Clair Obscur Expedition 33 Pictos, Explained

Everything you need to know about Pictos in Clair Obscur Expedition 33, including how to unlock them, the Lumina system, and more.

Clair Obscur Expedition 33 (Image via Kepler Interactive)
Clair Obscur Expedition 33 (Image via Kepler Interactive)

Clair Obscur Expedition 33 might look like a traditional and straightforward turn-based RPG, but it’s far from that. The opening few hours of the game are fairly straightforward, with a simple turn-based combat system. However, as you progress through the game, it starts to introduce new elements to the combat system, which, as is the case for any RPG, can be a bit tough to decipher right from the get-go. One of the combat elements introduced early on in the game is the Pictos. These are essentially stat modifiers for the Expeditioners.

However, how this system is explained in-game is bound to confuse some players, especially newcomers to turn-based RPGs. While the concept of Pictos feels overly convoluted at first, it’s actually a rather straightforward system. Here’s everything you need to know about the Pictos and how they work in Clair Obscur Expedition 33.

What Are Pictos in Clair Obscur Expedition 33?

Pictos and Luminas in Clair Obscur Expedition 33 (Image via Kepler Interactive)
Pictos and Luminas in Clair Obscur Expedition 33 (Image via Kepler Interactive)

Pictos are essentially “augments” that you can equip on every single party member (Expeditioner). You can equip up to 3 Pictos per character and switch them as and when you want. Furthermore, Pictos have their own “leveling system,” where they improve in stats as you engage in combat and defeat enemies.

The Pictos system is quite similar to the Materia in the Final Fantasy 7 Remake titles, albeit a tad more simplified. Equipped Pictos level up to their maximum proficiency after 4 successful battles. Once the Pictos are maxed out, you can swap them out for new ones without affecting their passive bonus. This is done via the Lumina system.

In addition, the stat bonuses of the Pictos can range from percentage-based upgrades to entirely new skills. For instance, the Augmented Attack Pictos increases base attack power by 50%, whereas the Cleansing Tint Pictos allows you to remove any status ailment upon using a Healing Tint. Similarly, other Pictos offer percentage-based passive buffs (defensive and offensive), as well as unique skills like automatically marking enemies upon using Free Aim, etc.

What Are Luminas in Clair Obscur Expedition 33?

Luminas are essentially an extension of Pictos. As you level up the Pictos you have equipped, you convert them into Luminas. Once a Pictos is maxed out, you can equip it as Luminas, leaving you with free space for new Pictos. Furthermore, once you max out a Pictos, it’s unlocked for all party members. The number of Luminas you can hold is initially quite limited. However, the Luminas capacity can be upgraded once you gain access to the Camp and the Curator.

Can You Farm Pictos in Clair Obscur Expedition 33?

Pictos aid in combat via their passive perks (Image via Kepler Interactive)
Pictos aid in combat via their passive perks (Image via Kepler Interactive)

No, Pictos are not randomly generated and are usually obtained via exploration, quest completion, and defeating mini-bosses. You cannot farm these resources. However, later in the game, you will be able to unlock higher-tier Pictos quite easily by defeating optional bosses. The Mimes are a great source of Pictos in the early-game sections of Clair Obscur Expedition 33.

Furthermore, certain merchants in specific chapters, as well as the Continent’s overworld, also sell specific Pictos, which you can buy in exchange for Chroma.


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