The RPG world has been bustling with excitement this year, thanks to titles like Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, The First Berserker: Khazan, and Avowed. Soon, we’re bracing for what could be one of 2025’s standout releases: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. Originally announced last year, the game was later confirmed for release this April during Microsoft’s Xbox Developer Direct. Developed by the nascent studio Sandfall Interactive, this debut game is slated for launch on April 24 on Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC, and PS5. It promises a narrative-rich journey through a fantastical world inspired by the French Baroque era, uniquely entwining turn-based JRPG elements with real-time action gameplay.
The buzz around Clair Obscur is palpable, particularly because it’s heading to Xbox Game Pass. Everything we’ve seen so far looks incredibly promising, making PC gamers eager to know whether their systems can handle the game.
Fortunately, Sandfall Interactive and their publisher, Kepler Interactive, have released the official specs needed ahead of its launch next week. Let’s dive into the details and find out if your setup meets the requirements, or if you need an upgrade, and how the game is expected to run on gaming handhelds.
Clair Obscur PC requirements and specs
Before Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 hits the shelves, developers Sandfall and Kepler Interactive have revealed the game’s minimum and recommended specifications on Steam, where it will be available alongside the Epic Games Store and the Microsoft Store/Xbox app. Below is a breakdown of what you’ll need to run the game smoothly.
Minimum Requirements
To run Clair Obscur at a basic level, your system must meet these baseline requirements. If you just make the cut, expect the game to run in 1080p at 30 FPS on Low settings—a playable yet not ideal scenario.
- OS: Windows 10 64-bit
- Processor: Intel Core i7-8700K / AMD Ryzen 5 1600X
- Memory: 8 GB RAM
- Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 6 GB / AMD Radeon RX 5600 XT 6 GB / Intel Arc A380 6 GB
- DirectX: Version 12
- Storage: 55 GB available space
- Additional notes: SSD required. Minimum specs ensure 1080p 30FPS low settings gameplay.
Recommended Specs
For a smoother experience with richer visuals, aim to meet these recommended specs. Attaining these will allow you to enjoy 60 FPS gameplay in High settings at 1080p, and if your components are up to snuff, you can push it to Ultra settings or higher resolutions like 1440p and 4K.
- OS: Windows 11 64-bit
- Processor: Intel Core i7-12700K / AMD Ryzen 5 5600X
- Memory: 16 GB RAM
- Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 8 GB / AMD Radeon RX 6800 XT 16 GB
- DirectX: Version 12
- Storage: 55 GB available space
- Additional notes: SSD required. Recommended specs support 1080p 60FPS high settings gameplay.
All in all, these specs don’t demand cutting-edge hardware and should be quite doable for PCs built in recent years. If your setup was assembled in the late 2010s or early 2020s, you should be in good shape. Just be sure to double-check your specs, and I’ll walk you through the process.
If you’re still using an older HDD, it’s worth the upgrade to an SSD, as Clair Obscur relies on faster data processing. Fortunately, SSDs have become more affordable in recent years.
However, if you’re looking to push beyond 1080p, consider upgrading your graphics card. NVIDIA’s 40-series and 50-series RTX GPUs are solid choices. If you lean towards AMD, their 7000 series and new 9000 series GPUs are highly competitive. A more powerful GPU will make a substantial difference, though you might also need a new processor or motherboard.
Is Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 coming to Mac?
As of now, Mac users won’t find a version of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 compatible with their systems. While it might change down the line, currently Windows remains its exclusive domain.
How to check your PC specs
Before jumping into any upgrades, confirm your current setup meets the game’s demands. Checking your system’s specs is a breeze:
- Click the Windows button on your taskbar.
- Type "dxdiag" into the taskbar and click it to see your specs.
- Go to the System tab for details on memory, processor, and Windows version.
- Click the Display tab for GPU specifics.
How to upgrade your PC for Clair Obscur
While many won’t need to upgrade if they built their PC recently, those with older setups or entry-level builds may need to enhance their systems. You can either boost individual components, construct a new rig, buy a pre-built system, or even consider a gaming laptop. Each path is viable, and there are countless resources and expert advice available, including component recommendations and how-to guides.
Can Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 run on gaming handhelds?
Gaming handhelds like the Steam Deck, ASUS ROG Ally, and others are perfect for on-the-go gaming, despite compromises like smaller screens and shorter battery life compared to PCs. While Clair Obscur might not run well on Valve’s Steam Deck due to its Linux-based SteamOS, other handhelds boasting better specs and Windows compatibility should have no problem.
Is Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Steam Deck compatible?
Currently, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 isn’t optimized for Steam Deck. Its settings aren’t conducive to running smoothly on this platform, potentially due to its Linux architecture, although its hardware requirements aren’t excessively demanding.
Can you play Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 on ROG Ally, Legion Go, or other gaming handhelds?
While the Steam Deck struggles with Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, other handhelds like the ASUS ROG Ally and Lenovo Legion Go should handle it better, thanks to superior specs and a Windows operating system.
Ready to stop the Paintress once and for all?
With just days to go before Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 finally launches, now is the moment to check if your gaming rig is up to the task or if any upgrades are needed. Thankfully, the game isn’t overly demanding, so many of you with modern setups should be ready to dive in. If you do need upgrades, they likely won’t be too extensive.
Prepare for launch with these resources, from official spec sheets to guides on hardware upgrades. Expected to be a contender for the best of the year in strategy and real-time action games, Clair Obscur launches next week on April 24th for Xbox Series X|S, Windows, and PS5.
