In Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, the turn-based combat system features numerous moving parts. The RPG does a commendable job of gradually introducing mechanics, but by the time your party is fully formed, you’ll be managing a variety of unique characters with individual playstyles. Part of the enjoyment comes from experimenting with different team setups and abilities to discover what works best for you. To aid you on your journey, here are some early game tips.
Camp Unlocks Come Later
A peculiar design choice in Clair Obscur is that you will start receiving items intended for “camp” before the actual ability to establish one is unlocked. If you find yourself puzzled about where to upgrade your weapons, it’s likely because you haven’t reached that phase yet. You’ll be able to camp once you arrive at the overworld map, which typically happens a few hours into gameplay, after you have a party of at least three characters.
Use Free Aim Shots Wisely
Each character in Clair Obscur has a free aim ability that allows for real-time projectile targeting. This feature is particularly useful for dispatching airborne enemies that evade ordinary melee strikes. Notably, these free aim shots don’t end your turn like regular attacks do. Your “ammo” is represented by AP, which powers most actions, introducing an element of risk-reward when you unleash bullets at foes. Utilizing this effectively can help chip away at enemy shields, allowing for stronger attacks in subsequent moves.
Understand the Role of Pictos
Pictos are invaluable tools in your inventory, providing passive buffs and special effects to each character. They offer more than just simple stat enhancements, such as increasing AP gained from dodges or allowing a character to act first in combat. While you have the power to manually upgrade your stats, a suitable Picto can offset the need to invest heavily in a single attribute. For instance, giving Gustave a Picto that significantly boosts his health lets you focus on his strength and agility.
Avoid Overreliance on Dodging
The battle mechanics in Clair Obscur hinge on precise timing, featuring QTEs and dodge-parry mechanics. Early on, I favored dodging due to its more forgiving timing. However, as I progressed, I faced enemies with rapid-fire combos, making dodging alone insufficient. In such scenarios, mastering the art of parrying becomes crucial. A well-timed parry not only avoids damage but allows you to counterattack, enhancing your overall strategy.
Engage with Your Team at Camp
While the narrative occasionally necessitates setting up camp, you should also choose to do so voluntarily to bond with your party. Throughout the game, social events will be unlocked, providing you with insights into team dynamics and optional scenes reflecting on the plot’s progression. Be sure to visit camp periodically to check in on everyone.
Equip Status Effect Abilities for Combos
Almost every ability in Clair Obscur carries an additional reaction linked to status effects or character mechanics. Navigating these combos can initially seem overwhelming, but mastering them reveals the depth of combat in the game. Focus on the potential synergies when upgrading your characters, as demonstrated by Gustave’s ability to “mark” enemies for increased damage, setting up powerful follow-up attacks from other characters.
