- Primary Subject: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
- Key Update: This critique highlights how the dating mechanics for Verso feel shallow, lack gameplay benefits, and actively dilute the narrative's intense, high-stakes countdown.
- Status: Confirmed / Opinion
- Last Verified: July 9, 2026
- Quick Answer: Romancing Sciel or Lune offers zero unique combat advantages, serving as a narrative distraction that has no bearing on the game's two final endings.
You can ask anyone - Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is one of my favorite games of all time.
I was so obsessed with it that I replayed it from scratch to get both endings. I fought every enemy and scoured all over the map to unlock every outfit. I became so emotionally attached to Gustave that I shed real tears when... THAT happened to him.
Story-wise and combat-wise, I think it's a 10/10. But there's one thing about the game that still grinds my gears.
Why Is There Romance in Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Anyway?
I never understood why Verso could even romance Sciel or Lune in Expedition 33. In fact, while playing, it was the only thing I hated about the game.
Having romance involved felt like it was only added just for the sake of fan service. The plot of Expedition 33 is intense - it's a race against time to stop the Paintress and save humanity from being Gomagged.
Sneaking off to swim with Sciel or help Lune write a song might be nice to break tension, but it just isn't realistic. If anything, adding these dating sim-esque moments feels shallow and dilutes the high-stakes mission they're on.
It doesn't help that romancing the characters has no impact on the actual story. It's just a nice thing to have. But at the end of the day, there are only two actual endings to pick from. Honestly, it feels like something you'd only consider doing if you're down bad or a completionist.
Maybe I wouldn't feel that way if the romance paths were actually good. But they aren't. You can only start romancing deep into the game (in Act 2), and you can only pick between Sciel or Lune. If you choose Sciel, it's basically just a fling. Lune's is a bit more substantial, but it doesn't matter because Verso will shatter her trust anyway.
On top of that, romancing Sciel or Lune provides no gameplay benefits. Unlike in Persona or Fire Emblem, where building a relationship actually gives you combat advantages or stat boosts, romancing in Expedition 33 gives you... practically nothing. When you reach the maximum relationship level (whether platonic or romantic, mind you), you get Level 3 Gradient Attacks and character-specific music records. Romancing doesn't actually add anything to the party's combat efficiency.
To summarize, romancing in Expedition 33 is useless and shallow. The game would be better without it, because at least we wouldn't be distracted by it at all.
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