Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is having the kind of year most studios can only dream of. Xbox has confirmed that the stylish turn-based RPG is now the biggest new third-party launch on Xbox Game Pass in 2025, based on the number of players who jumped in during its first 30 days. For a debut title from a brand-new studio, this is a rare achievement.
The game has been gaining momentum ever since its launch. It swept major categories at the Golden Joystick Awards and is widely expected to perform strongly at The Game Awards as well. The early buzz clearly translated into real player numbers once the game hit Game Pass.
Also see: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Steam Charts
What stands out about this milestone is not just the scale of the launch but how universal the praise has been. Expedition 33 looks nothing like a typical big-budget RPG. It blends a dreamlike French-inspired world with thoughtful turn-based battles and emotional storytelling. The visual style alone has made it instantly recognisable, but it is the writing and character work that have kept players hooked.
Game Pass played a crucial role in this success. Turn-based RPGs normally attract a very specific audience, but the subscription model removed that barrier. Many players who usually stick to action or shooters tried the game simply because it was there. And once they did, they discovered one of the most refreshing RPGs of the year. This is exactly the kind of scenario Xbox has been promising: a platform where ambitious new games can find a wider audience instantly.
What makes Expedition 33 special is that it takes risks. It is not trying to copy popular trends or chase live-service engagement. It feels handcrafted, artistic, and confident in its own voice. Something that has become rare in mainstream releases. Its success is a reminder that players are still eager for original ideas when studios are allowed to take creative risks.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is available now on Xbox Series X|S, PC, and Xbox Cloud Gaming, and is included with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. If its early trajectory is anything to go by, this is only the beginning of a long and celebrated run for Sandfall Interactive’s debut title.
