The following contains spoilers for Clair Obscur: Expedition 33.
One of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33's best features is without a doubt its story. From start to finish, not only is Clair Obscur's narrative relatable and easy to follow, but it is emotional, engrossing, and captivating to witness unfold. However, no good story would be what it is without some memorable characters to carry it forward, and Clair Obscur certainly has that. From Gustave to Lune, from Maelle to Sciel, Clair Obscur's cast of playable characters are some of the best-written in the industry.
While all of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33's characters have their merits, though, Esquie is undeniably its breakout star. Players will encounter Esquie not too far into the game's story, and whether it's his adorable, lovable, and all-around good nature or the fact that he is one of Clair Obscur's most useful characters, Esquie stands out on a level that every other character in the game fails to match.
The Unwritten Rules of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Explained
Before venturing into Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, there are some unwritten rules about its combat and exploration players should take note of.
Esquie Is Clair Obscur: Expedition 33's Best Character
Esquie Is One of the Most Lovable, Adorable, and All-Around Good Characters
Clair Obscur has no shortage of amazing characters, many of whom have a good heart and are easily branded on players' brains long before the credits roll. However, Esquie is perhaps the most distinctive character of the bunch, as his appearance, personality, and purity all make him unlike anyone else. When players first encounter him, he seems a bit intimidating, even to the point that it feels like a boss fight may be on the way. Fortunately, things go in the opposite direction and Esquie quickly becomes one of the dearest friends any of Clair Obscur's playable characters has.
While all of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33's characters have their merits, though, Esquie is undeniably its breakout star.
Esquie is one of a kind in Clair Obscur. He's essentially one big teddy bear who gives the best hugs, whose blunt honesty is comforting, and whose innocence is refreshing in such a dark and doomed world. He is always ready to offer his belly as a giant pillow and his arms as a security blanket if his friends need them, and he wants to help in any other way he can — unless he's feeling lazy. This is all, of course, not to mention the fact that he's a great ballet dancer, as shown during Verso's piano scene at camp in Clair Obscur's story.
Esquie Also Functions as Clair Obscur's Mount
Personality isn't the only thing Esquie has going for him in Clair Obscur either. Rather than just being a heartwarming side character, Esquie is Clair Obscur's mount, allowing the party to traverse the overworld map much more efficiently than they can on foot. As players progress through Clair Obscur's story and then complete Esquie's companion quest, they will unlock the ability for him to swim, fly, and even dive underwater, leading to more opportunities for discovery and reward.
Esquie is actually one of the most powerful figures in Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, as he is shown taking down a giant monstrosity that is a hundred times his size. However, the game justifies his unplayable status by characterizing him as "lazy."
Esquie might look like comic relief at first glance, but he ends up being the heart of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 in more ways than one. He's not just a companion character players grow to love, but he's essential to how they explore, how they connect with the world, and how they remember the game long after it ends. His kindness and usefulness go hand in hand, creating a character that's both emotionally grounding and mechanically rewarding. In a story full of pain, resistance, and beauty, Esquie becomes the moment of peace players didn’t know they needed.
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 92 /100 Critics Rec: 97%
- Released
- April 24, 2025
- ESRB
- Mature 17+ / Blood and Gore, Strong Language, Suggestive Themes, Violence
- Developer(s)
- Sandfall Interactive
- Publisher(s)
- Kepler Interactive
WHERE TO PLAY
- Engine
- Unreal Engine 5
- Genre(s)
- Turn-Based RPG, JRPG, Fantasy
