the community
Tomorrow Comes
That wraps Maxroll’s latest guide suite for Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. Ready to craft your perfect team? Head over to the Build Planner and start theorycrafting today.
