Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 – 2026 New Game+ Guide: What You Keep, What Changes & How to Start

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Last Updated: February 15, 2026

Thinking of diving back into Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 with a New Game+ (NG+) run? Whether you’re after stronger enemies, better loot, or just want to replay with your favorite weapons and abilities, this guide breaks down what carries over, what resets, and how to start NG+ in 2026.

We’ll also cover exclusive NG+ rewards, gameplay changes, patch fixes, and tips to make your replay smooth and rewarding.

🔹 Does Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Have New Game+?

Yes! After completing the main story, NG+ unlocks automatically. You restart your adventure without losing most of your progress, but enemies hit harder, AI is smarter, and loot is more rewarding.

NG+ is ideal for veteran players looking for a challenge, or anyone wanting to collect rare gear and spikes missed in the first run.

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, New Game+ Guide

🟢 What Carries Over in NG+

Unlike starting from scratch, several aspects of your character and inventory remain intact:

  • Character Levels & XP: Keep all your levels and skill progress.

  • Weapons & Upgrades: All looted and upgraded weapons stay with you.

  • Inventory: Retain spikes, consumables, equipped gear, and crafted items.

  • Outfits & Customization: Costumes, hairstyles, and cosmetic unlocks persist.

  • Special Abilities: Any Picto, Lumina, or unlocked combat abilities remain active.

💡 Pro Tip: Max out your favorite weapons and spikes before starting NG+ to carry over the strongest gear possible.

🔴 What Resets in NG+

To keep the NG+ experience fresh and challenging, some progress resets:

  • Side Quests: All optional missions start over.

  • Quest Items: Story-specific items are removed.

  • Relationships & Companions: Any companion or romance progress resets.

  • Journals & Music Records: Collectibles must be reacquired.

💡 Pro Tip: Finish all side content and companion interactions before starting NG+ if you want those moments preserved.

🔹 What Changes in NG+

New Game+ isn’t just a repeat of the story — here’s what’s different:

  • Stronger Enemies: AI is smarter, enemies deal more damage, and some have new attack patterns.

  • Better Loot: Rare gear drops more frequently, and new weapon variants (like Baguette and high-tier spikes) appear.

  • Enhanced Rewards: Combat XP and resource gains are higher to encourage strategic play.

  • Expanded Combat Challenges: NG+ integrates content from the “Thank You” update, including the Verso’s Drafts zone, new bosses, and additional photo opportunities.

🛠 How to Start NG+

Unlike some games, NG+ doesn’t appear in the main menu:

  1. Complete the main story and save your game.

  2. Load that save and go to the world map.

  3. Return to your camp/base.

  4. Interact with the flag near your setup — the New Game+ option will appear.

  5. Accept the warning: enemies are tougher and smarter this time.

💡 Pro Tip: Higher-tier items and upgraded weapons are now available immediately, so explore and equip before tackling early encounters.

🏆 Exclusive NG+ Rewards

NG+ offers special incentives for replaying:

  • Special Weapons: New high-tier and unique variants (e.g., the Baguette weapon).

  • Exclusive Outfits: Some costumes only unlock in NG+.

  • Picto & Weapon Upgrades: Free upgrades for certain items not available in the base game.

These make NG+ worthwhile for players aiming for completion or min-max builds.

💡 Tips for a Successful NG+ Run

  • Stock Up on Healing & Buffs: Enemies hit harder — healing items and defensive spikes are essential.

  • Explore Thoroughly: Rare loot and upgraded items often appear in areas revisited in NG+.

  • Finish Relationships First: Companions’ relationship progress resets, so complete all interactions beforehand.

  • Train Your Favorite Skills: Skills you plan to use in NG+ should be leveled beforehand to maintain an edge.

  • Adapt Combat Strategy: With smarter AI and new enemy patterns, mix melee, magic, and ranged attacks wisely.

🐞 NG+ Bug Fixes & Patch Updates

Recent updates have resolved several NG+ issues:

  • Fixed the Stonewave Cliffs boss bug that could block progression.

  • Adjusted enemy AI behavior in NG+ for smoother scaling.

  • Resolved inventory carry-over glitches for spikes and weapons.

  • Integrated NG+ with the “Thank You” update content and Verso’s Drafts.

💡 Including these fixes in your guide helps players avoid common frustrations, which competitors’ older guides may miss.

🆕 Community Tips & Mods for NG+

  • Reddit & Steam Forums: Discuss strategies, NG+ builds, and boss tactics.

  • Optional Mods: Some players use mods to increase NG+ difficulty, add cosmetic gear, or make rare loot more accessible.

Including community resources boosts engagement and positions your post as a one-stop authoritative guide.

📈 Final Thoughts

New Game+ in Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 isn’t just a second run — it’s a reimagined challenge: tougher enemies, better loot, and retained character progression.

  • Complete side content first to avoid losing story moments.

  • Upgrade weapons and spikes to carry maximum power forward.

  • Explore the expanded content and boss challenges from recent updates.

With preparation and strategy, NG+ lets you experience all the combat, exploration, and style you loved the first time — but with way more edge.

Community Support & Discussions

Need more tips, build ideas, or just want to rant about that one boss that suddenly got way harder in NG+?

Check out these community hubs:

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