Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is one of the best games of the year so far. It has to be one of the front runners for this year’s top awards because it is absolutely fantastic. What makes it so great is not just the gameplay (which is sleek, stylish, and oh so fun), but the characters that make up the Expedition. They are all immensely compelling and a joy to spend time with.
But that got me thinking: how would you rank them against each other? All things being equal and fair, who would come out on top? Well, dear readers, I’m here to do just that.
Now, how am I going to rank them? Everyone has their favorites, and for good reason. They’re all terrific characters, and I’m sure they speak to everyone differently. But this is a DEFINITIVE ranking. We gotta use math and sh*t to work this out. That’s why I’ll be scoring them out of ten in three different factors, then summing those scores together. Those are:
In the event of a tie, “Squad Usefulness” will prevail because, at the end of the day, if you ain’t useful to the party, you're getting benched.
NOTE: Please be aware that these scores are in comparison with each other and not a reflection of how good or bad they are compared to other games or parties. I need to establish that a “4” is below average for THIS game only.
Now, I’ve defined the parameters, so let’s get to it!
LIGHT SPOILERS AHEAD FOR CLAIR OBSCUR: EXPEDITION 33
Squad Usefulness - 1
Character Narrative - 2
Bro Appeal - 8
Total - 11
Okay, okay! I know Esquie isn’t technically a party member you can fight with, but he does become a fully-fledged member of the Expedition. Although mainly used for traversal on the overworld map, Esquie is low-key the most powerful character in the game. He just doesn’t really get involved in human squabbles. He is a lovable goof, and he’ll be your best friend in good times and bad. However, the big guy is just who he is, and his narrative is the least developed.
Squad Usefulness - 3
Character Narrative - 5
Bro Appeal - 6
Total - 14
Gustave is your main dude for the first few hours, and his story is the one that initially hooks you. He has some terrific and heartbreaking moments, but, honestly, he becomes less and less important as we progress. His skills are kinda basic, but necessary at the onset of the game. Unfortunately, there are more useful party members added to the squad later on. In terms of Bro Appeal, he aight. Kind and caring, for sure, but also a little bit of a downer.
Squad Usefulness - 5
Character Narrative - 6
Bro Appeal - 7
Total - 18
Generally the most serious and intellectual party member, Lune can also let her hair down with a nice tune on the guitar. She is an effective support character in the early game, always good for a heal or two. But she’s also decent offensively with elemental damage. I love the way Lune is so consistent and a fantastic leader of the Expedition, but her overall contribution to the plot is lesser than some of the other members.
Squad Usefulness - 6
Character Narrative - 4
Bro Appeal - 9
Total - 19
Who’s a good boy, then? Monoco’s a good boy! This very special Gestral buddy is our faithful friend from the moment he joins your party. Man’s best friend scores high on Bro Appeal. He’s pretty powerful, but I’m not sure if I only had him in my party to progress achievements or if he was actually the best Gestral for the job. And, in terms of character development, he’s one of the weakest. However, I did like how his relationship with Noko is portrayed.
Squad Usefulness - 7
Character Narrative - 9
Bro Appeal - 7
Total - 23
Verso is a weird one. His story is awesome, tragic, and he’s connected to everything. Ben Starr is enigmatic in the role, and that makes him instantly likeable. His usefulness to the party, however, is a conundrum. He’s more powerful as you get better at the game, but if you’re not the best at parrying or dodging, then his damage output is almost pathetic. Verso is so close to being in my standard party, yet I don’t trust myself enough to make him worth it.
Squad Usefulness - 8
Character Narrative - 7
Bro Appeal - 8
Total - 23
Yes! Sciel! This might be a controversial pick, but it shouldn’t be. She’s really chill to be around, so she’s one of the people you’d go for a beer with, for sure. Her backstory belies that calmness, though, and as you learn more from your interactions, she becomes increasingly compelling. Sciel is the second name on my team sheet because, although she has decent damage output and elemental effects for the late game, she’s also an insane support character for Maelle.
Speaking of…
Squad Usefulness - 10
Character Narrative - 10
Bro Appeal - 6
Total - 26
To the surprise of nobody, the undisputed champion of this list is Maelle. Let’s face it, handled correctly and with a carefully constructed party setup, Maelle is overpowered as f*ck. She’s the team captain, she’s the number one draft pick, she’s the God damn MVP! On top of that, her story is the most intriguing in the game. It’s honestly mind-blowing. The only points she loses are in Bro Appeal. I mean, she’s a 16-year-old girl with a bunch of anxiety and existential dread. She’s still a sweet girl, but she wouldn’t be my first choice for a hangout.
So there we have it! Do you agree with this list? Let us know in the comments where we can all agree that Monoco is the bestest boy!
