GUIDE: All Clair Obscur Expedition 33 Secrets and Tricks

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 – Secrets, Bosses, and Mastery Guide

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a turn-based RPG that has captured attention with its characters and world. While the main story is relatively linear, the Continent is vast and filled with numerous hidden areas, secret bosses, collectibles, and mechanics to discover. This guide draws on information from the sources to highlight some of the most notable secrets and tricks to enhance your expedition.

Hidden Areas and Environmental Secrets

Even early in your journey, off-the-beaten-path exploration can reveal hidden spots. Some of these are tied to the game's lore and development:

The Manor Secret Room

While exploring The Manor, you might find a painting with dog toys in front of it. There's a secret room behind this painting that you can access by literally jumping through it, Mario 64 style. This room is filled with pictures of a singular dog—the real-life "Happiness Manager" for the developer, Sandfall Interactive. The character Monoco was named after them.

Manor Dining Room Crawl Space

During your first visit to The Manor in Act 1, you can find a secret room connected to the Dining Room by activating four hidden switches throughout the space. Activating all four opens a crawl space next to the fireplace.

The Crows

Accessible in Act 2, this area is near the Visages and Sirène islands. It includes a rare shooting challenge and a secret boss.

Flying Manor

Accessible in Act 3 after Esquie learns flight. Located on a floating island above Monoco's Station, it contains a new dungeon, mini-bosses, and the confrontation with Clea. Recommended level: 70.

Renoir's Drafts / The Abyss

An entrance in the prologue area leads here, but it's best tackled in the post-game. It houses Simon—the hardest boss. Access requires Esquie’s Level 6 relationship and diving ability.

Mastering Combat and Utility Tricks

Clair Obscur’s combat hinges on timing mechanics like dodging and parrying.

Practice Dodging and Parrying

You can reload saves mid-fight to practice. A “Perfect” dodge has the same timing as a parry. Use accessibility settings to disable camera movement for clearer visuals.

Force Auto-Saves

Open and close the menu after swapping weapons to trigger an auto-save. Useful before difficult encounters.

Character-Specific Combat Tricks

• Gustave: Overcharge + Mime = easy Break-related achievement.

• Lune: Use Trebuchim to simplify Stain stacking.

• Maelle: Combine Percée and Virtuose Stance with Gustave’s Marking Shot.

• Sciel: Use Spectral Sweep and Final Path to consume 20 Foretell.

• Verso: Use Sakaram or fail the Nevron Troubadour trial to maintain Perfection Rank.

• Monoco: Chain Upgraded Skills with Energy Tints and keep him in the active party to learn new skills.

Secret Bosses

These formidable foes appear in Act 3 after Esquie’s full exploration abilities unlock:

Clea

Found in Flying Manor. Drops "Clea's Life" Pictos and the “Clea” achievement. Choose which female party member receives Clea's dress.

Simon

Located in The Abyss. Requires diving and relationship Level 6 with Esquie. Known for brutal three-phase combat. Rewards: Verso’s “Simoso” sword and “Peace at Last” achievement.

Painted Love

The final secret boss at the end of the Endless Tower (33 trial fights). It's a fusion of The Paintress and The Curator. Defeat it to unlock the “Endless” achievement.

Collectibles and Side Content

Rich side content rewards exploration and achievement hunters alike:

Expedition Journals

Found across the world. Return to Berrami in Gestral Village for rewards. Unlocks "Follow The Trail" if all are collected—including Simon’s.

Music Records

33 total, playable at camp. Some are tied to relationships. Unlock "Connoisseur" achievement upon full collection.

Monoco Skills

Must be in the active party to learn skills from defeated enemies. One may be missable in the overworld.

Lost Gestrals

Unlocks hairstyles, Colours of Lumina, a powerful Pictos, and the ability to destroy Paint Spikes.

Mimes

Useful for completing character-specific achievements. One is missable in the prologue.

Friendly Nevron Quests

Help Nevrons for items, Pictos, and achievements. Major reward from Blanche in Act 3—if most Nevrons are helped and not killed.

Relationship Levels

Level 7 unlocks Level 3 Gradient Attacks and records. Progress often tied to optional quests. Esquie’s Level 6 unlocks underwater swimming. Monoco’s Level 7 quest involves Noco.

Weapon Upgrades

Available at camp after recruiting Maelle. Final materials appear in optional Act 3 areas. Full upgrade grants an achievement.

Luminas

Used at camp for passive skills. Earned via quests and fighting high-level enemies.

Gestral Games

Challenge-based minigames with parkour, timing, and puzzles. Spread across 5 locations in Acts 1–3.

Other Small Secrets

In Gestral Village, shooting a mirror behind sleeping Victorifo reveals loot.

Post-Game Exploration

After completing the main story, the game returns you to the pre-final boss state so you can wrap up side content. New Game+ becomes available at Rest Points.

High-Level Farming

Renoir’s Drafts is the top spot in Act 3 for experience and rare materials. Start at the Golden Tree Rest Point.

Final Thoughts

Exploring Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 beyond the main story reveals a deeply rewarding experience filled with powerful gear, character insight, and rich lore. The more curious and thorough your expedition, the more unforgettable your journey becomes.