Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Outpaces Iconic JRPG Studios on PlayStation and Steam
- Sagar Mankar
- 16 minutes ago
- 2 min read
A new force in the world of JRPG-inspired titles has emerged—and it's not from Japan. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, the debut game from French studio Sandfall Interactive, is making waves in the genre dominated by legacy franchises like Final Fantasy and Persona. Within just three days of release, the game surpassed one million copies sold, despite also being available on Xbox Game Pass—a feat rarely seen for a new IP.
According to data from Alinea Analytics (via GI.Biz), Expedition 33 sold over 785,000 copies on Steam in its first week alone, outpacing the PC sales of high-profile JRPGs such as Persona 3 Reload and Metaphor: ReFantazio. In comparison, these titles—while successful—launched from well-known Japanese developers with established fanbases.
“The numbers are staggering,” said Rhys Elliott, head of market analysis at Alinea Analytics. “This isn't just a breakout hit; it's a disruption. For a game modeled after classic JRPG design to beat genre giants at their own game—especially on PC—is a serious achievement.”
In a market where Square Enix has steadily shifted the Final Fantasy series toward real-time action, Expedition 33 stands as a reminder of the enduring appeal of traditional turn-based systems. Elliott noted that while Square Enix still develops turn-based games like Octopath Traveler and Dragon Quest, their flagship series has largely moved on—a gap Sandfall was quick to fill.
Steam wishlist metrics support the growing momentum. The game had over 1.5 million wishlists prior to launch and has already sold more than 350,000 copies on PlayStation, despite being day-one on Game Pass.
Another key factor? Accessibility. Expedition 33 launched at a relatively low price point compared to other AAA titles, likely contributing to its strong day-one performance. “It’s a high-value game that doesn’t demand $70 up front,” said Elliott. “That matters in today’s market.”
Marketing support also played a role. Xbox's decision to feature the game during its Games Showcase gave it mainstream visibility, while Kepler Interactive's publishing strategy ensured strong global coverage.
Perhaps most impressive is that Expedition 33 managed to top Steam’s global sales chart, surpassing even Bethesda’s highly anticipated Oblivion Remaster—a release many expected would dominate headlines that week.
“Who said turn-based combat was dead?” Elliott concluded. “This game didn't just revive the format—it modernized it in a way that fans have been begging for since the PS2 era. The realistic-JRPG floodgates may have just opened.”
As legacy franchises reconsider their direction, Expedition 33 has proven that there's still immense demand for classic JRPG gameplay—when it's done right.