Sure, you can dive into Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 on handheld gaming devices like the Steam Deck, ASUS ROG Ally, and Lenovo Legion Go. However, for the smoothest gameplay, you might need to fiddle with the settings a bit.
Despite not being officially compatible with the Steam Deck, players have found ways to get the game running smoothly on it. Community testing has shown positive results with some adjustments in place.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 burst onto the scene even though Bethesda stole a bit of its thunder with the surprise release of Oblivion Remastered. This debut title from Sandfall Interactive is turning heads with its intriguing blend of turn-based fantasy RPG elements. Set against the chilling backdrop of a world inspired by the Belle Époque era, players embark on an epic quest to take down a mysterious figure known as the Paintress, who is erasing humanity.
Critics are raving, highlighting its blend of turn-based tactics and real-time action, compelling narrative, and stunning presentation. It has received high marks across gaming platforms like Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC, and PS5, and I joined in the praise, awarding it 4.5 out of 5 stars. The combination of strategic depth and real-time action offers a refreshing experience that stands out from the crowd.
With its critical acclaim and availability via Xbox Game Pass, many are eager to play Clair Obscur on the go. Handheld devices have gained a significant following due to their convenience and affordability compared to full gaming rigs. Although these smaller machines sometimes struggle with newer games, Clair Obscur has been an exception with the right tweaks.
For Steam Deck users, the game is labeled as Unsupported, but some tinkering with the settings can render a stable gaming experience. To get the best out of Clair Obscur on the Deck, adjust your upscaling to TSR and set the resolution scale to Medium at 75%. Locking your framerate to 30 helps maintain stability. If you’re adventurous, you can unlock additional settings by altering launch options, but be prepared for some trade-offs in frame rate.
More robust devices like the ASUS ROG Ally and Lenovo Legion Go handle the game more fluently. Sticking to the TSR setting with Medium graphics will give you an optimal balance of performance and quality, while setting the resolution to 720p with a resolution scale between 50% and 75% keeps you between 50-70 FPS.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is available now for $49.99 on Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC, and PS5. You can also get it on Xbox or PC through Xbox Game Pass, or find it discounted at various retailers. It’s a top pick for RPG enthusiasts this year, offering memorable gameplay and rich storytelling that shouldn’t be missed.