How to Fix Crashing Issues in Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

Image Credits: Sandfall Interactive

If Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is crashing more than your hopes of finishing a JRPG backlog, it’s been a problem for many. From startup crashes to mid-cutscene meltdowns, players across Steam, Game Pass, and Epic have been facing a whole paint palette of problems. Luckily, there are a few tricks to get you back on your expedition.

Here’s a simple list of fixes that have worked for others and may also work for you.

Quick Fixes for Crashing Issues

1. Toggle Steam Overlay (Yes, Really)

• If you’re on Steam, try enabling the Steam Overlay.

• Weirdly enough, turning it ON has fixed startup crashes for many players.

• If it’s already on and you're still crashing, try toggling it off and then back on.

How to:

• Right-click the game in your Steam Library.

• Select Properties.

• Under General, toggle the Steam Overlay setting.

2. Use Launch Option: -dx11

• For some users, forcing DirectX 11 has stopped crashes, especially if Unreal Engine 5 is acting up.

• Works on Steam and Epic Games.

How to:

• Go to the game’s launch options (in Steam, under Properties > General).

• Type -dx11 in the launch options box.

Note: Performance might drop a bit, but at least you'll be playing instead of staring at your desktop.

3. Disable Windows Defender Real-Time Protection

• A few players found that Windows Defender was causing conflicts.

• Temporarily disabling real-time protection allowed the game to run smoothly.

How to:

• Go to Windows Security > Virus & Threat Protection.

• Click on Manage settings under Virus & threat protection settings.

• Toggle Real-time protection off.

Remember to turn it back on after playing—because malware isn't as fun as Chromatic Lancelier.

4. Update Your BIOS

• Sounds extreme, but for users with 12th/13th gen Intel CPUs, updating the BIOS fixed constant crashes.

• This seems tied to UE5 stability on newer hardware.

If you're not comfortable updating BIOS, skip this step or get help—bricking your motherboard is worse than any game crash.

5. Lower Graphics Settings

• If you’re crashing after cutscenes or during loading screens, try dropping settings from Epic to High or Medium.

• Disable features like:

  • Chromatic Aberration

  • Film Grain

  • Motion Blur

  • Vignette

Sometimes "cinematic" just means "crashes more beautifully."

6. Create a Desktop Shortcut

• Some Steam users reported better stability by launching via a desktop shortcut.

• Right-click the game in Steam > Manage > Add Desktop Shortcut.

• Launch the game from there instead of directly through Steam.

Still Crashing?

• Wait for Official Patches: The devs are aware and actively working on fixes.

• Keep your game updated, and check community forums for the latest hotfix news.

• If you're on Game Pass and nothing works—well, you're in good company. A lot of players are still waiting for a solid fix there.

Final Blurb

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 might be all about beauty and precision, but right now, getting it to run is the real boss fight. Whether it’s toggling overlays, dialing back settings, or making deals with your BIOS, these fixes should help you survive the crash apocalypse—at least until the devs roll out a proper patch.

Good luck, and may your crashes be few and far between.

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