Warning: Spoilers ahead. If you’ve finished the acclaimed French RPG, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, you’re likely aware that it features two distinct endings. Throughout your journey influenced by the enchanting Belle Époque era, a crucial choice ultimately determines which conclusion you will witness. Naturally, this significant divergence has sparked intense discussions among fans regarding which ending should be considered ‘canonical’ or ‘correct.’ This demand for a definitive answer, however, runs counter to the intentions of the game’s creators.
Jennifer Sverberg-Yen, the lead writer at Sandfall Interactive, clarified this sentiment in an interview with Lits Play. “I tell everyone there is no correct ending, there is no canon ending, there is no official Sandfall ending,” she stated. “Both endings exist for a purpose; they were crafted with intentionality. Neither one is flawless. Both endings are profoundly moving in their own distinct ways.”
Exploring the Emotional Depths of Each Ending
It’s worth noting that the endings of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 are not particularly uplifting. The creative lead has a penchant for “really sad stories” and designed the game to present players with an “impossible choice.”
The Tough Decisions in Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
The story’s climax unfolds in a confrontation between siblings Verso and Alicia, with the choice of whom to side with significantly impacting the outcome. Each option comes at a personal cost to the characters you’ve come to care about deeply, and neither path is emotionally or ethically straightforward. This complexity intentionally mirrors the imperfect dilemmas we face in real life.
“Both characters possess traits that evoke a desire for a happy conclusion, yet each has its own repercussions,” she reflects. “It’s a representation of reality; often, the happiness of some may come with sacrifices, and perfection is seldom achievable.”
Sverberg-Yen also highlighted that she and creative director Guillaume Broche actively steered clear of a “good versus evil” narrative from the early stages of development. Instead, they aimed to present a scenario where every perspective is valid and understandable, in stark contrast to the overused tropes of clear heroes and villains. “In this case, we wanted to emphasize that both parties genuinely care for one another and have differing opinions on how to proceed,” she elaborates. “The player ultimately determines what seems like the right ending based on their unique viewpoint.”
While this approach may not quell the ongoing debates among players, it’s invigorating to witness developers confidently commit to their narrative choices. Ultimately, how you choose to conclude your journey in Clair Obscur is entirely valid—after all, it’s the experience that truly counts.
Shortly after the game’s release, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 even received acknowledgment from a celebrated French MMO, which cleverly references one of its poignant plot twists.