Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is an exceptional RPG that truly deserves a place on your gaming bucket list. The gripping narrative surrounding the ill-fated mission to save the world, paired with its exhilarating turn-based combat, makes for a memorable adventure. If you’re eager for round two, the New Game Plus (NG+) mode offers a fresh perspective. However, before diving back into this compelling universe, be forewarned: your experience will differ significantly in NG+ compared to your initial playthrough.
In this guide, we’ll explore essential strategies to help you navigate your second journey through Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. From leveling strategies and uncovering hidden secrets to defeating formidable bosses, these tips will ensure a rewarding experience.
Please note: This list contains spoilers pertaining to major plot developments in Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, and is aimed at players who have completed the main storyline and are ready to embark on New Game Plus.
10. Complete All Side Quests Prior to Starting NG+
Initiating a New Game Plus run is straightforward; simply visit a save point and select the “New Game+” option. Be cautious, as the game will remind you that any progress from side quests and specific items will reset. Therefore, be sure to complete all side quests to carry over their rewards into your new adventure.
9. Assemble Your Party Immediately
In contrast to the original game, New Game Plus allows you to access most of your party members (excluding Verso) right from the get-go. All previously learned skills will transfer over as well. With tougher enemies lurking in this mode, it’s crucial to gather your full party immediately rather than sticking to just Gustave initially.
8. Strategically Replace Gustave
The poignant twist where Gustave meets his end and is replaced by Verso is shocking, especially considering it was initially unintended. Since you are already aware of this plot point, consider switching him out of the party to empower your other characters for upcoming levels. Remember, non-party characters level at a slightly slower pace, so this decision makes practical sense.
7. Always Include Monoco in Your Party
Having Monoco available at the outset of New Game Plus is invaluable. His diverse skill kit adapts to different enemies and boss fights effectively. Moreover, retaining him ensures that you can maximize his skill tree, something challenging in your first playthrough due to when he joins the team. NG+ allows you to rectify this.
6. Prioritize Weapon Upgrades
Your weapons, along with any Chroma Catalyst used for upgrades from your previous playthrough, are preserved in New Game Plus. If you’ve been stockpiling resources, now is the perfect opportunity to use them, transforming lower-tier weapons into powerful tools of destruction.
5. Use the Best Pictures and Lights
The Pictos and Lumina you acquired in your initial journey return in New Game Plus, now likely with upgraded versions. This equips you with powerful options right out of the gate. Aim to secure potent upgrades like Painted Power (damage exceeding 9, 999), Cheater (allows double moves), and Second Chance (revival at full health) during your first playthrough to amplify your effectiveness in battles.
4. Secure the Baguette
New Game Plus is your sole chance to acquire the Baguette, a weapon available exclusively at the bakery during the prologue. Ensure you have at least one festival token unspent from your previous playthrough, allowing you to purchase this quirky but potentially beneficial weapon. The Baguette’s passive effects can be leveraged for creative builds, enabling strategies like the “Auto Death”build.
3. Get Ready for Level Grinding
The upper limit for character levels is 99, although it’s not crucial for the final boss. Players often conclude their initial plays with party levels in the mid-40s. Given the increased difficulty in New Game Plus, elevating your level throughout this second run is crucial. Consider tackling The Endless Tower in Act 3, offering 33 challenges against former bosses, a highly effective way to quickly gain experience.
2. Hone Your Parrying Skills
In combat, you have options to either parry or dodge. Initially, dodging might feel more intuitive; however, with prior experience against enemies, you should find parrying to be more attainable in New Game Plus. If you need practice, the Danseuse side quest and the optional Grosse Tete encounter are ideal training grounds.
1. Master Maelle’s Stendhal Attack
Having fortified your party with powerful weapons and leveled up enough to utilize all skills, it’s time to unleash Maelle’s Stendhal, an exceptionally powerful single-hit attack. Focus Maelle’s abilities to enhance this damage, and strategically include party members like Sciel (Fortune’s Fury) or Verso (Powerful) to amplify her attack potential. When optimized, this strategy can result in staggering damage outputs, potentially obliterating bosses before they even initiate a fight.
Leave a Reply