Clair Obscur Expedition 33 Sells 1 Million Copies in Three Days

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, a turn-based RPG and the debut title from French developer Sandfall, has quickly become a standout success in the gaming industry. Released on April 24, 2025, the game sold over one million copies within its first three days, a remarkable achievement for a new IP. Notably, it reached 500,000 sales in just 24 hours, underscoring strong early demand and player enthusiasm.

Publisher Kepler Interactive highlighted that these figures include units shipped to retailers but do not account for players accessing the game through Game Pass, indicating the actual player base is even larger. This reflects a strong multi-platform presence, as the game is available on PC, Xbox Series X/S, and PlayStation 5.

The game’s narrative centers on a group of Expeditioners tasked with destroying the Paintress, an entity that annually marks a number on a monolith, dooming individuals of that age to death and gradually reducing the population. This unique storyline, combined with its turn-based RPG mechanics, has earned rave reviews for its immersive and well-crafted world.

Critics have praised Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 for its artistic design and engaging gameplay. Engadget’s Mat Smith described it as “a gorgeously made and well-considered world” and a “solid, enjoyable RPG,” highlighting the game’s appeal to both RPG enthusiasts and new players alike.

The rapid sales milestone achieved by Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 exemplifies the potential for innovative indie games to capture significant market share quickly when backed by strong storytelling, polished gameplay, and effective multi-platform distribution. It also highlights the growing importance of subscription services like Game Pass in expanding player reach beyond traditional sales channels.

Looking ahead, the success of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 opens opportunities for Sandfall and Kepler Interactive to build on this momentum with potential expansions, sequels, or new IPs. For developers and publishers, it serves as a case study in how compelling narratives and strategic platform launches can drive rapid adoption and critical acclaim in a competitive gaming market.