If you’re here, and you’re reading this, bring it in for a hug. I’m in the same boat as you. Ever since I finished Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, I’ve been looking to fill that void.

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Expedition 33 is a special game, made by a talented dev team that took inspiration from other games in its genre and iterated on them to make something unique and unforgettable. The early GOTY favorite may go down as one of the better RPGs ever made.

But, as the game is a product of those who came before it (like all of the Expeditions before 33 paving the way for them…oh God), there’s plenty of other titles like it that you can play to see where the game’s history is rooted in.

Here’s a short list of a few other games like Expedition 33 that may scratch the gommage-shaped itch for you.

Table of contents

  • More games like Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
    • Final Fantasy X/X-2 Remaster
    • Cassette Beasts
    • Personal 5 Royal
    • Final Fantasy VIII Remastered
    • Metaphor: ReFantazio
    • Sea of Stars
    • Octopath Traveler
    • Super Mario RPG
    • Lost Odyssey

More games like Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

Image via Sandfall Interactive

Final Fantasy X/X-2 Remaster

Image via Square Enix

Long, deep, emotional storyline rooted in family issues? Check. Turn-based JRPG? Double-check. The HD remaster of PS2 classic Final Fantasy X is widely available on basically everything, and it should be at the top of your list if you haven’t played it before. Or just even if you haven’t in a long time.

Cassette Beasts

Image via Raw Fury

This recent indie hit combines JRPG turn-based gameplay with Pokémon-like monster catching and leveling for a true sleeper gem, offering a unique take on the genre that’s only gotten more popular in the scene in recent years.

Personal 5 Royal

Image via SEGA

The Persona series has been an RPG staple for decades, and Persona 5 Royal may be at the top of the list for the franchise, featuring its iconic visual style, characters, and music.

Final Fantasy VIII Remastered

Image via Square Enix

If you want to play the favorite JRPG of Expedition 33 creative director Guillaume Broche, then look no further. While not as widely loved as FF7, FF10, or even FF9, FF8 deserves its place with its brethren among the best JRPGs of all time.

Metaphor: ReFantazio

Image via SEGA

Persona 5 developer ATLUS followed up on P5R with this instant classic in 2024, instantly solidifying itself among the pantheon of GOATs in the genre with its mature, timely theme.

Sea of Stars

Image via Sabotage Studio

If you missed out on this wonderful game a couple years back, now’s as good a time as any, especially with its Throes of the Watchmaker DLC releasing on May 20. It features similar reactive combat as E33 in its delightful battle system.

Octopath Traveler

Image via Square Enix

Square Enix’s gorgeous 2D RPG and its eight main characters with branching paths twisted the JRPG genre on its back when it launched as a Nintendo Switch exclusive in 2018. It’s now available on most platforms and is a must-play, especially for E33 fans looking for more reactive turn-based battling.

Super Mario RPG

Image via Nintendo

This lighthearted, Nintendo-flavored take on JRPG’s got remade in 2023 and is always a good time to revisit, or try out for the first time if you didn’t experience it either time around.

Lost Odyssey

Image via Microsoft Game Studios

Expedition 33 creative director Guillaume Broche name-dropped this game as his inspiration for his title’s reactive turn-based combat, meaning it’s another spin on E33’s QTE style of battling.

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