While Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has taken the Western gaming world by storm, its performance in Japan tells a different story. Recent sales data reveals that the JRPG-inspired title has sold only 9,825 physical copies in Japan since its launch—a surprisingly low figure for a game with such strong Japanese influences.

This news comes as a shock to many, especially considering the game's overwhelming success elsewhere. Within just 12 days of release, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 sold over 2 million copies globally, even while competing with major titles like Oblivion Remastered. The game's availability on Xbox Game Pass further boosted its accessibility to Western audiences.

Several factors could explain why Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 hasn't resonated as strongly in Japan:

• Digital Sales Not Accounted For: The reported figures only include physical copies sold. Many Japanese gamers prefer digital purchases, especially for RPGs, which could mean actual sales are higher.
• Limited Physical Stock: Physical copies of the game have been scarce even in Western markets. If Japan received fewer units, this could artificially deflate sales numbers.
• Cultural Differences: Despite its JRPG inspirations, Clair Obscur was developed by a French studio (Sandfall Interactive). Japanese gamers may prefer homegrown RPG experiences.

Despite its lukewarm reception in Japan, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 continues to receive rave reviews worldwide. The game currently holds an impressive 92 average score on OpenCritic, with 97% of critics recommending it.

Notable figures in the industry have praised the game, including Stellar Blade director Kim Hyung-tar, who called it his "favorite game of 2025" after spending over 90 hours to earn the Platinum Trophy.

Developer Sandfall Interactive has confirmed they currently have no plans for DLC, focusing instead on improving the base game through updates. A recent patch addressed several bugs and rebalanced Maelle's overpowered Stendhal ability.

While the game's Japanese performance may be disappointing, its global success and critical reception suggest Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 will remain a strong contender for 2025 Game of the Year honors.