Expedition 33 Update 1.2.3 Nerfs Maelle's Stendahl

Sandfall Interactive has rolled out Patch 1.2.3 for its critically acclaimed RPG, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, across all platforms.

This update delivers a comprehensive set of fixes and, most notably, crucial balance adjustments—including a significant nerf to a previously game-breaking build (detailed in the patch notes below).

The developer had previously indicated such a change was possible, noting that while early updates would focus on bug fixes, balance tweaks would be considered if any glaring issues emerged.

"Well, Stendhal certainly qualified," the studio stated.

The overpowered build revolved around the young fencer Maelle and the Medalum sword, which unlocks a Virtuose Stance granting a 200% damage bonus. Players combined this with ability-stacking and the Stendhal skill—a powerful single-target Void attack—to deal billions in damage, allowing them to one-shot the final boss.

"It was underperforming for most of development, so during our final pre-release balance pass, we gave it a substantial damage boost. Clearly, we overcompensated. It ultimately made most other strategies obsolete," explained Sandfall.

"We still want players to discover powerful, game-breaking combinations—and you definitely still can—but Stendhal was simply making it too effortless."

This adjustment is part of the game's first major hotfix. While Stendhal remains a potent single-hit skill with excellent synergy potential, its power level is now better aligned with other options.

Additionally, the patch corrects a bug that caused Medalum's third Lumina enhancement to double all damage in Virtuose Stance, rather than solely doubling Burn damage as intended.

Key points from the latest patch notes include:

Fixed Medalum's third Lumina incorrectly doubling all damage in Virtuose Stance; it now only doubles Burn damage. Stendhal: Damage reduced by 40%.

Maelle Outfits and Hairstyles - Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

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Clair Obscur has become a breakout success for Sandfall, surpassing 2 million copies sold. It's noteworthy that the game launched day one on Game Pass alongside Bethesda's Oblivion Remastered, making this sales achievement particularly impressive.

When Bethesda stealth-released The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered concurrently with Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, many anticipated a zero-sum competition. However, the market proved large enough for both RPGs to thrive.

The game's success has been so remarkable that French President Macron commended the development team. Be sure to review our essential tips before diving into the adventure.

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Update 1.2.3 Patch Notes

Steam Deck

Fixed an issue where various menu backgrounds would not display correctly on Steam Deck.

Various Ultrawide Fixes

Gameplay no longer zooms in after a cutscene when using ultrawide resolutions. The Options menu image no longer appears stretched in ultrawide. Combat UI now properly adapts to ultrawide resolutions. The game no longer minimizes after changing settings in ultrawide. Cutscenes no longer display letterboxing in 32:9 aspect ratio. Title screen now displays in fullscreen upon launch in ultrawide resolution.

Mouse and Keyboard

UI button prompts in the Expedition Menu are now visible and fully functional with keyboard input. Mouse buttons no longer become unresponsive after initial use. Using 'WASD' or arrow keys to navigate the UI with the cursor visible will no longer hide the cursor instead of performing the intended action. Left-clicking no longer prevents subsequent keyboard menu navigation. Mouse input is no longer lost after the first Jump counter-attack if the button is pressed only once.

Fixed World Map Areas Where Players Could Become Stuck:

Between lanterns scattered near the Stone Wave Cliff portal. While walking on the shipwreck near the Forgotten Battlefield entrance. Between lanterns near the Bourgeon encounter next to Stone Wave Cliffs. Between two small rocks located between Spring Meadows and Abbest Cave. Between vases and corals when jumping from rooftops. In various rock formations. In ruins behind the Flying Manor level entrance. Near the bridge connecting Flying Waters and Spring Meadows. In rocks on the World Map near Flying Waters. Next to hardened land close to the Flying Waters exit.

Fixed Specific Scenarios Where Esquie Would Get Stuck:

When taking off from painted bridges, causing him to fall through and restricting movement. When flying into the bottom sections of levitating structures near Visages. Near the Flying Waters level entrance. Near a giant hammer while traversing close to Blades' Graveyard.

Weapon and Skill Fixes and Adjustments:

Fixed Lithelim attribute scaling not functioning correctly at high levels. Reduced initial Vitality scaling from A to C (still scales to S at max level). Added Luck scaling starting at D. Fixed Blizzon attribute scaling not functioning correctly at high levels. Reduced initial Luck scaling from B to C (still scales to S at max level). Added Defense scaling starting at D. Fixed Medalum's third Lumina doubling all damage in Virtuose Stance; now only doubles Burn damage. Stendhal: Damage reduced by 40%.

Other Fixes

The boss encounter in Stone Wave Cliffs can now be completed in New Game+. The Journal UI window no longer blocks progression after opening the first Journal in Spring Meadows. Fixed inability to use Free Aim while exploring due to worn controller triggers. Lune and Monoco no longer spawn in the same location upon completing their Level 6 relationship quests if done without returning to camp. Fixed a black screen issue occurring after selecting "remember the objective" at camp, then quickly choosing "go to sleep" and immediately pressing "leave". Players can no longer trigger the "Discovering the truth" cutscene in Old Lumière twice consecutively, which could permanently split the party, leaving only Verso and Maelle. Updated rolling credits sequence.