11 Best Games Like Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 in 2026

There’s a reason Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 walked away from the Game Awards loaded with winning titles, including Game of the Year and Best Narrative – the game combines a thoughtful plot about mortality and art with a satisfying combat system that owes as much to turn-based RPGs as it does FromSoftware’s Souls series.

If you’ve played Sandfall Interactive’s debut and are hankering for more games like it, or just interested in similar titles, this list is for you. Whether it’s an RPG, Soulslike, or something that favors a meaningful narrative, you’ll be sure to find a worthwhile game here. 

Our Top Picks for Games Like Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

While there’s no other game that’s exactly like Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, there are some games that explore related themes in very similar ways. Out of those, here are the top three that get the closest:

Of course, the main list consists of 11 absolutely incredible titles that are all equally worth your time and attention. From exploring fantasy worlds to real-world locations filtered through myth, there’s plenty to choose from so let’s dive in!

11 Best Games Like Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

Clair Obscur’s world is based on the Belle Époque time period, has a philosophical story about grief and death, and visceral battles. I’ve filled my list with games that also focus on unusual locations, as well as ones that aren’t afraid to put story first or feature hardcore combat.

1. Persona 5 Royal [Best JRPG Like Clair Obscur]

Persona 5 Royal is an undeniable masterpiece, and if you love great JRPGs, you absolutely must try it. I don’t think I ever played any other game that handled the double life aspect so well, and it’s hard to put in words how fun it is.

By day, you’re a simple student, but at night, you become a phantom thief, exploring surreal palaces, engaging in turn-based battles against shadows, and building bonds with unforgettable characters.

The plot twists hit hard, the art style is stunning, and the soundtrack is top-notch. If you loved Expedition 33 for choices that matter, party members who feel real, and the world which is alive, you should be downloading Persona 5 Royal right now.

My Verdict: As an update to the original Persona 5, P5 Royal is a dense, complex, and rewarding JRPG.

2. Final Fantasy X/X-2 [Best HD Remaster With an Excellent Story]

Final Fantasy X/X-2 HD Remaster is pure magic and easily one of the greatest Final Fantasy games ever made. If it was that blend of epic storytelling and turn-based combat that you liked in Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, you’ll love this.

You travel with unforgettable party members, battling through a world caught between fate and freedom. Tidus and Yuna’s journey is full of emotion, twists, and visuals that are still stunning even by today’s standards.

The strategic combat mechanics feel deep but never overwhelming, and the remaster adds a ton of polish. If you want stories that hit your heart and gameplay that keeps you hooked, this is it.

My Verdict: Come for the updated graphics, stay for the exciting story that isn’t afraid to focus on the individuals tasked with saving the world.

3. Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice [Best Soulslike Compared to Clair Obscur]

If you loved Clair Obscur‘s rich and mysterious world, immersive visuals, and unforgettable characters but missed the combat that would really make you sweat, Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is one of the best action RPG games ever made.

You play as a shinobi on a quest to save your young lord in a world that is ruthless and deadly, but also stunning and super immersive. Every fight is a puzzle, and victory feels truly earned. 

Hidden in this dark, twisted world, the storytelling is subtle yet very powerful, and the lore is as deep as the ocean. If you love a challenge and unforgettable moments, this game is a must-play.

My Verdict: Gamers looking for innovative Soulslike combat like Clair Obscur would do well to try Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, as it asks players to rely on dodges and parries (not typical light/heavy attacks) to succeed.

4. Ghost of Yōtei [Best Semi-Open World to Explore]

Ghost of Yōtei is a standalone sequel to the critically-acclaimed Ghost of Tsushima, and also set in rural Japan. Just as Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 presents a world that mixes linear progression with exploration, Ghost of Yōtei lets players loose in a richly-detailed, yet contained, area.

As a mercenary named Atsu, players get to travel around Mount Yōtei on a quest for revenge that transforms into a story of redemption. Players who enjoyed Clair Obscur’s story and the way it hopped between exotic locales will find a lot to like in Ghost of Yōtei.

It also features six main bosses Atsu needs to take down, each with their own combat style players will need to learn and counter to progress. Combat is visceral and fluid, and includes the ability to unlock and craft new period-appropriate weapons.

My Verdict: Fans of intricate combat and open worlds that also help funnel players in the right direction should check out Ghost of Yōtei.

5. Metaphor: ReFantazio [Best Turn-Based Combat]

Have you just finished Clair Obscur and want another one of the jaw-dropping story games? Well, then, Metaphor: ReFantazio will certainly take you there and beyond.

It’s a world of dreams and nightmares, where your choices twist fate in a big way. Similarly to Expedition 33, it blends gorgeous visuals, unforgettable allies, and a story that grabs you and won’t let go.

Turn-based battles here are a dance of strategy and style, with every choice you make releasing echoes you’ll feel throughout the whole game. It’s not just an adventure – it’s a spell you won’t want to break.

My Verdict: Atlus is well-known for its RPGs, and for good reason: Metaphor: ReFantazio is yet another hit game from the publisher that features a compelling story and strategic turn-based battles.

6. Lost Odyssey [Most Expansive Story Like Clair Obscur]

Lost Odyssey is one of those incredible games that had to walk so masterpieces like Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 could run. In fact, you’ll find quite a few similarities between the two.

A masterpiece of turn-based gameplay and emotional storytelling, this title is all about an immortal warrior haunted by memories he can’t escape.

Just like Expedition 33, it’s a journey that’s as much about the soul as it is about the sword. Every fight feels epic, and every story twist hits hard. It’s simply a must-play.

My Verdict: JRPGS are a dime a dozen, which means it really means something when one stands out. Lost Odyssey isn’t afraid to tell a grown-up story and include tough-as-nails fights, so gamers after a richly-detailed plot could do worse than check this one out.

7. NieR: Automata [BECOME AS GODS Edition] [Best Combat With Robots]

Another action RPG, NieR: Automata, is an incredible pick that, in its similarity to Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, deserved to be in the Top 5 almost as much as any other title there.

Drenched in haunting beauty and brutal truths, this game is very unique. You’re an android, caught in a dance of steel and sorrow, fighting for humanity’s shattered hope. However, the real battle is actually against your own fading purpose.

With mind-blowing combat, stunning visuals, and a story that twists like a fever dream, it’s an unforgettable odyssey. Multiple endings, a jaw-dropping narrative, and a soundtrack that hits like poetry. Hearing such a masterful score through a top-tier soundbar for music ensures you capture every layer of the haunting composition exactly as intended. Trust me, once you start, you’ll want to play it over and over again.

My Verdict: Clair Obscur tasks players with fighting a wide variety of weird enemies, including automatons. NieR Automata also includes battles with violent machines, but framed in a story about individual rights, for gamers into hefty combat and story themes.

8. Baldur’s Gate 3 [Best Party-Based RPG]

Before Clair Obscur took over, Baldur’s Gate 3 was the ultimate gaming sensation that no one could get enough of. These two also share a lot of similarities in terms of allowing the player a degree of flexibility in choosing a party.

In this magical world, the real spells are your choices. This game is a wild mix of epic storytelling, tactical turn-based combat, and unforgettable characters. Every step you take, you’re rewriting fate, forging alliances, breaking hearts, and outsmarting monsters.

One wrong move can unleash chaos, but a clever decision can turn the tide. With branching paths, mesmerizing visuals, and a world that reacts to your every action, it’s also an award-winning title in its own right. The standard set by this masterpiece remains the benchmark for comparing the Game of the Year nominees 2025.

My Verdict: Baldur’s Gate 3 is also a winner of the Game of the Year award, and you’ll see why once you experience its richly-detailed world-building and branching narrative.

9. Octopath Traveler II [Most Visually-Impressive RPG]

If Expedition 33 is like a painting come to life, then Octopath Traveler II is like stepping into a living storybook. Both these titles have that same magic, telling a tale about an epic journey with eight heroes, each on their own quest.

The turn-based system is excellent, with every move carefully planned and every victory earned. The world is stunning, bursting with colors and secrets around every corner through its gorgeous pixelated art.

The stories here are packed with mystery, danger, and heart. It’s a game where your decisions shape every path of your endless adventure, and it’s simply wonderful.

My Verdict: Octopath Traveller II also stands out thanks to its gorgeous HD2D graphics, which use 2D sprites in a 3D world. Gamers after a world that’s a joy to look at as well as travel through won’t go wrong with this title.

10. Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth [Deluxe Edition] [Top Pick for Weirdness]

Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth is chaos wrapped in charm. It’s got that same electric thrill I felt in Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, and that’s exactly why I love it.

Here, the streets are alive, and anything can happen. One moment you’re trading blows in slick turn-based combat, and the next you’re caught in a bizarre, heartfelt side quest.

However, beyond the wild humor, there’s raw emotion, where your party members feel like a second family. This isn’t just another RPG but a rollercoaster of jaw-dropping twists, unforgettable characters, and a world that feels more alive with every step.

My Verdict: One way Clair Obscur stands out is through its unusual and weird setting, so gamers looking for something similar should check out Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth. Its characters and action are more eccentric than Clair Obscur, and all the better for it.

11. Child of Light [Ultimate Edition] [Cutest Game Like Clair Obscur]

Similarly to Octopath Traveler II and, of course, Expedition 33, Child of Light feels like stepping into a living fairy tale. It’s got that same magical charm, telling a tale about a young girl traveling through a dreamlike world, with stunning visuals and a turn-based system that’s simple but so satisfying.

It’s an enchanting journey of light against darkness filled with great battles, warmth and mystery. The storybook art style is gorgeous, and the poetic dialogue makes it feel like a bedtime story you never want to end.

My Verdict: Child of Light manages the fairy tale trick of mixing light with dark, as Clair Obscur’s name itself references (it means “light dark”). Fans of stories and art that owe a debt to old fashioned stories are in for a treat.

My Overall Verdict on Games Like Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

So there you have it – 11 of the best games like Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. Whether it’s Soulslike combat, world exploration, or a meaningful narrative, this list has something for everyone. 

Persona 5 Royal gets the top spot by virtue of being the one game that gets closest to mixing all the above into one title, although the other games certainly come close. Clair Obscur’s an award-winning title and you can’t go wrong with other esteemed games like the equally well-received Baldur’s Gate 3 or Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, which also won the Game Awards Game of the Year (in 2019).

Plus, although Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is relatively unusual in how it combines existing game mechanics into an exciting new form, the good news is that there are plenty of forthcoming titles that should scratch a similar gaming itch.

Upcoming Games Like Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

If you’re on the hunt for the best games like Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 and have either already worked your way through the above list or are simply hungry for more, then here are three games to keep an eye out for.

• Fable 4 (2026) – This long-standing fantasy ARPG with a cheeky British sense of humor is finally getting a new installment that’s said to be something of a reboot (it’s being referred to as just “Fable”).
• Phantom Blade Zero (Sept. 9, 2026) – Players take on the role of Soul, a warrior with only 66 days left to live. With a fusion of classic Wuxia storytelling and intricate combat, it’s an exciting action title coming in 2026.
• Vindictus: Defying Fate (TBA) – The latest ARPG by top game studio Nexon puts gamers in the boots of a custom character to explore dungeons, and master special fighting techniques. 

Action RPGs never go out of style, and now following Clair Obscur’s success we’re set to see even more get released in the coming year. Whether one of the 11 best games like Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 catches your eye or one of these upcoming games does, there’s no shortage of top quality games to choose from.

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