As well-received as Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is, it isn’t for everyone. One of the game’s more polarizing points is the use of defense options that rely on tight reaction times. This problem has been slightly remedied in the latest 1.3.0 update, with parry and dodge windows being changed in Story Mode (the easiest difficulty setting).
The Story Mode’s parry and dodge windows have been increased by 40%, providing more leeway when deflecting or avoiding certain enemy attacks. To make things easier, damage taken has been reduced to 50%, decreasing how much you get hit for.
While players accustomed to Clair Obscur: Expedition 33’s previously tighter defense windows will not be as affected by these changes, those who aren’t as adept will appreciate them. Given the decreased damage that enemy attacks now do, players having a hard time with parries and dodges can adopt a tankier approach by allocating points into Vitality and equipping weapons, Pictos, and Luminas that favor health and damage reduction. An interesting side effect of these changes is that Clair Obscur: Expedition 33’s Story Mode now plays more like a traditional turn-based RPG, where party members are more likely to take attacks head-on rather than defend themselves.
On top of the parry, dodge, and damage changes, the 1.3.0 update allows players to repeatedly fight the game’s hardest boss, Simon, after beating him the first time. Challenge modifiers have also been added, which can be used to limit max player damage or increase enemy health values. While fighting Simon again requires players to return to The Abyss in Renoir’s Drafts (touch the glowing white sword to start the fight), the challenge modifiers can be accessed from any flag checkpoint. There are also several bug fixes, system and settings options, and language corrections that were included in the update.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is available for PlayStation 5, Windows, and Xbox Series X|S.
