Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, Sandfall Interactive’s breathtaking turn-based action RPG, has captivated players since its April 24, 2025, release on Steam, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. Set in the surreal, Belle Époque-inspired Continent, the game blends a haunting narrative with a combat system that merges real-time parries and strategic depth. As players guide Gustave and his team against the Paintress, a mysterious entity painting death into reality, mastering builds is key to overcoming the game’s challenging encounters. Among the many build options, one stands out: a simple yet overwhelmingly powerful Oneshot VERSO build that can obliterate enemies in a single blow. Below, we dive into this overpowered (OP) build, detailing its components, playstyle, and tips to maximize its potential, enriched with gameplay insights to help you dominate The Continent.

Understanding the VERSO Role

In Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, characters are assigned roles like VERSO, RECTO, or SUPPORT, each shaping their combat capabilities. VERSO characters, such as Maelle, excel at dealing massive single-target damage, making them ideal for builds that aim to end fights quickly. The Oneshot VERSO build focuses on stacking damage multipliers to deliver a devastating attack, often exceeding the game’s 9,999 damage cap with the right setup. This build is accessible early in the game, requiring minimal grinding, and scales effectively into late-game content, including secret bosses like Simon or Clea. Its simplicity makes it perfect for both newcomers and veterans looking to crush enemies with style.

Core Components of the Oneshot VERSO Build

To create this OP build, you’ll need to optimize four key areas: character selection, equipment, abilities, and combat strategy. Here’s a breakdown:

1. Character: Maelle

Maelle is the cornerstone of this build, thanks to her high base damage and VERSO role. Her ability to chain attacks and amplify damage through Chromatic Overload makes her the perfect candidate. Unlocked early in Act 1, Maelle’s skill tree prioritizes single-target moves like “Radiant Strike,” which scales with her attack stat. Invest Lumina points in her VERSO tree to boost critical hit chance and damage, ensuring her attacks hit like a freight train.

2. Weapon: Chromatic Glaive

The Chromatic Glaive, available after defeating the Act 1 boss “Gestral Wraith,” is Maelle’s ideal weapon for this build. Its base attack is solid, but its passive ability—10% bonus damage per Chroma stack (up to 50%)—is the key. Upgrade the Glaive to level 3 using a Chroma Catalyst, found by interacting with the “perfectly normal trash can” four times in Spring Meadows. This upgrade boosts its scaling, making it a powerhouse for oneshot attacks. If you’re in New Game Plus, the Baguette Weapon (purchased with Festival Tokens) offers similar stats with a humorous twist, but the Glaive’s Chroma synergy is unmatched.

3. Accessory: Painted Power Picto

The Painted Power Picto is a game-changer, removing the 9,999 damage cap that limits VERSO characters. Found at the end of Act 2 in a hidden chest during a story sequence, this accessory is easy to miss but critical for the build. Equipping it on Maelle allows her to deal tens of thousands of damage in a single hit, especially when combined with buffs. Its only drawback is occupying an accessory slot, so prioritize it over defensive options like the Shape of Life, as this build focuses on offense.

4. Abilities and Tints

Maelle’s ability kit is tailored for burst damage. Key abilities include:

Radiant Strike: A high-damage single-target attack that scales with Chroma stacks.
Chroma Surge: Applies Chroma stacks to Maelle, boosting her next attack’s damage.
Overload Burst: Consumes all Chroma stacks for a massive damage multiplier (up to 100% extra damage). Unlock these via her VERSO skill tree, prioritizing nodes that increase critical hit damage and Chroma efficiency. For Tints (passive buffs), equip:
Crimson Tint: Boosts critical hit chance by 20%.
Umber Tint: Increases attack by 15% when health is above 80%. These Tints, crafted at camp with Colour of Lumina (earned from White Nevron quests), ensure Maelle’s attacks are consistently devastating.

Building the Setup

To assemble the build, follow these steps:

Progress to Act 1: Recruit Maelle and defeat the Gestral Wraith to obtain the Chromatic Glaive.
Farm Chroma Catalyst: Interact with the Spring Meadows trash can to meet the Trash-can Man and claim the Catalyst. Upgrade the Glaive at camp.
Unlock Abilities: Spend Lumina points on Radiant Strike, Chroma Surge, and Overload Burst. Aim for at least level 15 to access all three.
Grab the Painted Power Picto: In Act 2, explore the story area thoroughly to find the hidden chest. Equip it immediately.
Craft Tints: Complete White Nevron quests (e.g., fetching resin in Spring Meadows) to earn Colour of Lumina. Craft Crimson and Umber Tints at The Fountain in Act 3.

This setup is achievable by mid-Act 2, requiring minimal side content, though completing White Nevron quests boosts your resources. The build’s simplicity lies in its focus on a single character and a streamlined gear set, avoiding complex party synergies.

Combat Strategy: Executing the Oneshot

The Oneshot VERSO build shines in boss fights and tough encounters, where a single, well-timed attack can end the battle. Here’s how to pull it off:

Prep with Chroma Surge: Use Chroma Surge to stack five Chroma on Maelle. This takes one turn but boosts her next attack significantly.
Buff with SUPPORT Characters: Have a SUPPORT character like Sophie apply “Luminous Ward” to increase Maelle’s attack by 20% for one turn. If available, Gustave’s “Tonal Resonance” adds a 10% critical hit chance.
Unleash Overload Burst: Activate Overload Burst to consume Chroma stacks, then follow with Radiant Strike. With the Painted Power Picto equipped, this combo can deal 20,000–30,000 damage, one-shotting most non-boss enemies and chunking bosses.
Parry for Meter: Use real-time parries against enemy attacks to build your action meter, ensuring Maelle gets her turn quickly. Listen for audio cues to time parries perfectly.

For tougher foes, like the Act 3 secret boss in The Abyss, repeat the cycle: stack Chroma, buff, and strike. If Maelle’s health drops, use Sophie’s Revive Tint to keep her in the fight. The build’s reliance on critical hits means RNG can affect consistency, so save Crimson Tint for high-stakes battles.

Why This Build Is OP

The Oneshot VERSO build’s strength lies in its ability to bypass the game’s damage cap, turning Maelle into a walking nuke. Unlike complex RECTO builds that require juggling multiple status effects, this setup is straightforward: stack buffs, hit hard, win. It trivializes encounters like the Flying Cemetery’s White Chalier Nevron, which normally demands careful resource management. Even in New Game Plus, where enemies scale, the build remains effective, especially with upgraded gear. Its accessibility—requiring only story progression and minimal exploration—makes it a go-to for players who want power without grinding.

Tips for Maximizing the Build

To get the most out of this build, keep these tips in mind:

Prioritize Critical Hits: Stack Crimson Tints and VERSO skill nodes to maximize critical hit chance, as Radiant Strike’s damage skyrockets with crits.
Manage Health: Umber Tint’s bonus requires high health, so use Sophie’s healing abilities to keep Maelle topped off.
Explore for Resources: Complete side areas like The Crows or The Carousel for extra Chroma and Lumina, enhancing your upgrades.
Practice Parries: Mastering parries speeds up your action meter, letting Maelle attack sooner. Use training at camp to hone your timing.
Save Festival Tokens: In New Game Plus, the Baguette Weapon offers a fun alternative to the Glaive, preserving the build’s core.

Potential Drawbacks

While powerful, the build isn’t flawless. It relies heavily on Maelle, so if she’s knocked out, your damage output tanks. The Painted Power Picto’s slot means sacrificing defensive accessories, making Maelle squishier. Against enemies with high dodge rates, like the Act 3 secret boss, critical hits may miss, requiring backup strategies. Still, these weaknesses are manageable with proper party support and positioning.

Conclusion

The Oneshot VERSO build in Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a masterclass in simplicity and power, turning Maelle into a force of nature capable of felling enemies in a single blow. With the Chromatic Glaive, Painted Power Picto, and a handful of abilities, you’ll steamroll The Continent’s toughest challenges, from Gestral Wraiths to hidden bosses. Its accessibility and scalability make it a must-try for any player, whether you’re carving through Act 1 or tackling New Game Plus. So, gear up, stack your Chroma, and unleash Maelle’s full potential. Night City’s streets await—why is this build the talk of 2025? Jump into Clair Obscur and find out!