Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, crafted by Sandfall Interactive, has swept through the gaming community since its launch on April 24, 2025, across platforms like Steam, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. This turn-based action RPG, set in the hauntingly beautiful Continent inspired by France’s Belle Époque era, merges a gripping narrative with stunning visuals and a combat system that blends real-time parries with strategic depth. The story follows Gustave and his companions as they confront the Paintress, a mysterious figure who wields a deadly brush to paint death into reality. Beyond its captivating main quest, the game hides a wealth of secrets and Easter eggs that reward curious players. Here, we explore 10 hidden secrets you might have overlooked, enriched with insights from gameplay exploration, keeping spoilers minimal to preserve your adventure.

1. The Trash Can’s Secret Benefactor

As you wander the Continent’s intricate environments, you’ll encounter countless interactable objects, from crates to lanterns. One unassuming trash can stands out with a peculiar prompt: “A perfectly normal trash can.” Unlike the usual dismissive messages, this one begs for attention. Interact with it four times, and you’ll meet the Trash-can Man, an eccentric character who’s been hiding inside for months to escape the Paintress’ Gommaging—a ritual that erases people from existence. In gratitude for your persistence, he hands over a Chroma Catalyst, a rare item used to upgrade weapons to level 3 at camp. This quirky encounter showcases the game’s knack for hiding surprises in mundane places, encouraging players to poke around.

2. Monoco’s Canine Sanctuary

Monoco, a fan-favorite character inspired by Sandfall Interactive’s office dog, stars in one of the game’s most heartwarming secrets. In The Manor, a recurring hub accessed through hidden doors, head up the left staircase in the foyer. You’ll spot a painting hung slightly askew, surrounded by dog bowls and toys. Jump into this painting—a playful nod to classic platformers—and you’ll land in a cozy room adorned with murals of Monoco, a doghouse, and scattered toys. Tucked inside is a Shape of Life item, which enhances your Revive Tint at camp. This charming tribute to Sandfall’s furry mascot blends sentimentality with tangible rewards, delighting players who stumble upon it.

3. The Dining Room’s Concealed Passage

The Manor is a labyrinth of secrets, and its dining room hides a subtle puzzle. During your first visit in Act 1, explore this lavish space to find four interactable wall fixtures scattered among columns and decor. Activating all four unlocks a hidden crawl space near the fireplace, revealing a small cache of Chroma and minor items. While the loot isn’t groundbreaking, the discovery fuels the game’s exploratory spirit. With no overt hints, this secret relies on your curiosity, making it a rewarding find for those who linger in The Manor’s opulent halls.

4. The Baguette Blade in New Game Plus

For those tackling New Game Plus (NG+), a delightful secret awaits at Lumiere’s Boulangerie bakery. In the Prologue, you earn Festival Tokens by completing tasks like quizzes or duels. If you resist spending these tokens at vendors, you can use them in NG+ to purchase a Baguette Weapon for any character except Sophie. This tongue-in-cheek weapon, a nod to French culture, boasts solid stats and a humorous design, perfect for collectors. This secret rewards patience and replayability, adding a lighthearted twist to your second playthrough.

5. The White Nevron Questline’s Grand Prize

Across The Continent, you’ll encounter White Nevrons—non-hostile creatures offering side quests to fetch nearby items like resin or Chroma. For instance, in Spring Meadows, a White Nevron near the Abandoned Expeditioner Camp requests resin from nearby barrels. Completing these quests without harming any White Nevrons (a temptation, as attacking yields minor loot) unlocks a major reward in Act 3: 100x Colour of Lumina from Blanche at The Fountain. This resource boosts Lumina points for passive buffs, significantly enhancing your build. Sparing the White Chalier Nevron in the Flying Cemetery is key to securing this prize, making this secret a test of restraint and exploration.

6. The Piano’s Personalized Melodies

In The Manor’s dining hall, a piano among musical instruments hides a subtle but delightful detail. Interact with it, and your character will play a short tune—but the melody varies by character. Gustave’s song carries a somber tone, while Maelle’s is lively, reflecting their distinct personalities. This small touch adds depth to the cast, rewarding players who swap party members to experiment. It’s a quiet moment of immersion that highlights the game’s attention to character-driven storytelling.

7. The Monolith’s Emotional Revelation

The Monolith, a recurring landmark tied to the Paintress’ cryptic sigil “33,” conceals a poignant secret. After completing Act 2 and maxing your relationship with Maelle, return to the Monolith. The sigil morphs into “Papa Va T’en” (“Papa Go Away”), a heartfelt message from Maelle to her father, Renoir, urging him to resist the Paintress’ influence. This subtle shift, easily missed amid Act 3’s intensity, deepens Maelle’s arc and underscores the game’s emotional weight. It’s a narrative gem for players invested in the story.

8. The Painted Power Picto’s Game-Changing Effect

Combat in Clair Obscur is unforgiving, with a 9,999 damage cap limiting high-damage characters like Maelle. A hidden item, the Painted Power Picto, shatters this cap, enabling massive attacks. Found at the end of Act 2, this Picto is easy to overlook during a pivotal story moment. Equipping it on single-target damage dealers transforms battles, especially against tough foes like secret bosses. This secret empowers players to push the combat system’s boundaries, rewarding those who explore thoroughly.

9. The Abyss and Its Formidable Foe

In Act 3, after unlocking Esquie’s flying abilities, visit Renoir’s Drafts to find a glowing pillar. Step off the bridge’s edge, and you’ll plummet into The Abyss, a hidden area housing a formidable secret boss. Accompanied by golden swords and a cryptic journal, this boss delivers a grueling fight, with rapid attacks demanding precise parries. Victory yields top-tier loot and lore insights, but the challenge requires meticulous preparation. This secret is a thrilling test for dedicated players seeking the game’s toughest battles.

10. A Fiery Meme Nod

During Act 1 in Gestral Village, a burning house hides a humorous Easter egg. Interact with a Gestral standing calmly amid the flames, and they’ll say, “This is Fine,” a cheeky reference to the iconic meme of a dog in a burning room. This playful moment, tucked into a tense scene, balances the game’s darker themes with humor. It’s a fleeting but delightful nod that resonates with players familiar with internet culture.

The Power of Discovery

These secrets, from whimsical Easter eggs to game-altering items, define Clair Obscur: Expedition 33’s brilliance. The game’s minimal UI—no quest logs or map markers—forces you to engage with the world, making every discovery feel earned. Whether you’re chuckling at the Baguette Weapon or unraveling the Monolith’s emotional weight, these hidden details enrich the experience, inviting multiple playthroughs to uncover every layer.

How to Unearth More Secrets

To find more hidden treasures, try these approaches:

Persist with Interactions: Objects like trash cans or pianos may yield surprises after repeated attempts.
Venture Off the Beaten Path: Areas like The Crows or The Carousel hide unique challenges and rewards.
Tune into Audio Cues: Enemy attacks have distinct sounds, aiding perfect parries and exploration.
Revisit Key Locations: Act 3’s expanded traversal options unlock previously inaccessible secrets.

Final Thoughts

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a masterclass in RPG design, blending a haunting narrative with a world brimming with secrets. From the Trash-can Man’s quirky reward to the Abyss’ heart-pounding challenge, these 10 hidden gems showcase Sandfall Interactive’s dedication to immersion and discovery. Whether you’re a seasoned explorer or a newcomer, diving into these secrets will elevate your journey through The Continent. Pick up your controller, peek behind every painting, and see why this game has captured the hearts of gamers in 2025. What secrets will you uncover next? Your adventure awaits!