Summary

  • Build Overcharge stacks with Gustave to unleash his devastating lightning damage attacks.
  • Prioritizes Vitality and Defense scaling weapons during early game like Lanceram, then combines with Critical Hit chance through Luck investment. 
  • Key skills include Lumiere Assault for charge generation, Overcharge for massive damage output, and supportive abilities like Recovery and Powerful.

Clair Obscur Expedition 33 introduced Gustave as their first playable character that uses an Overcharge system and has defense capabilities. Unlike other characters that rely on elemental damage, Gustave stands as a reliable tank-damage hybrid. Here’s the best Clair Obscur Expedition 33 Gustave Build to try. 

Core Build Philosophy

There aren’t special effects available for Gustave’s weapons which makes stat scaling crucial for him. The best approach for him is to focus on defensive scaling through Vitality and Defense. With these, you can survive extended battles while building the necessary charges to blow a devastating attack. This will serve as Gustvae’s defensive foundation, allowing him to function as both damage dealer and front-liner.  

Best Weapons for Gustave

Clair Obscur Expedition 33 Gustave build draws strength from the early game. It’ll be important to make the best weapon choices during the early parts of the game. Three recommended weapons will give you success throughout the gameplay.

  • Lanceram (Solid Alternative)
  • Available early from Lancelier drops in Spring Meadows
  • Good stat scaling with a defensive focus
  • Reliable choice throughout the early progression
  • Abysseram (Top Priority)
  • Primary scaling: Vitality, Defense
  • Secondary stats: Luck, Agility, Might
  • Excellent defensive scaling for sustained combat
  • Cruleram (Defensive Specialist)
  • Defense-focused scaling
  • Ideal for players to prioritize survivability
  • Works well with tank-oriented strategies

Essential Skills and Abilities

Compared to other characters, Gustave utilized his Overcharge ability to deal impressive damage against his enemies. This playable character works best as a tank-damage hybrid which allows him to take and deal damage at the same time. These are his core combat skills: 

Overcharge – This ability delivers high lightning damage according to the charges he accumulated. To succeed, you’ll have to maximize on charges before unleashing the devastating attack. Always aim for full charges or 10 stacks before casting for maximized damage. 

Lumiere Assault – This skill deals five-hit attack which provides decent damage output and charge generation as well. In every critical hit, you’ll receive additional charges which makes Luck investment crucial. It’ll be great for setting up powerful Overcharge attacks despite costing high AP. 

Strike Storm – This generates two additional charges per use which is perfect if you want to quickly complete your Overcharge stacks. However, this costs high AP so it’ll be more suitable during the mid-to-late game when you have better AP management.

Meanwhile, these are his support and utility skills that can help you in extended fights:

Recovery – This restores 50% of health and removes status effects while providing additional 0-2 charges. It provides sustain during longer combat engagements. 

Powerful – Applies damage buffs to 1-3 allies for three turns and enhances the team damage output while generating charges.

Shatter – Provides a high lightning AoE damage with breaking potential. If an enemy breaks from this attack, Overcharge fully charges for devastating combo opportunities.

From Fire – Provides excellent sustain in some circumstances through medium single-target damage with self-healing properties when targeting burning enemies. 

Optimal Pictos and Luminas

By exploring the maps, you’ll pick up Pictos along the way which in turn provides additional stats to players. On the other hand, they will also gain a special effect or Luminas that is crucial to your build. For Gustave build here are the Pictos and Luminas to prioritize:

  • Energising Start I/II (Luminas) – Provides additional AP at battle start, crucial for early skill usage and maintaining momentum.
  • Critical Burn (Luminas) – Increases critical chance by 25% against burning enemies, synergizing perfectly with Luck-based builds.
  • Dodger (Luminas) – Grants 1 AP on perfect dodges, rewarding skilled play with resource management.
  • Attack Lifesteal (Luminas) – Recovers 15% health on base attacks, providing consistent healing throughout combat.
  • Dead Energy II (Pictos) – Expedites AP gain after defeating enemies, enabling more frequent skill usage.
  • Marking Shots (Pictos) – 20% chance to apply Mark on Free Aim shots, setting up enhanced damage opportunities.
  • Augmented Attack (Pictos) – Improves base attack effectiveness, crucial for charge building.

Combat Strategy and Gameplay

Gustave’s build centers around patience and timing to create a devastating impact on enemies. Start battles with base attacks then use Lumiere Assault to build charges while maintaining defensive positioning. Make sure to stay patient and wait until Overcharge reaches maximum charges for optimal impact. 

Also, maintain your health in extended battles with the help of Recovery and From Fire. Enhance your team damage by deploying Powerful on tougher combats. Maximize on Shatter as well to provide instant Overcharge charges during fights. 

Conclusion

This Gustave Build molds him to be a reliable defensive damage dealer with game-changing burst damage. The build is perfect for any player wanting to have a balance between survivability and damage output. His early game is excellent for initiating matches, making him a great addition to the team.