Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a dark-fantasy role-playing game that combines storytelling with tactical and turn-based combat. The game features several interesting elements, but one of the most engaging parts is its diverse characters. In total, there are six characters that are available for the combat role in the game, each of which brings its tactics.
As with most RPGs, it is crucial to understand your characters and who is best suited to lead the charge or who is best for background support. This guide ranks every playable combat character in Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 based on their overall effectiveness in battle.
All Character Rankings in Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
Moscow / Maelle (S-Tier)
- Best Attributes: Agility, Might
Maelle is one of the strongest characters in Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. She is a stance-based warrior and stands out because of her ability to switch roles easily. She can apply powerful debuffs and status effects to enemies, which makes her a strong character for both solo execution and team support. Her stances allow her to be both offensive and defensive, and let her adapt to different situations based on the enemy’s weaknesses.
One of the most impressive features about Maelle is that she can adapt to all acts of the game. With her versatile toolkit, she can interact and survive in any condition. However, she is not a beginner-friendly character, and you may have to learn her stances effectively and invest more time in adjusting to her speed. But in any case, she is a major asset to the party.
Verso (A-Tier)
- Best Attributes: Luck, Might
Verso is an all-rounder character in Expedition 33. He features fighting mechanics similar to Gustave's, however, he shines as a frontline warrior because he can withstand heavy damage. In terms of survival, no one can beat Verso, and his fighting mechanics are also easier to master in the game.
But what sets Verso apart from others is his well-rounded skill set. He brings great weapon scaling as he has Luck and Might attributes. This allows him to trigger helpful passive. He is introduced midgame, but luckily, he remains relevant until the final boss. For those who want an easy-to-master hero, Verso is the perfect pick.
Lune (A-Tier)
- Best Attributes: Defense, Vitality
Lune is a mage character in the game and is an excellent choice for players who like spellcasting and combo-based mechanics. She can control elements like fire and ice during the battle, and can generate Stains whenever you use one of her spells. When executed well, her damage output can be devastating and surpass most of the characters, but it takes time to master her fully.
Lune’s effectiveness relies heavily on how you plan and correctly time her moves. But it can also backfire if you use the wrong skill at the wrong time. Lune can be your main healer during the expedition and her Defense and Vitality attributes allow her to survive longer in the game.
Sciel (A-Tier)
- Best Attributes: Luck, Agility
Sciel offers some of the most unique mechanics in the game. She is a tarot master and a scythe wielder. She uses Sun and Moon cards to build toward a Twilight state, which enhances her damage potential. Her animations and design make her one of the most stylish characters to play. But her mechanics are not for everyone.
Sciel’s combat style takes time to learn and is less forgiving compared to others. If you do not properly manage her card cycles, her potential drops significantly. If you invest in Luck for crit potential and Agility for speed, she can become a high-risk, high-reward addition to your party.
Monoco (A-Tier)
- Best Attributes: Might, Agility
Monoco is one of the most intriguing characters in the game. He is introduced late in the story, has a creature-like appearance, and doesn't have a traditional skill tree. Instead, Monoco absorbs skills from enemies. His humor and unusual animations also make him one of the more memorable characters at the party.
The biggest challenge with Monoco is its late-game arrival and unconventional learning system. You will need to spend time in battles to get the right skills, which can be frustrating for some players. However, if you commit to mastering his mechanics, you will find him a valuable character that can rival any A-tier unit.
Gustave (B-Tier)
- Best Attributes: Agility, Luck
Gustave is the first character players control and offers a well-rounded introduction to Expedition 33’s mechanics. He has healing skills, buffs, and offensive options, including his signature Overcharge lightning attack. Gustave is a good team player in the early game and remains versatile enough to adapt to different builds.
His stats and skill set are eventually overshadowed by characters like Verso, who fills his role better. With that said, Gustave is a solid early-game performer and serves as an effective tutorial for understanding the game’s deeper mechanics.