This article contains spoilers forClair Obscur: Expedition 33.
It’s no secret thatClair Obscur: Expedition 33wears itsFinal Fantasyinfluences on its sleeve, with the game often being compared to the likes ofFinal Fantasy 10in its themes and gameplay. Although there is clearFinal FantasyDNA baked intoClair Obscur: Expedition 33, the game builds on the foundation of the classic JRPG franchise’s archetypes to create a unique cast of playable party members. However, eagle-eyed players are likely able to notice some parallels betweenExpedition 33’s cast and the traditionalFinal Fantasyjob system.
AlthougheveryExpedition 33party memberhas their own combat gimmick, builds for these characters can be quite flexible due to the Recoat item that allows players to respec a character on the fly. This system blurs the line between character roles within the party and makes it more difficult to nail down a specific archetype that each one falls into. Even with these fluid build mechanics, there are some characteristics of each party member that reveal how they would fit into a traditionalFinal Fantasysetting.
Gustave – Red Mage
Gustave is a fairly well-rounded character in terms of combat abilities. He can utilize a good mix of physical and elemental damage along with support skills, which is the typical hallmark ofRed Mages inFinal Fantasy,who tend to be jacks of all trades, masters of none. Skills like Marking Shot and Powerful are ideal for supporting teammates, whereas skills like Lumiere Assault and Overcharge make for the bread and butter of Gustave’s offensive combat options for a Red Mage-like balanced role.
Maelle – Warrior/Dragoon
Maelle is one of the best DPS options amongExpedition 33’s party members, but her skills are reminiscent of two classicFinal Fantasyjobs. Like the traditional Warrior job, Maelle is great at offense as well as defense due to herBattle Stance mechanic, which allows her to swap between an offensive and defensive role mid-combat. Maelle also has some traits of the Dragoon job, such as the high-flying nature of some of her offensive skills that parallel the Dragoon’s Jump ability.
Lune – Black Mage
Unlike some of the other party members inExpedition 33, Lune is the most clear-cut when it comes to herFinal Fantasyjob counterpart. With the ability to use elemental skills by channeling her Chroma,Lune is very similar to the Black Magejob inFinal Fantasy, which focuses on the use of elemental magic. Lune does have some characteristics of a White Mage as well, given that she can use healing skills like Healing Light and Rebirth, which goes to show the fluid nature ofClair Obscur’s builds.
Sciel – Ninja/White Mage
In contrast to Lune, Sciel is perhaps theExpedition 33party member with the hardestFinal Fantasyjob equivalent to pin down.Sciel’s battle gimmickallows her to inflict Foretell on enemies, which can then be used to augment her skills depending on how much Foretell an enemy has. Interestingly, Sciel is likely closest to a White Mage inFinal Fantasy,given that her best build inClair Obscurleans into her role as a healer for the party, though she does also have the Agility and characteristic throwables of a Ninja that she applies Foretell with.
Verso – Red Mage
Verso fills a very similar role to Gustave inExpedition 33, taking over his spot in the party at the start of Act 2. Like Gustave, Verso’s skills are also a solid blend of physical offensive attacks and support skills that mirror a Red Mage inFinal Fantasy.
Monoco – Blue Mage
Perhaps the most interesting character in the party, Monoco is unique inExpedition 33as not only the game’s sole playable Gestral, but also one who doesn’t learn new skills through traditional means.Monoco learns new skills by defeating a Nevronfor the first time while in the party, gaining the abilities of that Nevron to use for himself. This system most closely mirrorsFinal Fantasy’s Blue Mage, which also must learn new skills from enemies in battle.
