Expedition 33 began as a side project born from boredom. Its creator, a former Ubisoft developer, spent years working on AAA titles but felt creatively stifled. One night, he asked himself: What if I made a game inspired by my childhood favorite, Final Fantasy? That question sparked the idea for Expedition 33. It started as a passion project. It would later become 2025’s most anticipated role-playing game (RPG).
A Unique Blend of Turn-Based and Real-Time Action
Expedition 33 is a turn-based RPG with a twist: it introduces real-time mechanics to battle sequences. This hybrid approach makes combat dynamic and immersive. It blends the strategic depth of classic RPGs with the fast-paced excitement of action games. Players control a team of characters. They use timed inputs to execute abilities and dodge attacks. They also chain skills in real time 4. The game’s publisher, Kepler Interactive, praised the innovation, calling it “a groundbreaking evolution of the genre”.
The game’s narrative is equally compelling. Expedition 33 is set in a world where light and shadow collide. It follows a group of explorers tasked with uncovering ancient secrets. Its story draws comparisons to Final Fantasy’s mythic tone, with rich worldbuilding and emotional character arcs.
The Rise of RPGs and Why Expedition 33 Stands Out
RPGs have seen a resurgence in recent years, driven by hybrid mechanics and deep storytelling. Games like Elden Ring and Baldur’s Gate 3 proved that players crave complexity and immersion. Expedition 33 taps into this trend while offering something fresh: a balance between turn-based strategy and real-time action. Reviewers have called it “addictive” and “unlike anything else on the market”.
The game’s success also reflects a growing appetite for indie-style RPGs. Smaller studios are experimenting with niche mechanics, and Expedition 33 is a prime example. Its developer, Sandfall Interactive, took risks that AAA studios often avoid, such as blending two contrasting gameplay styles. “This game is a love letter to RPG fans,” said one reviewer. “It feels like a labor of love”.
Behind the Developers: A Team of Dreamers
Sandfall Interactive, the studio behind Expedition 33, is a small but ambitious team. Founded by veterans of Ubisoft and other AAA studios, the group aimed to create something personal. “We wanted to make a game that felt like home,” said a team member in an interview. Their dedication is clear in every detail, from the hand-drawn art style to the haunting soundtrack.
The team’s passion resonated with players. When Expedition 33 launched on April 24, 2025, it quickly became a viral hit. Fans praised its creativity, while critics lauded its bold mechanics. The game’s availability on Xbox Game Pass further boosted its reach, letting millions try it with an active subscription.
Why Expedition 33 Matters
Expedition 33 is more than a game—it’s a testament to what happens when creators follow their passion. By merging turn-based strategy with real-time action, it redefines what RPGs can be. As one player wrote on social media: “This game feels like Final Fantasy met Dark Souls in the best way possible”.
With its innovative design and heartfelt storytelling, Expedition 33 has cemented itself as a standout title in 2025. It proves that even small teams can make big waves—and that the future of RPGs is full of surprises.
