Every so often, a game lands on Xbox Game Pass that captures the community’s imagination—and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has done exactly that. Launched as a day-one release for Game Pass Ultimate subscribers, the tactical RPG has been called “Game of the Year” by players across Reddit and social media.



Currently holding a 92 Metacritic score, Clair Obscur narrowly edges out Blue Prince to become the highest-rated game of 2025. Its captivating art style, atmospheric storytelling, and thrilling turn-based combat have turned even skeptical players into die-hard fans. Many who traditionally avoid turn-based games found themselves surprisingly addicted after playing just the prologue.



Feedback from the community has been overwhelmingly positive. Top posts on the Xbox Game Pass Reddit page praise the game’s battle music, character design, and overall polish. “Everything about this game is a 10/10 for me,” one user wrote, highlighting the immediate emotional connection the game fosters.



For those interested, Clair Obscur tells the story of a cursed world ruled by the Paintress, who annually paints a number that determines who will vanish next. With the number set to reach “33,” players must set out on a final mission to defeat the Paintress and break the cycle.



Access to Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is free for those with Buy Xbox Game Pass Ultimate (XGPU), Microsoft's premium gaming subscription. Standard Game Pass subscribers or non-members must pay $49.99 to play, making Ultimate a smart upgrade for anyone wanting immediate access to top-tier titles.



If early estimates are correct, players can expect around 30 hours of immersive gameplay. That’s plenty of time to fall in love with the game’s detailed world, clever combat mechanics, and rich narrative. For anyone on the fence, this is shaping up to be one of 2025’s defining gaming experiences.