Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Dominates Xbox Game Pass 2025
The gaming world is buzzing as Sandfall Interactive's debut title, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, has officially been crowned the "biggest new third-party game launch on Xbox Game Pass of 2025," according to a recent announcement from Microsoft. This unprecedented success, measured by unique users within the first 30 days of availability, solidifies the turn-based RPG as a standout hit, defying initial expectations and proving its undeniable appeal to the massive Xbox Game Pass audience. The news, broken on December 3, 2025, positions Expedition 33 as a major player in the year's gaming landscape.
Record-Breaking Performance on Xbox Game Pass
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33's meteoric rise marks a significant achievement for both developer Sandfall Interactive and Xbox's subscription service. While specific numbers for unique users were not disclosed, Microsoft's confirmation underscores the game's immense popularity among subscribers. This monumental success is a testament to the title's quality and the growing influence of Game Pass in elevating diverse gaming experiences to a broader player base.
From Underdog to Industry Darling
Launched in April 2025, the same week as Microsoft's highly anticipated Oblivion Remastered, there were initial concerns that Expedition 33 might be overshadowed. However, Sandfall Interactive confirmed these fears were unfounded, stating the concurrent release had no negative impact. Creative Director Guillaume Broche expressed immense gratitude, noting, "This year has been so far beyond what any of us could have imagined, and it's down to how passionate and supportive our fans have been to make that a reality." This sentiment highlights the game's organic growth and the strong connection it forged with players.
Xbox's Guy Richards praised the development team's vision from their first encounter. "Once we played early builds, we experienced their gripping story, stunning visuals, and the mix of JRPG mechanics with French cultural themes that felt fresh and distinctive," Richards commented. "It's the kind of experience we knew Xbox players would love to discover." Broche further elaborated on the strategic benefit of the Game Pass deal, explaining it effectively "lowered that barrier of entry" for a turn-based RPG, allowing curious players to explore the world of Lumière and discover its depth without an upfront purchase commitment.
A Game Awards Juggernaut
Adding to its list of accolades, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has garnered an astounding 12 nominations at The Game Awards 2025, making it the most nominated single game in the event's history. Among its significant nominations is the highly coveted Game of the Year award. Additionally, actor Charlie Cox, who lends his talent to the character Gustave, is nominated for Best Performance, a recognition he graciously wishes to share with motion-capture performer Maxence Cazoria.
For those eager to dive into this critically acclaimed title, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is readily available through Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass. Alternatively, players can purchase the game outright for $50, with a current sale offering it for $40. PlayStation 5 owners can also join the expedition, as the game is available on Sony's console.