It’s shaping up to be an impressive year for RPG enthusiasts, with titles like Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, The First Berserker: Khazan, and Avowed leading the charge. Yet another promising game, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, is on the horizon. First unveiled last year, it got an April release date during Microsoft’s Xbox Developer Direct earlier this year. This debut venture from Sandfall Interactive aims for a grand entrance on April 24, hitting Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC, and PS5. The game promises an engaging narrative set in a fantasy world with inspirations drawn from the French Baroque era and features an inventive mix of turn-based JRPG elements with real-time action gameplay.
The buzz around Clair Obscur is no surprise, especially with its availability on Xbox Game Pass. Everything we’ve seen so far appears nothing short of promising. Naturally, PC gamers are eager to know if their systems can handle it and what specs are required to run the game smoothly.
Luckily, just ahead of its launch, Sandfall Interactive and publisher Kepler Interactive have released the game’s official minimum and recommended specs. Here’s a breakdown of those specifications, plus guidance on checking your current hardware and what steps to take if an upgrade seems necessary. There’s even a sneak peek into how the game might perform on handheld gaming devices.
Clair Obscur PC Requirements
In anticipation of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, its system requirements were shared on Steam. Aside from Steam, you’ll also find it on the Epic Games Store and the Microsoft Store/Xbox app. Here’s the lowdown on what you need to get that seamless gaming experience:
Minimum Requirements
These are the essential specs to get the game running on your PC. Meeting these lets you play at 1080p and 30 FPS on Low settings. It’s playable, but not optimal for the best experience.
- OS: Windows 10 64-bit
- Processor: Intel Core i7-8700K / AMD Ryzen 5 1600X
- Memory: 8 GB RAM
- Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 / AMD Radeon RX 5600 XT / Intel Arc A380 – 6GB
- DirectX: Version 12
- Storage: 55 GB available
- Note: SSD required. Minimum specs allow gameplay at 1080p 30FPS on low settings.
Recommended Specs
These are the game’s ideal specs, providing smoother gameplay at 60 FPS on High settings at 1080p. Elevate your game by aiming for these standards, which let you play at even higher resolutions like 1440p or 4K, if you have superior hardware.
- OS: Windows 11 64-bit
- Processor: Intel Core i7-12700K / AMD Ryzen 5 5600X
- Memory: 16 GB RAM
- Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 / AMD Radeon RX 6800 XT
- DirectX: Version 12
- Storage: 55 GB available
- Note: SSD required. Recommended specs allow gameplay at 1080p 60FPS on high settings.
Overall, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has quite manageable specs, mostly involving older hardware that’s been around since the late 2010s. If your PC was assembled during this period, you’re likely set, but it’s always wise to double-check.
Check Your PC Specs
Before diving into any game, it’s crucial to ensure your PC meets the required specs. Checking this is simpler than you’d think and only takes a moment:
- Click the Windows button on your taskbar.
- Type dxdiag in the taskbar and select it.
- Go to the System tab for memory, processor, and Windows version details.
- Click the Display tab for GPU information.
Upgrading Your PC
If your PC is from an earlier era or was built as an entry-level system, you might consider an upgrade to tackle Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. This could involve enhancing existing parts or perhaps constructing an entirely new rig. Whether it’s upgrading existing components, buying a pre-built machine, or opting for a gaming laptop, multiple paths can help keep your setup up-to-date.
Can Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Run on Gaming Handhelds?
Gaming handhelds, like the Steam Deck and ASUS ROG Ally, have been gaining popularity for their compactness and portability. But can they run Clair Obscur: Expedition 33?
Steam Deck Compatibility
Currently, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 isn’t deemed compatible with the Steam Deck; its settings pose challenges to achieving smooth gameplay on this device.
Other Handhelds
However, more potent handhelds like the ASUS ROG Ally and Lenovo Legion Go, with their superior specs and Windows-based systems, might handle the game better than Steam Deck.
Preparing for the Launch
With the release of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 just around the corner, there’s still time for any necessary adjustments to your PC setup. Fortunately, this game doesn’t demand cutting-edge specs, and any needed upgrades probably won’t be extensive. Lean on the resources available, from spec guidelines to upgrade suggestions, and prepare yourself to dive into one of the standout Xbox and PC games of the year. Clair Obscur drops on April 24 for Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC, and PS5—don’t miss it!
