As of writing, Kepler Interactive’s Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has officially unseated titles like Split Fiction and Blue Prince to become the highest-rated game of 2025. With a stellar score of 92 on OpenCritic, this dark fantasy RPG is quickly establishing itself as the year’s standout title.
Scheduled for release on April 24 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC, the game will also launch day one on Xbox Game Pass, making it even more accessible to a wide audience.
A Turn-Based RPG With Real-Time Flair
While Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is rooted in traditional turn-based mechanics, it introduces dynamic real-time elements—allowing players to parry, dodge, and counter attacks in the middle of turn-based action. This fusion results in a deeply strategic yet kinetic experience that keeps battles engaging and intense.
Players will guide and customize six diverse characters, leveling them up through unique skills, stats, and gear. The urgency of the game’s central plot adds a haunting layer of drama: with only one year left to live, the party embarks on a desperate expedition to break a relentless cycle of death that grips their world.
Star-Studded Voice Cast and Stunning Narrative
The game’s emotional depth is amplified by a talented voice cast, including Charlie Cox, Ben Starr, and Jennifer English. Critics have particularly praised the strong character development and storytelling, calling it one of the most narratively rich RPGs of the decade.
Surpassing the Competition
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has surpassed high-profile titles such as Monster Hunter Wilds, Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, and Split Fiction—a feat many didn’t anticipate at the start of the year. Still, growing excitement and positive previews hinted that the game had the potential to be something special.
Early reviews highlight the thrilling combat, emotional writing, and visually stunning presentation, calling it a masterclass in RPG design.