One of the best things about Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is that its engaging narrative works perfectly well alongside its crisp, responsive turn-based combat. The mystery around the Paintress and what’s happened to other expeditions provides drive for the narrative.
As Expedition 33 sets off on their odyssey over the ocean, they bring with them the wisdom of those who have passed on tales of the Paintress’s awful strength, powerful enough to wipe out entire human civilizations and call forth her hellish creations, the Nevrons. One of the central themes of the game is applying knowledge from the past to mold and plan the battle for the future. This makes it essential to know about one of the most important historical occurrences referred to as the Fracture: when it took place and what it brought about. Keep reading to discover all the facts!
The Fracture and the Lost Expeditions in Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
In Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, the Fracture happened 67 years before the events of the game. Every year since then has had a new Expedition named based on the number shown on the Monolith during that year and sent out to learn the secrets of the Paintress and ultimately how to defeat her.
But all of these Expeditions went missing, lost to history. The series started with Expedition Zer0 (much to the surprise when people expected it to begin at 100), then there was Expedition 99, and so on to the current-day Expedition 33 that is the foundation for the current story.
This background not only deepens the game’s world-building but is also useful during a quiz given by a Lumière resident named Antoine. Answering his questions correctly, including knowing that the Fracture happened 67 years ago can earn you a small reward.
As the story progresses, you’ll uncover more about the Expeditions that came before, their sacrifices, and how they laid the groundwork for those who followed. You’ll also gain greater insight into the Paintress and her terrifying creations, the Nevrons.
The Fracture and the Paintress’s Curse in Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
In the lore of Expedition 33, the Fracture marks the moment when the Paintress and her Monolith first emerged, setting the game’s events into motion. She painted the number 100 on the Monolith, and from that point on, the world was forever changed. Though much about the Fracture remains shrouded in mystery due to how long ago it occurred, its lasting impact continues to shape life within the game’s universe.
As a result of the Fracture, the city of Lumière was cast into the sea, becoming a secluded island cut off from the rest of the world. From its shores, the Paintress and her looming Monolith can be seen across the ocean, an ever-present threat, silently waiting to paint again.
Following this cataclysmic event, a grim pattern began. Every year, those in Lumière whose age matched the number painted on the Monolith would die. Each time the Paintress awoke and altered the number, decreasing it by one-the cycle repeated. This annual ritual of death became known as the Gommage, a haunting reminder that everyone knew the exact year of their demise.
