Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 review

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is the strongest modern twist on classic turn-based combat on this list. The Steam page describes it as a turn-based RPG with real-time mechanics: you still pick actions in turns, but during enemy attacks you can dodge, parry and counter in real time, chain combos by mastering attack rhythms and aim freely at weak points. Each Expeditioner can be built through gear, stats, skills and character synergies, and recruitable companions open new ways to travel the world map. The setting, inspired by Belle Époque France, follows an expedition sent to stop the Paintress, who erases everyone past a certain age each year. Steam lists adjustable difficulty, which helps if the timing feels hard. It is single-player and Windows only on Steam. Its standard price is $49.99, but it was discounted when we checked, so we have marked the price as pending.

Who it is for

Players who love Japanese-style turn-based battles but want each enemy turn to test their timing.

Price

See vendor pricing (USD check pending).

US price check pending. See the vendor pricing page.

Key features

• Turn-based combat with real-time dodging, parrying and countering
• Combos chained by mastering attack rhythms, and a free-aim system for weak points
• Builds shaped by gear, stats, skills and character synergies
• Recruitable companions that open new travel methods on the world map
• Built in Unreal Engine 5, with adjustable difficulty listed on Steam

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Turns feel active because you defend in real time
• Strength: Deep build options for each Expeditioner
• Strength: Adjustable difficulty for players who struggle with the timing
• Weakness: Single-player only
• Weakness: Real-time parries may frustrate players who want pure turns
• Weakness: Windows only on Steam

Key facts

• Developer: Sandfall Interactive
• Publisher: Kepler Interactive
• Released on Steam: April 24, 2025
• Metascore (Steam data): 91
• Standard price: $49.99 (on sale when we checked)

Where it ranks

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is No. 2 in our Best Turn-Based RPGs verdict.