Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has already stunned gamers with its breathtaking visuals and emotional storytelling — but now it’s grabbing headlines for something else entirely: two of its weapons appear to be direct nods to iconic Bleach Zanpakutō.
It’s no secret that the developers behind Expedition 33 are fans of Japanese media. However, the recent discovery made by players adds a fascinating new layer for anime lovers. In a Reddit post by user ThaLastRanga, two weapons in particular were flagged for their resemblance to Bleach’s legendary swords.
Confuso and Zangetsu — A Striking Similarity
The weapon “Confuso,” wielded by the protagonist Verso, bears a strong resemblance to Ichigo Kurosaki’s iconic blade, Zangetsu. Both share a large, cleaver-like design with a black-and-silver motif that screams spiritual energy and raw power.
Melarum Mirrors Sode no Shirayuki
Equally striking is Maelle’s weapon, “Melarum,” which fans say looks eerily similar to Rukia Kuchiki’s Sode no Shirayuki — one of Bleach’s most elegant and graceful Zanpakutō. Its ice-themed aesthetic and curved blade make the resemblance more than coincidental.
Both weapons are available in Act 2 of Expedition 33, so if you’ve reached the later stages of the game, you likely already have access to these anime-inspired blades.
A Tribute to Anime in a Top-Rated RPG
Released in late April, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 quickly soared to the top of 2025’s gaming charts. With a 92 average score on OpenCritic and over 2 million units sold, it has become a defining title for this year. Its mix of turn-based and real-time combat, artistic flair, and rich emotional depth make it a standout — and these anime Easter eggs only add to its charm.
Meanwhile, Bleach remains one of the most beloved anime of all time, standing alongside titans like Naruto and One Piece. The overlap between Expedition 33 and Bleach fandoms has created a perfect storm of excitement online.
Whether intentional homage or artistic coincidence, the similarities between Clair Obscur: Expedition 33’s weapons and Bleach’s Zanpakutō are impossible to ignore. For fans of both franchises, this discovery is yet another reason to dive into one of 2025’s best gaming experiences — and maybe rewatch some Bleach episodes while you’re at it.