As players approach the conclusion of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, they face a decision with significant ramifications for the story’s outcome. This guide provides a thorough analysis of the two possible endings and their implications.
The Final Confrontation
The Pivotal Choice
After defeating Renoir upon returning to Lumiere, Verso enters through the portal that Renoir opened. Upon finding the Painted Boy, a heated disagreement erupts between Verso and Maelle. Their argument centres around whether Maelle should leave the Canvas and face reality with her actual family, or continue enjoying a more comfortable, idealised existence within the Canvas alongside her newfound companions.
As Verso begins to reference Renoir’s comments about the Canvas, the situation escalates to the point where both reluctantly draw their weapons against each other, forced into a final clash of principles. Players must then make the decisive choice that determines the fate of the Canvas.
Possible Endings
Fighting as Maelle
Selecting ‘Fight as Maelle’ requires players to defeat Verso in a one-on-one battle. After victory, Verso makes a final plea to stop the painting, expressing that this life is not what they want. Maelle responds with an emotional appeal to share the life together that reality had denied them. Following this exchange, Verso undergoes the gommage process.
Epilogue: A Life to Paint
The epilogue shows the citizens of Lumiere gathering at the opera house for a performance. Lune guides Maelle to their seats, where they join Sciel, her husband, and shortly after, Gustave and Sophie. As the stage lights illuminate, Verso approaches the piano with obvious reluctance. After an internal struggle and glancing towards the party members, he notices that Maelle’s eyes now show signs of paint affliction similar to what Aline once experienced. Ultimately, he turns his attention back to the piano and begins playing a melody.
Fighting as Verso
Choosing ‘Fight as Verso’ means players must defeat Maelle in single combat. Following victory, Maelle collapses and Verso comforts her as she begins to gommage. He assures her that as a Painter in the real world, she will never be forced to live an unwanted life. With these words, she finally disappears.
In the aftermath, Monoco and Esquie embrace Verso before they too disintegrate, followed by Sciel, and then Lune. Verso then takes the Painted Boy’s hand as they walk away, eventually disappearing themselves.
Epilogue: A Life to Love
The real-world epilogue shows the surviving members of the Dessendre family—Alicia, Renoir, Aline, and Clea—gathered at Verso’s grave, finally sharing their collective grief. As Alicia remains alone at the gravesite, she witnesses spectral appearances of her fellow party members standing before her. They wave farewell before undergoing gommage and vanishing permanently.