Just 33 Days After Release, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 – A Role-Playing Game from Sandfall Interactive – Has Achieved Global Sales of 3.3 Million, a Remarkable Feat for a Completely New IP.
What’s even more noteworthy is that this number was announced right on the 33rd day after the game launched, serving as a fitting tribute to the number “33” in the game’s title. It is no exaggeration to say that Expedition 33 has become one of the most significant phenomena in the gaming industry of 2025 – and it is even being touted as a strong contender for the Game of the Year title.
Since its launch, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has captured attention with its distinct artistic style, drawing inspiration from surrealist expressionism, combined with the immersive gameplay typical of classic JRPGs.
Players immerse themselves in a world rich with ethereal beauty and darkness, where they navigate through a narrative that involves a character known as “The Paintress,” erasing the names of individuals in sequential order from 1 to 33 – and you, as the player, are the last remaining member of the 33rd tribe, tasked with bearing the weight of destiny. Not only does the visually striking art style leave a powerful impression, but Expedition 33 also features a captivating combat system that is dynamic and fluid, allowing players to creatively strategize with the Pictos – a unique skill set that can be customized. Each character within the storyline has its own profound backstory, contributing to a vibrant world filled with emotional depth. It is no coincidence that many critics and players alike have compared Expedition 33 to a perfect blend of Persona 5 Royal, Octopath Traveler, and even NieR: Automata in terms of depth and emotional resonance.
In its opening week, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 sold 500,000 copies, surpassing notable competitors like Metaphor: ReFantazio, FF7 Rebirth, Persona 5 Royal, and Like a Dragon 8 on the Steam platform. It has maintained a rapid growth trajectory, continuing to thrive just over a month after launch, with sales reaching an impressive 3.3 million copies. With strong word-of-mouth and a growing community, it would be no surprise if the game continues to break new records in the upcoming months.
However, the elements that contribute to the GOTY potential of Expedition 33 are not solely reliant on sales figures. The game has received high praise from industry experts for its meticulous attention to detail across various aspects: from visual design, sound, pacing, to the depth of gameplay. The choices players make have a direct impact on the narrative flow, offering personalized experiences and rich character development – a hallmark of titles that have previously won GOTY awards like The Witcher 3, God of War, or Elden Ring.
