Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Becomes Xbox Game Pass’ Biggest Third-Party Launch of 2025

Sagar Mankar
2 hours ago
2 min read

Sandfall Interactive’s breakout RPG, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, has officially claimed the title of the biggest third-party launch on Xbox Game Pass this year, based on the number of unique players during its first 30 days of availability.

Expedition 33 Breaks Records as Game Pass’ Top Third-Party Debut This Year. — Expedition 33 Breaks Records as Game Pass’ Top Third-Party Debut This Year | Image: Sandfall

The announcement, shared via Xbox Wire, highlights how the turn-based RPG managed to stand out in a crowded release calendar. Game director Guillaume Broche expressed his gratitude to fans, saying the studio was “incredibly moved and grateful at how big [the game] got and how it emotionally resonated with people.” He admitted that launching a first game was nerve-wracking, but the support from players worldwide made the journey feel like a dream.

Broche also credited Xbox Game Pass for lowering barriers to entry. “The turn-based RPG genre has a lot of fans but sometimes it might put people who prefer more real-time action games off,” he explained. “Game Pass let curious players try the game, explore Lumière, and discover there’s a lot to enjoy even if they weren’t expecting it.”

Sales Success Beyond Game Pass

Expedition 33 wasn’t just a hit on subscription services. The game sold one million copies in its first three days, hit 3.3 million in a month, and has now surpassed five million copies worldwide across PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox. According to publisher Kepler’s senior portfolio director Matt Handrahan, even launching alongside the surprise release of The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered didn’t slow Expedition 33’s momentum.

The RPG has already swept the Golden Joystick Awards, winning seven categories including Ultimate Game of the Year, and is nominated for 12 awards at The Game Awards 2025. Its blend of striking visuals, emotional storytelling, and strategic combat has resonated with critics and players alike.

For those who haven’t yet joined the journey, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is available now on Xbox Series X|S, PC, PlayStation 5, and through Xbox Game Pass Ultimate with Play Anywhere support.