Ultimate Guide to Building Relationships in Expedition 33

In Act 2 of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, you can start forming bonds with the main characters once you return to camp and engage with them individually. While at first glance this may appear to be merely a way to enhance character backgrounds and enrich the story, deepening relationships with each character actually opens up new combat techniques and special exploration skills. To ensure you don’t miss out on exciting narratives and powerful Gradient Skills within the game, I strongly suggest revisiting camp frequently and chatting with each character.

!!! WARNING: THIS ARTICLE CONTAINS SPOILERS FOR CLAIR OBSCUR: EXPEDITION 33 !!! After you unlock Verso in Act 2, head back to camp to have side conversations with key characters in Clair Obscur. These discussions uncover the unique dynamics between Verso and each character, including Esquie, and can elevate relationship levels up to Level 7. You’ll have different dialogue choices available, but progressing the relationship will happen regardless of what you say. Therefore, it’s essential to have these conversations to boost relationship levels, as your choices won’t significantly impact the final outcomes.

How Relationships Work in Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

Engage with Each Character at Camp for Unique Insights

Once Verso is unlocked in Act 2 of Clair Obscur, you’ll have the opportunity to cultivate relationships with the main characters back at camp, including Maelle, Sciel, Lune, Monoco, and Esquie. By speaking with them and opting for one-on-one time, you can unveil more about their backgrounds and simultaneously learn about Verso himself. Besides character development, advancing these relationships rewards you with unique Gradient Skills.

At Level 4, you’ll unlock the second Gradient Skill for each character through your conversations. The first Gradient Skill automatically unlocks once you begin using Gradient attacks. As you progress through the story, continuing these discussions will further raise your relationship level. However, you’ll need to reach Act 3 to push the relationships to their final stages. At Level 6, three of the characters will require you to complete a special quest in a designated area across the Continent (details below).

Upon completing the Level 7 quest for each character, you’ll gain their third and final Gradient Skill. These skills are among the strongest in the game, making the effort to fully develop each character’s relationship worthwhile. Notably, building a relationship with Esquie at camp will also unlock Verso’s Gradient Skills, and by Level 6, you’ll gain access to Esquie’s ability to swim underwater, which is vital for uncovering some of the game’s most clandestine locations, including Renoir’s Depths, where you can face Simon.

How to Max Out Relationships with Each Character in Clair Obscur

Some Characters Require Unique Endgame Quests to Reach Level 7

As you approach the game’s conclusion and delve into Clair Obscur’s hidden regions during Act 3, you’ll also unlock each character’s individual final quests that allow you to achieve the maximum relationship Level 7. At Level 6, specific tasks must often be completed to further advance the relationship. In Clair Obscur, Verso has the option to romantically pursue either Lune or Sciel, although you can maximize relationships with both regardless of your choice.

These relationship quests feature some of the most impactful story elements in the game, and they are not only worthwhile for the narrative depth they offer. Maelle’s storyline notably includes climbing The Reacher tower on the west side of the Continent and confronting Alicia, resulting in significant consequences for Verso.

Monoco and Lune both have compelling character arcs that are only viewable by visiting the respective area and completing their quests. You can revive Noco in the Sacred River for Monoco, while for Lune, you’ll be tasked with locating her parents’ journal at Sirene’s Dress. Meanwhile, I maxed out my relationship with Sciel, who was my romantic interest, without needing any new quests in different locations. However, you’ll uncover much about her past, including her deep connection to Esquie.

Advancing your relationship with Esquie unlocks Verso’s Level 4 and 7 Gradient Skills, along with the ability to swim underwater at Level 6. Once you reach that level, you will be automatically transported back to Esquie’s Nest to battle Francois again, but this time you’ll face him alone as Verso. Upon defeating him, you’ll provide him with a special rock that replaces Esquie’s Urrie rock, allowing for underwater swimming.

Rewards for Each Relationship in Clair Obscur

Unlock Gradient Skills & Esquie’s Unique Exploration Ability

The main rewards for building each relationship are new Gradient Skills, which are among the most potent abilities each character can acquire in the game. Regardless of your playstyle for any character, Gradient Skills are essential for defeating tough endgame foes.

In my opinion, the strongest Gradient Skills in Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 belong to Verso and Lune. The Sky Break skill strikes all enemies hard and its damage is based on the Stains Lune possesses in greater quantity, making it not only versatile but also potent enough to defeat foes despite their resistances. Meanwhile, Verso’s Angel’s Eyes appears to be one of the most powerful Gradient Skills when executed correctly, delivering extreme Physical damage over eight hits while also allowing him to revive automatically if he falls in battle.

Overall, relationships in Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 extend beyond merely advancing the narrative and revealing character insights. They also yield unique skills vital for tackling endgame bosses. However, the storyline elements of these side quests are equally important, sometimes enhancing the main narrative of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 to create a more impactful experience.