Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is 2025’s highest-rated game to date

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, the debut RPG from French studio Sandfall Interactive, has captivated players worldwide, selling 2 million copies in just 12 days and earning a 92/100 on OpenCritic, cementing its status as 2025’s highest-rated game. Set in a haunting Belle Époque-inspired world, the game follows Expedition 33’s quest to defeat the Paintress, a godlike entity erasing people at an ever-decreasing age. Its phenomenal success stems from innovative gameplay, gripping storytelling, and bold artistic vision, distinguishing it from other RPGs like Final Fantasy.

What sets the game apart?

The game’s combat system is a revelation, blending turn-based strategy with real-time dodging and parrying, creating a dynamic experience that feels both strategic and visceral. This hybrid approach, unlike the more traditional mechanics of many RPGs, keeps battles engaging and rewarding. Powered by Unreal Engine 5, the visuals are stunning, with surreal landscapes like waterless oceans and warped, Eiffel Tower-like structures, showcasing a level of polish remarkable for a team of just 30 core developers.

The narrative is equally compelling, weaving a tragic tale of mortality and camaraderie. Characters like Gustave and Maelle, brought to life by stellar voice acting, face grief and hope in a story that feels uniquely French, mature, and emotionally resonant. The main story, completable in about 30 hours with up to 60 hours of rich side content, is tightly paced, avoiding the bloat sometimes found in longer RPGs.

What sets Clair Obscur apart is its fearless creativity. As an independent project, Sandfall Interactive took risks that larger studios might shy away from, crafting a distinct identity that doesn’t just mimic JRPG conventions but reinvents them. Despite minor issues, such as the lack of a minimap, the game’s artistry, concise scope, and emotional depth have made it a modern classic. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 proves that a small team with a bold vision can outshine even the biggest names in gaming, redefining what an RPG can be. Use our price comparison tool to find the best deals for Clair Obscur: Expedition 33.