In Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, dealing huge damage that produces huge numbers on screen is the name of the game.
8 JRPGs Better Than They Have Any Right To Be
Never judge a book by its cover or a JRPG by its excessively anime protagonist.
However, it’s easier said than done, as the game will force you to strategize with available Pictos and Luminas, pick the ideal weapon and lean into each characters battle mechanic if you want the serotonin that comes with a well executed attack.
However, there are a few moves within the game that are pretty much guaranteed to hit like a ton of bricks, and these are Gradient moves. Special moves linked to specific characters that can be unlocked by increasing your relationships with party members back at camp.
These are all worth getting your hands on, but it’s clear that some are better than others. So, to help you decide what move is best to spend your Gradient points on in the heat of battle, here is a rundown of the best Gradient moves in Clair Obscur.
10Tree of Life
Who Needs A Healer?
While the vast majority of the stronger Gradient Moves are offensively minded, there are some that are great if you need a healer on your team.
Lune is by far the best out-and-out healer on the roster, and theTree of Lifemove is just another bandage in her medkit.
This one allows you to heal all allies and completely rid them of all status ailments for the cost of two Gradient Points.
The only thing that sees this one rank low is the fact that most party members have a way to heal themselves in the end-game. But having a way to clear pesky debuffs fast is a handy option.
9Sanctuary
Shields Up
Monoco is a weird case, as he has so much versatility that you’ll either love him, or feel overwhelmed by the possibilities he presents. But one thing that is easy to see is the value of hisSanctuaryGradient move, which allows you to add shields to your allies, and also allows you to regenerate health as well.
The regen is a fun bonus, but the thing that makes this worthwhile is the shields this move adds to all party members, as this will allow you some room for error against enemies with tricky combos.
It’s perfect for those who want to run Monoco as a support, but due to the legwork you need to do to get Monoco set up in the first place, we can only rank this one so high.
8Break Point
Instant Break
While this Gradient move is on the costly side, it is one that is exceptionally powerful and synergizes well with a lot of Monoco’s skills.
Break Pointallows you to immediately fill up the enemy’s break bar, and break them on the spot. Which can be an asset when fighting against more defensive-minded enemies, or those damn mines dotted around the place.
It hits hard, and then if you combine this with Pictos, which allow you to move after breaking, and some moves that hit harder when an enemy is broken, you have a superb strategy that will have most enemies on their knees.
Boom, Boom, Shake The Room
The last of Lune here, as we seeTremorsneak into the ranking. This is one of the cheaper Gradient moves, but it is very useful depending on the enemies you are up against.
This one allows you to deal decent earth damage. But the real standout feature here is that the attack will completely get rid of all shields applied to your foe.
There are numerous enemies that constantly apply and stack shields, making it difficult to actually land a hit on them. So this Gradient move can even the score.
It ranks a little lower, as there are a number of party members' skills that can clear shields or get around them. But, this is easily the most effective shield breaker of all.
6End Slice
Chop ‘Em Up
This might be a little controversial, asEnd Slicehas the potential to deal ridiculous amounts of damage depending on how much you lean into Sciel’s foretell ability, as this attack is amplified depending on how many Foretells you consume.
However, in that lies the issue, as this potentially powerful move not only costs three Gradient points but also requires a lot of specific play and setup to make it worthwhile.
If used right against Herculean bosses, you can melt their HP really fast. But in almost all scenarios, the juice won’t be worth the squeeze.
Rose Petals Galore
WhileGommageis easily the coolest Gradient attack due to the animation, and the name. It must be said that it perhaps doesn’t live up to its name. But, that said, it’s still a pretty good option for those who like using Maelle.
This is a great way to end most non-boss fights that have gone on too long, as this move will kill them instantly, no matter how much HP they have left. Plus, even if you’re in a boss fight, this will still deal extreme void damage that will produce a high damage counter.
The only downside here is that it sees if it slips lower down the list, as it hits once, which negates the chance for added criticals, and it’s rather costly for the damage that it produces when against boss enemies.
However, in situations where you’re up against annoying fodder enemies that support a boss, this can be a great way to thin the crowd.
4Shadow Bringer
I Brought This Shadow From Home
If you’re looking for the most consistent low-cost gradient move that will deal ridiculous damage every time, then Sciel’sShadow Bringeris the obvious choice.
This move hits a whopping ten times, dealing high void damage, and allows for a lot of potential critical hits, which is a great deal for just one Gradient Point.
But, to add more value, this move also adds one Foretell for each successful hit, which can then be cashed in immediately after, during your normal turn, to strengthen various powerful skills in Sciel’s arsenal.
If you’re not trying to stack Gradient Points and just want a quick, reliable damage dealer, then this is just the ticket.
3Phoenix Flame
From The Ashes
Gommage is great, but for me, Maelle’s best Gradient move isPhoenix Flame, as it not only allows you to lean into Maelle’s best offensive strategy, which is stacking burn counters. But it also allows you to revive all fallen party members with a good portion of their HP.
The burn counter it adds is pretty negligible to be honest, but the ability to bring back allies when the chips are down without needing to rely on tints is a huge boon.
Obviously, the best option is to avoid needing this move at all, but chances are you will, and you’ll be glad you have it when the need arises.
Debuffs For Everyone
Sciel is a powerhouse and one of the hardest hitters in your party. However, she is also a great support character when the need arises, too.
Her skills allow her to add more AP in a pinch, clear status effects, and buff allies. However, unique to most other skills in the game,Doomallows you to apply debuffs to your enemies.
This will apply Powerless, Defenseless, and Slow to your chosen target, making them a much less formidable foe for three turns. Not to mention, the move will also deal considerable void damage as well.
Oh, and the move can also break your target to sweeten the deal even more. It’s a brilliant option, a great way to turn the tide against a strong boss, and it isn’t even the most costly move on Sciel’s Gradient line-up. What’s not to love?
1Angel’s Eyes
Does anyone Have A Phoenix down?
Verso’s other Gradient attacks aren’t much to write home about. But thankfully, his high-cost option more than makes up for that, and is well worth stacking Gradient Points to use.
Angel’s Eyesdeals eight high-damage light attacks to your chosen target, and adds to Verso’s Perfection meter for every successful hit. However, the incredible damage output only tells half the story.
You see, this Gradient move also applies Aureole to Verso, which is essentially the same as Second Chance. Meaning, if Verso dies, he will immediately resurrect.
It’s a means of getting a second wind and a safety net, while also absolutely pasting your enemy. It’s the whole package and the pick of the bunch as far as Gradient skills are concerned.
10 Best JRPGs With Fun Traversal Mechanics
Plenty of JRPGs give you more ways to explore the world than just your own two feet.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
WHERE TO PLAY
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a ground-breaking turn-based RPG with unique real-time mechanics, making battles more immersive and addictive than ever. Explore a fantasy world inspired by Belle Époque France in which you battle devastating enemies.In this evolution of JRPGs, real-time actions enhance the heart of turn-based combat. Craft unique builds for your Expeditioners that fit your playstyle via gear, stats, skills, and character synergies. Open an active dimension in combat - dodge, parry, and counter in real time, chain combos by mastering attack rhythms, and target enemy weak points using a free aim system.With only one year left to live, join Gustave, Maelle, and their fellow Expeditioners as they embark upon a desperate quest to break the Paintress’ cycle of death. Follow the trail of previous expeditions and discover their fate. Get to know the members of Expedition 33 as they learn to work together against impossible odds.Explore an enchanting realm populated by surreal adversaries. Wander through breathtaking landscapes, from the Island of Visages to the Forgotten Battlefield, discovering secrets and hidden quests along the way. Find allies of fortune in creatures of legend and recruit special companions, access new travel methods and discover secret areas in the World Map.
