If you’ve finished playingClair Obscur: Expedition 33and want to play something that scratches the same itch, there are quite a few role-playing games out there that share similar gameplay styles and likely even influenced the development ofClair Obscur. Before you get to any of the games on this list, though, I’d highly recommend replaying Clair Obscur at least one more time, as you’ll likely catch something you didn’t on your first (or even your second) playthrough.
Clair Obscuris full ofmysteries and secretsthat are well worth replaying, and theturn-based combatmechanics and diversity of character builds that are possible make it well worth replaying multiple times. However, if you’re finally ready to move on and haven’t played any of the games below, you’ll find very similar styles of gameplay in each of these selections.
10Legend Of Heroes: Trails In The Sky Is A Great World
The Trails Series Shares Many Common Features With Clair Obscur
you may’t really go wrong with any game in theLegend of Heroesseriesin terms of similarities withClair Obscur.TheTrails in the Skytrilogy would be my top recommendation from the series, though all of them share common JRPG features fromClair Obscur.Both games share a deep focus on narrative, world-building, and rich character development. LikeExpedition 33,Trailsdelivers emotionally driven storytelling with high-stakes conflictsand deep philosophical themes.
Trails also excels in building interconnected stories across multiple titles, much like how Expedition 33 teases a larger mythos.
Turn-based combat is central to both, offering strategic depth and unique abilities tied to each character’s personality and growth.Trailsalso excels in building interconnected stories across multiple titles, much like howClair Obscurteases a larger mythos. Players who appreciate the artistic flair and atmospheric tone ofClair Obscurwill find similar immersion inTrails’vibrant setting. If you’re looking for an emotionally resonant JRPG with strong writing and satisfying progression,theTrailsseries delivers that experience in spades.
9Dragon Quest 11: Echoes of an Elusive Age Has It All
A Vibrant World With Engaging Characters
If you lovedClair Obscur: Expedition 33,Dragon Quest 11is a natural next step. Both games feature turn-based combat systems with strong strategic elements and visually stunning, stylized worlds. LikeClair Obscur,Dragon Quest XIdelivers a rich narrativefilled withemotional moments, memorable characters, and a journey of self-discovery. The story unfolds with dramatic twists and philosophical undertones, much like the introspective themes found inClair Obscur.
If you like the fusion and focus on art and narrative inClair Obscur,you’ll enjoyDragon Quest 11’s vibrant environments and beautiful music. The pacing balances exploration, character growth, and high-stakes battles,offering a complete and satisfying RPG experience. If you’re looking for another emotionally engaging adventure with heart and depth,Dragon Quest 11is an excellent choice.
8Persona 5 Is Big On Style
Clair Obscur Director Says This Is “The Best Game In The World”
Persona 5offers a similarly unforgettable experience asClair Obscur. Both games blend stylish visuals, deep emotional storytelling, and turn-based combat with a unique flair. LikeClair Obscur,Persona 5explores psychological themes and the innerstruggles of its core characters, diving into the hearts and minds of its characters. The game’s narrative is rich with moral complexity, and the director ofClair Obscur,Guillaume Broche, has even stated thatPersona 5is"the best game in the world when it comes to UI and combat visuals."
Its bold art direction and soundtrack create a strong atmosphere, very similar toClair Obscur’sstyle. With a dynamic cast of complex characters, layered storylines, and high-stakes battles,Persona 5isperfect for players seeking depth and meaning in their RPG experience. If you were captivated by the emotional themes and striking ambiance ofClair Obscur,Persona 5(and the entirePersonaseries really) should be on your list.
7Metaphor: ReFantazio Has Strategic Combat
Strategy Is Key In Both ReFantazio & Clair Obscur
Metaphor: ReFantaziooffers a compelling combat experience that’s perfect for fans ofClair Obscur: Expedition 33, especially the strategic gameplay elements. LikeClair Obscur,every encounter requires well-thought-out decisions. Its hybrid system combines fast-paced real-time skirmishes in the overworld with deep turn-based battles built around a refined Press Turn mechanic.
Each party member contributes a “turn icon,” and exploiting enemy weaknesses grants extra icons, while missteps can cost multiple turns.The intricate archetype system allows skill inheritance across 40+ roles, enabling bespoke builds and synergized attacks. Combat also emphasizes strategic positioning, buff/debuff mechanics, and tactical resource use. If you enjoyed the layered strategy ofClair Obscur’scombatencounters,ReFantazioelevates that by demanding sound strategy.
6Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door Has Combat Timing
A Charming & Light-Hearted Experience Reminiscent Of Clair Obscur
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33fans will want to playPaper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door,as it offers a surprisingly similar experience with its blend of turn-based combat, emotional storytelling, and unique visual style.Both games balance a whimsical presentation with deeper themes hidden beneath the surface.Thousand-Year Door’scombat system stands out with its timing-based mechanics, making every battle more interactive and strategic, much like the thoughtful choices and precise dodge/parry timing required inClair Obscur.
WhilePaper Mario: The Thousand-Year Doorwas originally released on the GameCube, a remake of the original is available for the Nintendo Switch.
The game’s world is full of personality, mystery, and narrative depth, with each chapter revealing new layers and quirky characters who grow alongside Mario. If you were drawn to the artistic storytelling, stylized combat, and narrative stakes ofClair Obscur,Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Doorwillcharm and challenge you in all the right ways.
5Final Fantasy 10 Sets A Standard
The Game Clair Obscur Strives To Be
Final Fantasy 10is arguably the game thatClair Obscurwanted to be, especially for its refined turn-based combat.FF10uses the Conditional Turn-Based Battle (CTB) system, which removes the typical time pressure and lets you see the turn order, allowing for deliberate, strategic planning.Swapping party members mid-battle adds another layer of tactical depth, letting you respond to varying enemies and battle conditions, similar to howClair Obscurencourages thoughtful team synergy with skill selection and buff/debuff strategies.
Both games emphasize emotional storytelling as well, withFinal Fantasy 10’sworld of SpiraechoingClair Obscur’smelancholic beautyand existential themes.The tone is mature and reflective, exploring sacrifice, identity, and fate.If you appreciated Clair Obscur’s balance of narrative weight and smart, stylish combat,Final Fantasy 10delivers in a timeless, unforgettable way.
4Disco Elysium Offers Philosophical Storytelling
An Untraditional RPG With Clair Obscur Vibes
If you were drawn to the introspective storytelling and philosophical themes ofClair Obscur: Expedition 33,Disco Elysiumis a natural next step. While not a traditional RPG, it shares a deep focus on character development and internal conflict. Both games place a strong emphasis on narrative turning points and the consequences a character’s decisions carry, only inDisco Elysium,the battles are psychological rather than physical.
Instead of turn-based combat, you engage in thought-provoking dialogue and internal debates shaped by your skills and past decisions. The surreal, painterly world of Revachol mirrors the dreamlike yet decaying beauty ofClair Obscur’ssetting. If you appreciated howClair Obscurused fantasy to explore meaning, identity, and despair,Disco Elysiumoffers a raw, haunting, and brilliantly written experiencethat challenges you just as deeply.
3Citizen Sleeper Explores Rich Themes
A Space Adventure With A Similarly Melancholic Atmosphere As Clair Obscur
Citizen Sleeperoffers a similarly powerful experience asClair Obscur,but as withDisco Elysium, it’s through a completely different lens. Both games explore themes of identity, mortality, and the struggle for meaning in a fading world.Citizen Sleepertrades traditional combat for a dice-based systemthat emphasizes survival, choice, and consequence, much like howClair Obscur’sturn-based battles are shaped by strategy and emotional stakes.
The Citizen Sleeper 2 sequel was released earlier this year for all platforms, and is a faithful and compelling follow-up to the original.
The narrative inCitizen Sleeperis deeply personal and branching, driven by your relationships and the ethical dilemmas you face, echoingClair Obscur’sphilosophical depth. Set on a crumbling space station, its setting feelsas artistically distinct and melancholic asClair Obscur’sdreamlike world.If you were moved byClair Obscur’satmosphere and narrative weight,Citizen Sleeperdelivers a similarly thoughtful and immersive journey.
2NieR: Automata Delivers Grand Emotions
A Quintessential RPG Experience
If you were moved by the emotional weight and depth ofClair Obscur: Expedition 33,NieR: Automatais an absolute must-play.Both games explore existential questions of life and deaththrough stylized, melancholic worlds and deeply human characters, even when those characters aren’t human at all. WhileNieR: Automatauses real-time combat instead of turn-based systems, it sharesClair Obscur’semphasis on poetic and linear storytelling in a mysterious and highly explorable world.
The gameplay fluidly shifts between combat, exploration, and narrative sequences, all reinforcing its core themes. LikeClair Obscur, NieRexcels at emotional storytelling that challenges players' understanding of what’s happening.Multiple playthroughs unveil new perspectives, which is likewise one of the best aspects ofClair Obscur’sNG+ mode. If you appreciatedClair Obscurfor its soul, atmosphere, and thought-provoking narrative,NieR: Automatais an essential RPG to add to your library.
1Lost Odyssey Lays Out Some Clair Obscur Ideas
Clair Obscur Is Like A Spiritual Successor To Lost Odyssey
If you enjoyed the combat mechanics ofClair Obscur: Expedition 33,Lost Odysseyis an Xbox exclusive that offers a similarly interactive system with turn-based mechanics. In particular, the Pictos system, where you can learn the passive effects and equip it as a Lumina, is straight out of theLost Odysseyplaybook. LikeClair Obscur,Lost Odysseyalso relies on strategic party composition and perfecting timing during combat. Its unique “Aim Ring” system adds an interactive layer to attacks, withquick-time events that can enhance damage or apply specific effects, bringing an interactive element to otherwise classic turn-based encounters.
Each character has a distinct role and unique abilities, and immortals must learn skills from mortals, encouraging experimentation and planning for the endgame. Boss fights in both games reward strategic balance and resource management, making every encounter meaningful.Lost Odysseydelivers a grounded but emotionally charged system that feels equally impactful and rewarding asClair Obscur: Expedition 33, and it should definitely be on your list of RPGs to play next.
