Summary
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33has really taken the gaming space by storm since its release, rising to become what may put up a very strong fight at the 2025 Game Awards. In many ways, it offers something that has never (or at least, rarely) been offered before, from its jaw-dropping scenery to its captivating story, all alongside some of the most fulfilling and engaginggameplay mechanics seen in a modern RPG. However, it didn’t get here all on its own, and it has no shame in admitting where it came from, particularly when it comes to its many influences.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33is one of the largest games in recent memory, not because it has the biggest world map or the most content, but because it is somehow everything else and yet its own thing at the same time. WithinClair Obscur: Expedition 33, there are a wide variety of influences in its gameplay and worldbuilding, some of which can be clearly seen and others that are a bit more subtle. While it has the names of two of its biggest influences written all over it, one of its other influences it keeps tucked away in its pocket, revealing it every now and again in the most charming fashion.
Clair Obscur’s Zelda Influences Are Hidden Among Its Most Prominent
Clair Obscur Has Obvious Final Fantasy 10 and Persona Influences
It’s no secret by now thatClair Obscur: Expedition 33hasFinal Fantasy 10andPersonainfluences. Even those who have never played the game can see those inspirations almost as clear as day.Clair Obscur’sPersonainfluences are primarily found in its combat and art style, down to the menu design both in and out of battle looking strikingly similar toPersona 5 Royal’s. ItsFinal Fantasy 10influences, on the other hand, are a bit of a different story.
The dark themes and art design ofClair Obscurcould be likened toFinal Fantasy 16as well, which makes sense, consideringFinal Fantasy 16’s Ben Starr is also the talented voice behind Verso inClair Obscur.
UnlikeClair Obscur’sPersonainfluences, itsFinal Fantasy 10roots can be felt more than seen.Clair Obscur’s storyline revolves around a group of 33-year-olds who have set off on a dangerous Expedition to confront and eliminate the Paintress, who annually causes individuals of a specific age to vanish in amysterious phenomenon known as the “Gommage.“This premise is very similar toFinal Fantasy 10’s narrative, where a group sets out to confront a destructive force known as “Sin.” BothClair ObscurandFinal Fantasy 10explore themes of sacrifice, destiny, and the bonds formed between companions on a journey to save the world.
Clair Obscur Has Zelda Influences Hidden Beneath Its Skin as Well
PersonaandFinal Fantasy 10aren’tClair Obscur’s only influences, though — they’re just the most obvious. Hidden beneath its JRPG exoskeleton, one might find bits and pieces ofThe Legend of Zeldaas well, particularly when it comes toClair Obscur’s Gestrals. These interesting creatures resemble something straight out ofThe Legend of Zelda, most notably theOcarina of TimeandMajora’s Maskera. Their art design and peculiar personalities are a perfect fit forZelda, andClair Obscureven has players going off in search of lost Gestrals just as they do theKorok Seeds inZelda:Breath of the WildandTears of the Kingdom.
It’s no secret by now thatClair Obscur: Expedition 33hasFinal Fantasy 10andPersonainfluences.
There’s even a location onClair Obscur’s overworld map called “Lost Woods,” which may not be a direct reference toZelda’s Lost Woodsdue toClair Obscur’s being a minor location, but still seems too much of a coincidence not to be a direct reference. In any case, it’s safe to say thatClair Obscur: Expedition 33not only knows where it came from but is also okay with admitting it. While itsPersonaandFinal Fantasy 10influences are clear as day, itsZeldainfluences are also a major part of its identity. There are likely plenty of other influences there as well.
