This is how many Clair Obscur Expedition 33 players start their combat. It is a deadly combination but there is a better alternative

At this point, probably no one needs an introduction to Clair Obscur Expedition 33. An unexpected hit created by former Ubisoft developers that has shaken gaming industry to its roots. This production has even reached the creators of Final Fantasy series and made them react inspired by French title’s reception and sales figures. However, there are still many players who are just getting started their picturesque expedition, an impossible quest to defeat Paintress. To do that, every ounce of power is required, and it’s no secret that such force is offered by the best DPS in the team – Maelle. Many players use very specific strategy to open up every battle, but there is a lot more to it. Let’s see what’s the best early game strategy to maximize Maelle’s performance.

• Maelle’s deadly combo to get you started in Clair Obscur Expedition 33
• More advanced techniques of getting into Virtuose stance in early-mid game in Expedition 33

Maelle’s deadly combo to get you started in Clair Obscur Expedition 33

It shouldn’t come as a surprise to any Clair Obscur Expedition 33 fan that Maelle is not only one of the most important characters in the party, but also in the whole game. Her specific mechanics which allow her change stances is only a way to stage up her most powerful stance – Virtuose. Since it doubles damage dealt by her, to temper that might, getting this stage is a challenge on its own. To capitalize on this force, many players pair her up with Lune, especially in the early game stages, to make a very lethal duo. How do they do it?

One of Maelle’s skills that are accessible early on is Swift Stride. On its own, it’s practically useless, dealing only symbolic damage that many Nevrons would see as a mere flesh wound. However, it gets a whole new meaning if, before using it, the target is burning. With such conditions, Swift Stride allows our expeditioner to enter Virtuose stance and amplify subsequent attack significantly. To make the transition more fluidly, without wasting turns, Lune can come to help with her AP cheap skill “Wildfire” that applies burn, allowing Maelle to immediately go into Virtuose stance and decimate her foes with Percee.

Fans on Reddit, who have also discovered this strategy, are having a lot of fun with creating memes relating to this very scenario.

One of the memes describing well the interaction between Maelle and Lune.Source: https://www.reddit.com/r/expedition33/comments/1m8bmms/its_how_it_is

However, this strategy will only take you that far, as later on in the game you will find out that this combo falls short, and it does quite quickly. Worry not, though, because down the line you will be able to unleash Maelle’s might even without this method.

More advanced techniques of getting into Virtuose stance in early-mid game in Expedition 33

The tactic described above exists only to teach you the basics and synergies that are in this game. However, after getting closer to the Monolith, you will notice that Virtuose empowered Percee has a very low ceiling. With more experience gained, you will be able to wreak havoc with Maelle thanks to different ways of entering this powerful stance.

1. At some point, you will reach Gestral’s Village where you will be able to get Medalum weapon (it’s relatively early on). This armament lets you start the fight with Virtuose already applied.
2. When you get more experienced and have good healing and shielding strategies, you can use Last Chance skill that not only puts Maelle in V-stance, but also maxes out her AP. The downside is that it also reduces her HP down to 1.

Maelle's Last Chance puts all your eggs in one basket.Source: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, Developer: Sandfall Interactive

1. If you feel very confident, using Jarum weapon (which can be also obtained fairly early in Act 1 from Chromatic Jar) will put you in the desired stance on any Counterattack.

Those are just a couple of ideas that can expand your ways of capitalizing on Virtuose Stance. As one would expect, with progress more options will become available. If you are not afraid of spoilers, you can check out late game Maelle build that will Gommage your foes like there is no tomorrow. Don’t forget about Lumina points, that are precious, but easy to miss. Sadly, not even such power will prepare you for Gestral’s ultimate challenge. Have fun!

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

April 24, 2025

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• jRPG
• indie games
• fantasy
• singleleplayer / campaign
• exploration
• turn-based strategies
• TPP action games