Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 breaks Game Pass record

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is one of the hottest games of 2025, and it's now confirmed to have broken the Xbox Game Pass record.

Microsoft announced that Expedition 33 has become “the largest new third-party game released on Xbox Game Pass in 2025” based on unique user numbers in the first 30 days. It's unclear what game “Expedition 33” relies on to become the No. 1 third-party game on Game Pass.

Expedition 33 is developed by Sandfall Interactive and is the team's first game. “This year has been far beyond what any of us could have imagined, and it’s thanks to the passion and support of our fans that made it all possible,” said creative director Guillaume Broche.

The game launched in the same week of April this year alongside Microsoft's own Forsaken Remastered, and some worried that Expedition 33 might be overshadowed by the RPG. However, Sandfall says that's not the case, and the release date is closer to Oblivion Remastered Without any meaningful impact.

Xbox staff member Guy Richards said he knew about Sandfall's ambitions from the time he met the team. “Once we played the early version, we experienced the gripping story, stunning visuals, and combination of JRPG mechanics with French cultural themes that felt fresh and unique. We know Xbox players will love discovering this experience,” said Richards.

Brosh said that striking a deal with Microsoft to put Expedition 33 on Game Pass is good for both the studio and the game, in part because it allows the game to reach people who “may not have” tried similar games.

“Turn-based RPGs have a lot of fans, but sometimes it can be a turn-off for those who prefer real-time action games, but Game Pass lowers the barrier to entry,” he said. “They can try it out and see how it feels. So a lot of curious players can start the game, explore Lumiere and the early games, and realize there's a lot to enjoy here, even if they didn't expect it at first.”

Expedition 33 is available now through Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass, or outright for $50, but is now on sale for $40. It also works on PS5.

Expedition 33 is Nominated for 12 awards at The Game Awardswhich is the most nominated game in a single game in the history of the event. The biggest award it competes for is Game of the Year. Actor Charlie Cox, who plays Gustav, is nominated for Best Performance by an Actor in a Show, but he wants to Shares credit with motion capture performer Maxence Cazoria.