Introduction
With its painterly aesthetic, hybrid combat system, and surreal storytelling, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has quickly made waves in the gaming world. Blending turn-based strategy with real-time input, the game draws players into a dreamlike dystopia where fate and memory blur. If you’re looking to stay in that headspace—full of style, story, and emotional depth—these five games offer a natural next step.
What Makes Expedition 33 So Unique
Expedition 33 isn’t your average RPG. It brings together:
A striking visual style that mimics oil painting and surrealist art
A combat system that combines tactical turn-based control with real-time mechanics
A narrative steeped in philosophical questions, emotional backstories, and abstract worldbuilding
The result? A uniquely immersive experience that fans won’t want to leave behind.
1. Persona 5 Royal
If you’re craving more deep narrative and highly stylized gameplay, Persona 5 Royal is the obvious starting point. This beloved entry in the Shin Megami Tensei universe gives you turn-based combat that’s as strategic as it is flashy.
Why it fits:
Rich visual identity and memorable character design
A blend of high-stakes action and quiet character moments
Combat that rewards tactical planning and team synergy
Bonus: It also explores identity, oppression, and rebellion, much like Expedition 33.
2. Child of Light
This watercolor fantasy RPG from Ubisoft is as elegant and whimsical as they come. You play Aurora, a young girl navigating a mystical world to reunite with her father.
Why it fits:
Combat uses a real-time turn bar similar to Expedition 33
Dialogue is told entirely in rhymed verse, enhancing the magical feel
The art style evokes storybook and painted imagery
It’s a lighter tone, but shares the same focus on visual storytelling and emotion.
3. Transistor
From the creators of Hades and Bastion, Transistor is a gorgeous sci-fi action RPG that blurs the line between real-time and turn-based combat.
Why it fits:
Futuristic dystopia with emotional worldbuilding
A strong female protagonist and silent storytelling
The “Turn()” combat mechanic feels like a spiritual cousin to Expedition 33
It’s cerebral, elegant, and devastatingly beautiful.
4. Final Fantasy X
The Final Fantasy series has always led the charge in stylized, story-heavy RPGs, but Final Fantasy X feels especially aligned with Expedition 33.
Why it fits:
A deep, layered turn-based combat system
Grand themes of fate, sacrifice, and the weight of memory
An unforgettable world design, full of mysticism and sorrow
While more traditional than Clair Obscur in mechanics, it hits the same emotional and thematic beats.
5. Lost in Random
This EA Originals title sets you loose in a quirky world ruled by dice, chaos, and shadowy rulers.
Why it fits:
Gothic visual style and Tim Burton-esque worldbuilding
Combat mixes card-based mechanics with real-time action
Themes of destiny, randomness, and self-determination
It’s darker and weirder, but the world will feel oddly familiar to Expedition 33 fans.
Bonus Mentions
If you’re still exploring:
NieR: Automata – Deep existential themes, haunting world
GRIS – Artistic platformer with powerful visual metaphor
Cris Tales – Time-based combat and lush 2.5D visuals
Octopath Traveler – Beautiful pixel-art RPG with 8 narrative paths
Discover More with Kodex
At Kodex, we help players discover titles based on themes, mood, and mechanics, not just genre. Whether you’re chasing artistic direction, emotional impact, or hybrid combat systems, Kodex’s discovery tools are built to match you with your next favorite experience.
If Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 left you wanting more, let us help you find what’s next.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What kind of game is Clair Obscur: Expedition 33?
It’s a turn-based RPG with real-time elements, known for its painterly art, surreal worldbuilding, and heavy narrative focus.
2. What are some key themes in Expedition 33?
The game explores existential dread, memory, prophecy, and personal destiny in a broken, imaginative world.
3. Is there another game with a similar art style?
Yes! Child of Light, GRIS, and Transistor all feature strong artistic direction and a surreal, painterly quality.
4. Which game on this list is closest in combat feel?
Persona 5 Royal and Final Fantasy X offer the most familiar turn-based combat flow, while Transistor and Lost in Random add in hybrid mechanics similar to Expedition 33.
5. Where can I find more games like this?
Use Kodex to find games based on style, mechanics, and themes. Whether you love surreal RPGs or narrative-driven indies, we help you go deeper.
