Yes — the excitement is real.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 isn’t just one of the biggest RPG releases of 2025; it has quickly become a global gaming phenomenon, inspiring a growing collector’s market and creating new opportunities for gamers, creators, and resellers.
In just eight months since its April 24, 2025 release, Expedition 33 has:
- Sold 8.2 million copies in the first month
- Reached #1 simultaneously on Steam, PlayStation Store, and Xbox
- Sparked a collector’s edition boom
- Inspired a thriving economy around physical editions, digital cosmetics, and creator content
While no outcome is guaranteed, the game’s momentum suggests it may continue to attract strong interest throughout 2026.
Table of Contents
Why Expedition 33 Exploded in Popularity
1. The Viral “33 Curse” Storyline
The game’s narrative — where the Paintress paints a number each year and everyone of that age disappears — struck a cultural nerve.
Clips of the opening monologue surpassed 300 million views across TikTok and X, making it one of the year’s most-shared game intros.
Gen-Z memes, reaction videos, and theory threads helped push the game to mainstream visibility.
2. Critical Praise Across the Industry
Expedition 33 earned near-universal acclaim:
- IGN: 10/10 – “A masterpiece that redefines the genre.”
- GameSpot: 10/10 – “The best RPG since Persona 5.”
- Metacritic: 96 – highest-rated game of 2025
With reviews like these, casual gamers and RPG fans jumped in immediately.
3. A Record-Breaking Xbox Game Pass Launch
Microsoft confirmed that Expedition 33 broke multiple Game Pass records, surpassing major launches including Starfield and Call of Duty.
This instant exposure placed the game in front of more than 20 million players within weeks.
How Players Are Participating in the Expedition 33 Economy
A large part of the game’s community excitement comes from the strong secondary market surrounding physical editions, cosmetics, and creator content.
While prices fluctuate and profits aren’t guaranteed, here’s what the community is currently experiencing:
1. Limited Physical Editions
Collector enthusiasm has made certain editions highly sought-after.
Examples from recent online marketplace listings show:
- Collector’s Edition (MSRP $199) → several sold listings in the $1,800–$2,500 range
- Paintress Statue Edition ($449) → occasionally seen above $4,000 sealed
- Signed Art Book Bundle ($120) → often listed around $1,200
Collectors note that the French and Japanese versions appear to be among the rarest.
2. Steam Trading Cards & Badges
There is steady demand for Expedition 33’s digital collectibles:
- Full badge sets often sell in the $180–$220 range
- Foil badges can reach above $1,000
Some users run multiple accounts to farm cards, although results vary depending on market conditions.
3. Digital Cosmetic Market
Limited-time cosmetics such as the “Monochrome Maelle” outfit, originally priced at $9.99, have appeared on third-party trade sites for significantly higher resale values, depending on rarity and demand.
4. Creator Content Boom on YouTube & Twitch
Expedition 33 has become one of the biggest content drivers of the year:
- 15 of the top 20 gaming videos this month relate to Expedition 33
- New creators posting playthroughs frequently gain tens of thousands of subscribers within weeks
- Major streamers like Asmongold and CohhCarnage reported over 150k concurrent viewers during launch week
Some creators report dramatic channel growth thanks to walkthroughs, lore videos, and challenge runs.
5. Merchandising & Print-On-Demand Interest
Fan-made apparel and posters — when created using legally permissible transformative designs — have seen strong demand on platforms like Etsy and Redbubble.
Popular examples include:
- “Join Expedition 33” apparel
- “Paintress Did Nothing Wrong” designs
- Stylized key-art reinterpretations
Sellers note consistent traffic, though competition and platform policies vary.
Where to Buy Expedition 33 (December 2025 Deals)
- Steam Winter Sale: $47.99 (40% off)
- Xbox: $49.99 or available with Game Pass
- PlayStation: $52.99 (includes bonus dynamic theme)
- Physical Standard Edition: around $45 on Amazon
Collectors speculate that sealed copies may rise in value over time, though this depends on future demand.
What’s Next for Expedition 33 in 2026?
While the market can change at any time, key upcoming events may influence interest:
- Q1 2026: Free “Expedition 32” story DLC
- Mid-2026: Nintendo Switch 2 port expected
- 2027: Potential sequel announcement (“Expedition 30”)
Historically, major RPG franchises tend to see increased collector demand when sequels are announced.
Final Verdict: A Must-Play RPG With a Growing Community Market
Even without the collectible boom, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 stands out as one of the decade’s best RPG experiences — blending turn-based and real-time combat, striking art direction, and emotional storytelling.
For players, collectors, and content creators, the game offers multiple ways to engage with its expanding ecosystem.
While no financial results can be predicted or guaranteed, the current interest surrounding Expedition 33 is undeniably strong, and the community continues to grow rapidly.
If you’re planning to explore the game — for the story, the art, the gameplay, or the collector scene — now is an excellent time to jump in.