[June 20, 2025] – The visually stunning RPG Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has taken the gaming world by storm with its unique Belle Époque-inspired dark fantasy world — but parents and younger players should take note of its content. The game has officially been rated Mature 17+ by the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) due to strong language, blood and gore, suggestive themes, and violent content.
Developed by French studio Sandfall Interactive and published by Kepler Interactive, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 launched on April 24, 2025, for PlayStation 5, Windows, and Xbox Series X/S, receiving universal critical acclaim and selling over 3.3 million copies within 33 days.
Why Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Is Rated M
The ESRB’s Mature 17+ rating highlights several content areas of concern for younger audiences:
Blood and Gore: Multiple scenes involve intense violence, including characters being stabbed, shot, or decapitated. Visible blood splatter and headless corpses appear in cutscenes and environments.
Suggestive Themes: Some areas of the game, such as a fictional entertainment district, feature ambient sounds and dialogue suggesting romantic or adult scenarios. Text dialogue also implies characters share close, intimate relationships, though these moments are not graphically shown.
Combat and Violence: Players engage in turn-based battles using melee weapons, guns, and elemental attacks like fire and lightning. The combat is strategic but graphic, with detailed animations showing wounds, blood, and physical impact.
Strong Language: The game contains occasional use of strong language, including variations of the F-word.
Gameplay Overview
Set in a mysterious world where time is running out for everyone over a certain age, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 tells the story of a group of expeditioners determined to stop the deadly annual “Gommage,” caused by a mystical being called the Paintress.
The gameplay blends traditional turn-based RPG combat with real-time elements, such as quick-time events and timed inputs, giving battles a modern, dynamic edge. Players control a party from a third-person perspective, exploring richly detailed environments inspired by European architecture and art.
Game director Guillaume Broche, formerly with Ubisoft, conceived the project during the COVID-19 pandemic and built a 30-person team to bring his vision to life. Inspired by classics like Final Fantasy and Persona, Sandfall aimed to fill a gap in the market for high-fidelity turn-based RPGs. The game was initially built in Unreal Engine 4 but transitioned to Unreal Engine 5, delivering next-gen visuals.
Age Suitability: Is It Safe for Teens?
Due to its mature themes, stylized combat, and occasional strong language, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is not recommended for players under 17. While the game offers emotional storytelling, meaningful character development, and a striking visual style, its content is designed for adult gamers who can critically engage with complex narrative themes and intense fantasy action.
Parents looking for RPG titles suitable for teenagers or preteens may want to explore more age-appropriate games.
While the game offers deep storytelling and emotional depth, its dark themes and graphic content make it better suited for adult players who can engage critically with its narrative and visual intensity.