Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 – Top Pictograms for Early Game Success

For enthusiasts of JRPGs, anticipation can quickly turn into a waiting game, eagerly seeking the next installment of iconic titles like Final Fantasy or Dragon Quest. However, amidst the usual mixed results from new IPs, gems occasionally emerge, and Clair Obscur is a prime example of this. With its rich exploration elements, visually striking environments, and an intricately woven narrative that balances the serious with the surreal, this game truly stands out. Yet, what underpins the captivating experience is its dynamic combat system.

The game features a unique blend of familiar turn-based mechanics reminiscent of Persona, alongside real-time quick time events (QTEs) and parries, creating an engaging combat experience that’s both fun and challenging. Players will discover a wealth of resources—including Pictos—that offer powerful buffs during battles. This prompts an essential question: which Pictos should you prioritize in the early stages of your journey through the game?

For this discussion, we’ll evaluate Pictos that can be unlocked up to Esquie’s Nest, approximately 10 hours into the game, assuming exploration of side quests is included.

10 Burning Shot

Twisted Firestarter

First on our list is Burning Shot, a Picto that excels in dealing consistent burn damage across combat rounds. While many burning abilities consume significant action points (AP), this Picto allows players to potentially inflict burn damage with their free aim shots, offering strategic flexibility.

This maneuver does carry some risk, especially if targeting weak points, since its damage output is otherwise low. However, when luck is on your side, it can lead to effective damage over time and additional AP for executing stronger attacks. Despite its one-in-five chance of success, it remains a valuable early-game choice, particularly against fire-weak Gestrals.

9 Versatile

Adapt & Overcome

Next up is Versatile, a Picto that enhances your free aim shots without the penalty of reverting to basic low-damage attacks post-use. When equipped, this Picto increases your base attack damage by 50%, as long as you’ve utilized at least one free aim shot during your turn.

While free aim may not always be the optimal tactic—working best against enemies with weak points or airborne foes—its utility in the early game is often surprising.

8 Dodger

Can’t Hit What You Can’t Catch

Although Dodger may not align with every player’s style—especially those who prefer parrying—its benefits are undeniable for some. This Picto awards an additional AP point for each perfect dodge executed, offering an alternative to parrying during complicated combinations.

If you can master your timing, dodging may provide an excellent avenue for accumulating AP and setting up powerful counterattacks in subsequent turns. While it won’t replace the reliance on parries entirely, it offers a manageable approach to combat evasiveness.

7 Augmented Aim

Take The Shot

When it comes to maximizing the power of free aim shots, Augmented Aim is a must-have Picto. It provides a 50% boost to damage output, transforming free aim into a formidable tactic against regular enemies.

Combined with abilities like Burning Shot, this enhancement can establish formidable strategies, adding depth to your combat approach. In a game rich with tactical choices, versatility in offensive options is always advantageous.

6 Dead Energy

Don’t Fear The Reaper

While not particularly effective against massive bosses, Dead Energy can shine during overworld exploration and grinding scenarios. This Picto grants players triple the AP points for every enemy defeated, allowing for successive attacks that extend your combat turns significantly.

Best utilized when facing multiple lower HP enemies alongside more powerful ones, this Picto’s effectiveness wanes against heavily armored foes but can create sweeping victories in more favorable contexts.

5 Marking Aim

Marked For Death

Another Picto that complements free aim strategies is Marked Aim. Like Burning Shot, it marks targets for significant damage, setting them up for destruction. Marked enemies suffer enhanced damage from subsequent hits, positioning them as easy targets for a follow-up assault.

By using this Picto, players can inflict a marking status on foes, grant themselves AP buffs, and execute devastating moves with their remaining actions—effectively maximizing combat potential.

4 Roulette

Chance Would Be A Fine Thing

If a bit of unpredictability fits your playstyle, then consider the Roulette Picto. Found in Gestral Village’s casino, its effectiveness hinges on luck. It offers a 50% chance of either halving your damage or quadrupling it.

While somewhat unreliable, this Picto can turn the tides in battles, particularly in early game scenarios. Just be cautious when navigating later game content, where consistency becomes more crucial.

3 Critical Moment

Best For Luck Builds

For players keen on glass cannon setups like Maelle, Critical Moment proves invaluable. When your HP dips below 30%, this Picto boosts your critical hit chance by an impressive 50%.

By combining this with a high agility and luck stat, you can deliver devastating strikes—provided you can survive the early onslaught of enemy encounters. Mastery of dodging and parrying is essential for making the most of this strategy.

2 Healing Parry

Block & Heal

Survival in Clair Obscur hinges on perfect parry mechanics, especially on higher difficulties. Fortunately, Pictos like Healing Parry reward strategic defensive plays. For every successful parry, players recover 3% of their health.

While this might seem trivial, cumulative healing through relentless parrying can rescue you from precarious situations, lessening dependency on consumables throughout your journey.

1 Augmented Counter

Return To Sender

Dominating our ranking of early-game Pictos is Augmented Counter. Essential for maximizing damage per turn, this Picto grants a 25% boost to all counter-attack damage. When coupled with a Marked status, it becomes a formidable tool against challenging bosses.

While mastering the timing of parries might prove challenging, especially against relentless enemy combinations, the rewards of this Picto make it well worth the effort. Its contribution to taking down early-game bosses is unmatched.

Source & Images