Sandfall Interactive’s debut turn-based RPG, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, sold over 500,000 copies worldwide shortly after its release. This impressive milestone does not include players accessing the game through subscription services like Game Pass, making the achievement even more remarkable for the small French studio of approximately 30 developers.
A milestone for us, reached sooner than we'd ever imagined.
— Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 (@expedition33) April 25, 2025
Thank you all. pic.twitter.com/cZrghh1K3m
The team behind this breakout hit consists primarily of industry veterans, many formerly from Ubisoft, who set out to create a game combining high production values with innovative design choices. Despite launching alongside major titles including the surprise release of The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remaster, Expedition 33 has kept up strong sales momentum.
Priced at $45—lower than typical for a game of its scope—Clair Obscur offers players a unique blend of turn-based combat with real-time defensive elements inspired by Soulsborne games. The combat system allows for dodging and parrying during enemy turns, adding a layer of skill beyond what you usually find in turn-based strategy.
The game stands out for its mature narrative, which focuses on themes of mortality, grief, and loss—a departure from the usual RPG storytelling. Its surreal, painterly visual style draws from French art and Lovecraftian influences, delivering environments that rival AAA productions, even though it was made by a much smaller team.
Players and critics have praised many aspects of the game, including its refillable consumables system that does away with old-school potion hoarding. The voice cast features notable talent like Charlie Cox (Daredevil), Jennifer English (Baldur’s Gate 3), Ben Starr (Final Fantasy XVI), and Andy Serkis, all delivering what many would call AAA-quality performances.
The main story lasts 30–40 hours, with optional dungeons and boss battles that reward exploration with gear, skill points, and cosmetics. The game’s prologue has been especially praised for instantly pulling players in emotionally, skipping the usual long-winded exposition.
French flair meets soulslike care
The title “Clair Obscur” references chiaroscuro, a painting technique using strong contrasts between light and dark—perfectly capturing the game’s visual and thematic vibe.
This distinctly French-inspired setting and surrealist world-building set it apart from both traditional Western and Japanese RPGs, even though its turn-based combat leans into the JRPG style.
With this success, Sandfall Interactive has put itself on the map as a significant new name in RPGs. The game’s strong sales show there’s a real hunger for fresh, mid-budget RPGs with grown-up storytelling and clever mechanics, and might even make bigger studios rethink turn-based combat for their own projects down the line.
