Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Act 1 Guide – Beginner Combat, Boss Fights & Exploring Lumière

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Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a breathtaking action RPG that blends turn-based strategy with real-time combat in a darkly artistic world. Act 1 introduces you to the city of Lumière, the looming threat of the Gommage, and the game’s core systems—from parrying mechanics to your first major boss battles.

This beginner-friendly guide walks you through Act 1’s combat basics, key exploration areas, and boss strategies to help you kick off your journey with confidence.

🛫 Getting Started in Act 1

Prologue: Introduction to Lumière

The game begins with Gustave and Sophie navigating Lumière, a city in turmoil. You’ll learn the fundamentals of movement, interaction, and combat while preparing for the trials ahead.

Key Activities in the Prologue

  • Combat Tutorial with Maelle
    Learn core mechanics: parrying, dodging, and using Gustave’s Overcharge ability.

  • Optional Challenge – Lumière Mime
    Defeating this enemy rewards extra Chroma (currency) and helps you practice combat timing.

  • Earn Festival Tokens (3 Total)

    • Answer Antoine’s quiz correctly.

    • Win a duel against Maelle (same mechanics as tutorial).

    • Give Jules the uniform to earn the Crimson Outfit.

For performance optimization, check out Best PC Settings to Max FPS in Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Act 1 Guide

⚔️ Beginner Combat Guide

Clair Obscur’s hybrid combat system is what sets it apart. Here's what you need to master early on:

1. Action Points (AP) & Skill Slots

  • Each character gets 6 skill slots.

  • You gain AP each turn—spend it wisely.

  • Overcharge: Gustave builds stacks by attacking and parrying; unleash it at 10 stacks for massive burst damage.

2. Dodging vs. Parrying

  • Dodge (B Button): Safer, but provides no bonuses.

  • Parry (RB Button): More difficult, but rewards you with +1 AP and counterattack opportunities.

3. Gradient Attacks & Counters

  • Build up Gradient Charge by using skills.

  • When the screen darkens, time a Gradient Counter to deal devastating damage.

4. Elemental Weaknesses & Shields

  • Enemies have elemental affinities like Lightning, Fire, or Dark.

  • Break shields using multi-hit skills or Free Aim shots.

🌍 Exploring Act 1: Key Locations & Objectives

1. Spring Meadows

Your journey begins in a lush field turned battlefield.

  • Defeat Lanceliers – Aim for their glowing heads for bonus damage.

  • Paint Cage Puzzle – Shoot 3 hidden locks to unlock rare loot.

  • Boss: Eveque – Rest and upgrade at the nearby Expedition Flag before taking her on.

2. Flying Waters

A narrow, trap-laden zone packed with hazards.

  • Exploding Mines – Turn into Demineur enemies if not neutralized quickly.

  • Boss: Goblu – Equip Lune with Fire skills; avoid healing pools during the fight.

3. Ancient Sanctuary & Gestral Village

Where story and strategy deepen.

  • Robust Sakapatate – Exploit elemental weaknesses to win.

  • Ultimate Sakapatate – Dodge its slam attacks; it charges a one-shot AoE.

  • Chief Golgra’s Trial – A duel against the village champion unlocks Act 2 progress.

For build prep later: In-Depth Character Builds: Maelle's High-Damage Strategies

🧠 Act 1 Boss Fight Strategies

1. Eveque – Spring Meadows

  • Weakness: Lightning

  • Mechanics: Summons adds—take them out first.

  • Pro Tip: Perfectly parry her 3-hit combo to unleash a strong counter.

2. Goblu – Flying Waters

  • Weakness: Fire

  • Mechanics: Creates healing pools—destroy them ASAP.

  • Pro Tip: Use Gradient Attacks after stagger for a fast finish.

3. Ultimate Sakapatate – Ancient Sanctuary

  • Weakness: Ice

  • Mechanics: Charges a one-shot AoE—dodge it at the last second.

  • Pro Tip: Bring Healing Tints and a support-focused Sciel build.

🧩 Essential Tips for Surviving Act 1

  • Rest at Expedition Flags – Refills items, saves progress, and lets you allocate skill points.

  • Farm Chroma Early – Overworld enemies drop currency for upgrades and Pictos (passives).

  • Use Free Aim – Perfect for breaking enemy shields and hitting weak points.

  • Tailor Your Skills – Adapt your loadout to match enemy weaknesses and boss mechanics.

  • Talk to Party Members at Camp – Boost relationships to unlock unique Gradient Combos.

🎨 Conclusion

Act 1 of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is more than just a tutorial—it’s a test of your ability to read enemies, respond with precision, and master hybrid combat. Take your time to explore, experiment with builds, and get comfortable with parrying and Gradient Attacks. With these tools in hand, you'll be more than ready for the trials that await in Act 2.

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