Introduction

Released on April 24, 2025, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has rapidly ascended the ranks to become one of the highest-rated video games of all time. Developed by the French studio Sandfall Interactive, this debut title has captured the hearts of players and critics alike, boasting remarkable scores across multiple platforms.

Critical Acclaim and User Ratings

Upon lifting the review embargo a day before its release, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 immediately resonated with audiences, establishing itself as the highest-rated game of 2025. With a near-perfect 9.7 user rating on Metacritic, based on over 4,200 user impressions, the game stands shoulder to shoulder with classics like Half-Life 2 and The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt.

Here’s a breakdown of the game’s user scores across different platforms:

• Steam: Very Positive (17,077 reviews)
• PlayStation Store: 4.92 stars (8,000 reviews)
• Xbox Store: 4.6 stars (2,600 reviews)
• OpenCritic: 100
• Metacritic: 9.7 (4,227 reviews)

These scores emphasize the game’s universal appeal, with players praising its compelling narrative, engaging combat mechanics, and memorable characters. The game’s production values and rewarding exploration set a new standard in the RPG genre, drawing comparisons to well-known titles like Persona 5.

Commercial Success

The immense word of mouth surrounding Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has translated into impressive commercial success. As of April 27, just three days post-release, the game has already sold 1 million copies. This achievement is particularly noteworthy considering the game’s availability as a day-one Xbox Game Pass title, which typically impacts direct sales.

Further fueling its sales momentum is a 10% launch discount on Steam, reducing the price to $44.99. The Deluxe Edition, featuring exclusive outfits for playable characters, is available for $53.99.

Future Prospects

While there is currently no indication of post-launch content for Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, the game’s warm reception suggests that fans are eagerly awaiting Sandfall Interactive’s future endeavors. The game’s success highlights the developer’s potential to become a major player in the RPG genre.