In an era where most open-world RPGs bombard players with UI elements, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 took a radically different approach. Sandfall Interactive, the French indie studio behind this critically acclaimed turn-based RPG, made the conscious decision to exclude a mini-map from their game. This choice wasn’t an oversight—it was a deliberate design philosophy aimed at deepening player immersion.

Guillaume Broche, CEO and Creative Director of Sandfall Interactive, explained this controversial decision during an interview with Dropped Frames on Twitch. "When I played Final Fantasy X, I realized I was just staring at the mini-map instead of appreciating the beautifully crafted environments," Broche admitted. "By removing it, we force players to engage with the world we’ve built—to notice its details, remember its layouts, and truly explore rather than follow waypoints."

The Dark Souls Inspiration

Sandfall drew inspiration from Dark Souls and other games that rely on environmental storytelling and subtle cues rather than overt navigation aids. This design encourages players to pay attention to landmarks, NPC dialogues, and subtle visual hints—elements that might be overlooked if a mini-map were constantly guiding their focus.

Broche elaborated: "Yes, players will miss hidden passages or optional quests. But that's part of the magic. When you replay the game or discuss it with friends, you’ll discover new things—just like in classic RPGs where exploration felt rewarding because it wasn't handed to you."

Player Reactions: Love It or Hate It

The absence of a mini-map has polarized the Clair Obscur community. Some players praise the decision, arguing that it enhances the game's atmospheric depth and encourages organic discovery. Others, however, find it frustrating—especially in labyrinthine areas where navigation becomes challenging without clear guidance.

A compromise suggested by fans includes adding optional waypoints or a journal-based mapping system, but Sandfall has remained firm in their vision. "We want players to feel like explorers, not tourists following a GPS," Broche stated.

The Bigger Picture: Immersion Over Convenience

This debate reflects a broader tension in modern game design—between accessibility and immersion. While many RPGs prioritize convenience with extensive UI tools, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 challenges players to slow down and engage more deeply with its world.

Whether this approach resonates with you likely depends on your playstyle. For those craving a nostalgic, exploration-driven experience, Clair Obscur's design is a breath of fresh air. For others, the lack of a mini-map might feel like an unnecessary hurdle. Either way, Sandfall's bold choice has sparked meaningful conversations about how RPGs can—and perhaps should—balance guidance with discovery.