Complete walkthrough guide for The Monolith region with strategic tips, collectible locations, and boss fight tactics
Preparation and Initial Approach
The Monolith represents the ultimate destination in Clair Obscur Expedition 33’s main storyline. Following your victory over the dual Axons, you’ll gain access to the Paintress’s domain – the mysterious entity your expedition has pursued since the opening chapter. This expansive region stands as one of the game’s most demanding areas, requiring strategic preparation for its numerous hostile encounters and dual endgame boss confrontations.
After successfully eliminating both Axons within Clair Obscur Expedition 33, your party will automatically return to the Camp hub. This is your final opportunity to interact with the Curator for weapon enhancements and Lumina Point optimization. Don’t overlook the chance to strengthen bonds with your companions through dialogue:
Once you’ve completed all preparatory activities, approach the campfire and select the option to document your journey in Gustave’s journal before resting. This action initiates a cinematic sequence that transports you to the overworld map. Before progressing forward, immediately return to camp and locate Esquie to achieve his Relationship Level 5 through conversation.
Navigate back to the overworld environment. You now have the choice between engaging in experience grinding activities or proceeding directly toward The Monolith. As your expedition approaches the structure, an automatic cutscene will showcase the barrier surrounding the region being destroyed.
When character control returns, you’ll find a Merchant positioned nearby offering Pure (Verso’s armor set) and Double Braid (Lune’s hairstyle). Make any desired purchases before heading northward to locate the portal entrance to The Monolith.
(Upon arriving through the portal, avoid wasting time searching for collectibles initially, as they only become available later within The Monolith’s deeper sections.)
As you enter this final region in Clair Obscur Expedition 33, immediately utilize the Expedition Flag to rest. Consider performing any necessary character progression here, since this serves as the sole checkpoint before your initial confrontation with the Paintress. Proceed along the extensive straight pathway to trigger the mandatory boss encounter against her.
You’ll quickly discover that all offensive attempts become neutralized upon reaching her position. This encounter is intentionally designed for player defeat, so employ any available attacks simply to advance the turn counter. Eventually, a cinematic sequence will activate, transporting your party inside The Monolith’s interior.
Tainted Meadows Exploration
Progress forward and utilize the Entrance Expedition Flag upon entering The Monolith’s interior. Continue straight ahead and employ your grappling apparatus to traverse two approaching chasms. You’ll encounter Lanceliers obstructing the path forward. These adversaries appear significantly strengthened from previous encounters, though their attack patterns and vulnerabilities remain consistent. Employ Ice-based abilities and target their illuminated weak points for efficient elimination.
After defeating the Lanceliers, collect the Color of Lumina resource at your feet and proceed leftward. As you advance, the game’s visual presentation will abruptly shift to monochrome. This represents an intentional design element rather than technical issues. Continue normal progression. Pass through the substantial picture frame positioned to the right to restore color within Clair Obscur Expedition 33.
When visual normalization occurs, you’ll discover a pathway branching left alongside a direct route to the Tainted Meadows Expedition Flag straight ahead. Utilize the Clair Obscur Expedition 33 checkpoint for resting before selecting the leftward path, which leads to a descending golden rope mechanism. Employ this to access lower terrain and engage the roaming Portier enemy.
Another golden rope appears left of the battle location, providing access to lower ground populated by several Nevrons. Defeat these opponents and follow the path to unlock The Monolith’s initial collectible – a Paint Cage. This container sits concealed behind the large bronze formation functioning as rocky terrain.
The initial two locks position themselves opposite the Cage structure. One locates above the substantial bronze doorway, while the second hides along the lower right section. For the final lock, utilize the golden rope right of the Cage and behind the bronze rock formation to reach elevated ground. Looking backward reveals its position atop a platform structure.
Retrieve your Revive Tint Shard reward from the unlocked Cage and return to the Tainted Meadows Expedition Flag within The Monolith. Proceed straight forward to encounter another roaming Portier. Defeat this enemy, continue straight, then turn left. You’ll discover a previously unencountered enemy type patrolling the area within Clair Obscur Expedition 33. Initiating combat identifies it as a “Clair” variant. These particular foes demonstrate complete immunity to Light and physical damage types. Consequently, elemental abilities represent your sole damage source, particularly those possessing Dark affinity, which targets their specific vulnerability.
Following this engagement, you’ll notice a recognizable adversary moving ahead – Eveque, the optional boss originally encountered in Spring Meadows region. Defeating this opponent upgrades your Cleansing Tint Pictos to Level 15 capability.
After the confrontation, approach the statues displaying various poses and inspect their left side to locate a Color of Lumina resource. Move leftward from the sculptures and turn right to engage a trio comprising Lancelier, Portier, and Volester enemies inside The Monolith within Clair Obscur Expedition 33.
Now return to the statues and this time navigate along the region’s extreme perimeter behind them until spotting a lower platform. Descend to this area to discover a Color of Lumina concealed behind crate objects. Return via the handhold mechanism to regain upper elevation and navigate back toward the Tainted Meadows Expedition Flag.
Tainted Waters and Sanctuary
From your current position, navigate to the area containing your initial Clair encounter and turn right from that location; the screen should transition to black and white here. Upon reaching the edge, identify a cave-like opening along the right boundary and enter this passage.
When color restoration occurs, you’ll recognize the Flying Waters region environment. A boulder positioned beside ascending air currents divides the pathway ahead into two routes. The right passage leads to combat engagement, while the left direction brings you to Mistra the Merchant within Clair Obscur Expedition 33. This vendor offers numerous purchasable items alongside an optional one-on-one combat opportunity to unlock the Energizing Cleanse Pictos ability.
Backtrack and proceed along the left pathway, but first investigate behind the approaching central boulder to locate a Resplendent Chroma Catalyst resource. Subsequently, follow the extended rightward path to discover the Tainted Waters Expedition Flag inside The Monolith within Clair Obscur Expedition 33.
You may choose to explore the surrounding area or engage the Nevrons patrolling ahead. Examine the perimeter of the substantial central land mound to locate a Resplendent Chroma Catalyst resource inside The Monolith. Next, follow the rightward path from the crossroads to encounter additional Nevrons. After dispatching these foes, identify a damaged golden column featuring grid-like architecture. Crawl beneath this structure to discover a Color of Lumina hidden within barrel containers.
When selecting the left pathway from the Tainted Waters Expedition Flag fork, the route further subdivides into two directions. The right option introduces another new enemy classification. This particular type identifies as “Obscur,” serving as Clair’s direct counterpart. Following opposition principles, this variant demonstrates vulnerability to Light elemental damage while maintaining complete immunity to Dark Elemental Affinity.
After defeating this opponent, take the left roadway and utilize your grappling mechanism to confront the Chromatic Burgeon boss inside The Monolith. While fundamental strategy remains largely consistent with previous encounters, newly acquired abilities significantly improve combat manageability. Maelle’s Gustave Homage offensive capability particularly excels at inflicting substantial damage against this boss. Victory rewards include a secondary Burgeon Skin cosmetic and a specialized scythe weapon for Sciel.
Return to the opening where you encountered the Obscur enemy and proceed inward. Utilize the rope mechanism to advance toward the subsequent region within The Monolith in Clair Obscur Expedition 33.
Prioritize resting at the Tainted Sanctuary Expedition Flag inside the Monolith upon arrival. Advance forward until encountering another pathway division. Follow the right route to locate a Color of Lumina near crate objects. Then proceed along the left track to initiate combat against Robust and Ranger Sakapate variants within Clair Obscur Expedition 33.
Following this engagement, turn left. You’ll notice statues positioned to your right, but before approaching them, turn left to discover a Color of Lumina resting beside container boxes. Now advance beyond the sculptures. You’ll identify a familiar adversary patrolling the vicinity – the Ultimate Sakapate boss (accompanied by two Catapult Sakapate minions).
Initiate aggression to commence the boss confrontation inside the Monolith. Core strategy remains unchanged: break the boss’s defensive stance to expose vulnerable points and target these areas for maximum damage output.
Advanced Regions and Boss Fights
Proceed rightward after the confrontation until discovering an opening leading to an extended detour. This area contains a Resplendent Chroma Catalyst resource. Return to the region housing your Ultimate Sakapate encounter and investigate the boundaries of a substantial tree to locate scattered Chroma resources.
From this position, head southward to find another detour featuring pathway division. Select the left roadway and pass beneath the confined space.
Advance forward and turn right to engage a trio comprising Ranger Sakapatate, Catapult Sakapatate, and Clair enemies within Clair Obscur Expedition 33. Before descending through the opening guarded by these three adversaries, reverse direction and proceed rightward.
Another constrained space accessible via crouching maneuver should be visible. Progress forward and identify an opening to your right to locate a Paint Cage inside The Monolith. Position yourself at the platform edge containing the Paint enclosure and search surrounding rock formations to your left to identify the initial lock.
The secondary lock embeds within the tall rock spire central to one of your previous regions. The final lock positions behind the black Paint root structure featuring blue vein patterns, located before the Cage during backtracking toward the aforementioned opening. Employ the Paint Break ability to destroy this obstruction.
The Cage contains Random Defense Pictos. Now return to the area containing your Ranger Sakapatate, Catapult Sakapatate, and Clair trio encounter, and proceed through the opening to utilize (and potentially level up) the Tainted Cliffs Expedition Flag within Clair Obscur Expedition 33.
Progress beyond the Clair Obscur Expedition 33 checkpoint and ascend the spiraling stairway. Upon reaching the summit, immediately identify a Resplendent Chroma Catalyst resting near the left boundary edge. Travel northward and employ your grappling apparatus to cross the gap. Continue advancement, but remember to collect the Chroma cluster positioned nearby.
When reaching the current pathway’s conclusion, the screen transitions to black and white again, displaying two figures interacting mid-air. Following their disappearance, proceed leftward to engage several Cultists patrolling ahead.
After this confrontation, you’ll immediately encounter another path division, featuring additional Cultists to the right and a narrow passage leftward. The latter route leads to a Petank creature that you must pursue back toward your origin point to position within the green pedestal.
This engagement requires rapid resolution, not only because the Petank can escape within three to four turns, but it also potentially applies Dizzy status beforehand. This condition significantly hampers Free Aiming mechanics – essential for targeting the enemy’s (continuously moving) vulnerable spot to inflict substantial damage. Consequently, optimal defeat strategy involves equipping AP-building Pictos and Luminas to enable increased projectile volume against its weak point.
Following this battle, proceed rightward to eliminate additional Cultists. This enemy group rewards you with Energizing Pictos level enhancement. Next, return to the initial Petank location and approach the floating frame structures. You should notice a grappling prompt – activate this to reach the Lighthouse structure. Investigate behind this building to discover a Recoat resource within The Monolith environment.
Return to the Petank engagement area and turn right. You’ll observe scattered Chroma resources ahead, a golden rope mechanism leftward, and a pathway to an expansive area rightward. Utilize the rope to descend into a region containing combat against Mime, Clair, and Obscur enemies, with Voluminous Haircut for Maelle serving as victory reward.
Complete this engagement, employ the golden rope to reascend and this time select the right pathway, which positions you against Hexga, Greatsword Cultist, and Obscur opponents. Following their defeat, identify sequentially elevated platforms for climbing to acquire additional Chroma within Clair Obscur Expedition 33.
Descend and locate a new Pictos ability right of a large picture frame featuring brown canvas. This identifies as Weakness Gain capability. Subsequently, traverse the Heptagon tunnel and grapple toward the substantial airship vessel. Then utilize two additional grappling points to reach the subsequent Expedition Flag inside the Monolith region within Clair Obscur Expedition 33 – Tainted Battlefield.
Search behind the rock formation positioned posterior to the Flag to locate a Resplendent Chroma Catalyst. Now advance across the wooden bridge structure. Several Nevrons await at the boundary edge. This group composition includes Troubadour and two Charlier variants. This confrontation upgrades your Longer Shell Pictos and Troubadim weapon capabilities. Upon descending, identify a Color of Lumina resource resting rightward.
The left pathway contains a group comprising one Charlier and two Ramasseurs enemies patrolling the area. Defeating these opponents upgrades the Ramasson weapon within Clair Obscur Expedition 33. The right pathway, conversely, features a detour containing a Color of Lumina at its terminus, though enemy engagement precedes access.
Epilogue and Post-Game
Now return through the detour and follow the western perimeter to identify an ascending golden rope mechanism. Utilize this and collect the Chroma near the cliff edge. Descend from this same boundary. Additional Nevrons await leftward behind a substantial wooden container. Defeat these opponents and turn left to locate a Color of Lumina, then proceed through the opening.
Follow the pathway to reach an area containing a grave marker. Proceed eastward from this position and enter a cavern to discover The Manor entrance doorway. This transition transports you to the gardens, where you’ll locate Aline’s journal documentation and L’amour D’une Mère musical recording. Additional exploration opportunities exist to reach the Entry Hall Flag.
Return to the grave marker and this time proceed rightward to advance within The Monolith in Clair Obscur Expedition 33. Grapple through the large frame onto platform structures to access the subsequent region. Utilize the Tainted Hearts Expedition Flag for resting.
Proceed directly into the station interior, where color drainage recurs alongside two characters arguing mid-air. Following their disappearance, advance forward and traverse the narrow walkway. Color restoration occurs once more. When normal visuals return, turn left and proceed toward the rightward pathway. The route divides ahead, with eastern direction leading to optional Gargant confrontation inside the Monolith, while western path directs toward a merchant location.
The boss engagement provides XP, Chroma, and Resplendent Chroma Catalyst rewards.
Ascend the handhold structures to encounter Merchant Melosh. This vendor offers several items alongside a boss confrontation opportunity to unlock weapon and Pictos rewards. Locate a deceased body near train wreckage in the same vicinity to acquire the Enfeebling Attack Pictos. Proceed left from Melosh to traverse train carriages and continue straight ahead. Employ your grappling mechanism to cross the gap. You’ll ultimately reach a Paint Cage (containing Empowering Parry) at the terminus. Lock positions include:
Now return and turn right to approach the station entrance, obstructed by three adversaries – Obscur, Danseuser, and Braseleur. Victory rewards Braselim, a new weapon option for Lune within Clair Obscur Expedition 33. Following this engagement, inspect near the stairway to locate a Color of Lumina resource. Advance forward and employ the grapple mechanism to cross the gap. Examine pillar structures to discover a Resplendent Chroma Catalyst.
After acquisition, converse with the Faceless Boy. Exhaust all dialogue options before selecting the Lumiere destination choice. Upon exiting the train, utilize the Tainted Lumiere Expedition Flag within Clair Obscur Expedition 33.
Following any desired preparation activities, descend into the expansive area and engage all patrolling enemies. These exclusively comprise Chevalier enemy types. One such group eventually drops Perilous Parry Pictos upon defeat. Investigate the northwest sector to locate a Recoat beside sheet-covered boxes.
Subsequently, proceed rightward and grapple across the deteriorated street. Turn right and identify another grappling point.
The screen transitions to black and white, displaying the couple’s aerial interaction again. Following their disappearance, locate a grappling point eastward. Travel northeast to discover scattered Chroma resources. Proceed left from this position to find a Color of Lumina near harp instrumentation. Head northward from here and turn left from the yellow-foliage tree to locate another Color of Lumina within the Monolith.
Utilize the grappling apparatus to reach a region containing Obscur and Chevalieres opposition. Defeat these foes and investigate the vicinity to discover the Expedition 70 Journal entry. A Color of Lumina positions immediately ahead of this document. Return to the yellow-foliage tree and enter the tunnel passage. Upon emergence, turn left, then proceed southward.
The approaching pathway hosts an optional boss confrontation against Clair Obscur inside the Monolith. Victory provides Dreameso (Verso’s weapon), Chroma Catalysts, Colour of Luminas, and Breaking Attack Pictos rewards.
Proceed straight from the boss engagement to locate the Lithelim weapon for Lune. Employ the grapple to return across the gap and engage Clair and Obscur opponents. Following their defeat, advance directly toward the dark, cavern-like entrance and utilize the Tower Peak Expedition Flag inside the Monolith.
Advance straight into the extensive arena. This eventually triggers cinematic content initiating confrontation against Renoir.
Renoir’s first phase attack repertoire includes:
Reducing Renoir’s health to 50% within Clair Obscur Expedition 33 triggers his second phase transition. He completely restores health and acquires Rage status effect, enabling dual actions per turn. Beyond previous attack patterns, new additions include:
Continue the boss engagement until achieving victory over Renoir. Proceed through the portal and utilize the Monolith Peak Expedition Flag, preparing for the subsequent boss confrontation. Advance to confront The Paintress within Clair Obscur Expedition 33.
The Paintress boss fight in Clair Obscur Expedition 33 (Image via Sportskeeda Gaming || Kepler Interactive)
The Paintress encounter parallels Renoir regarding difficulty scaling and complexity. For comprehensive strategy regarding defeating this primary antagonist, consult our specialized Paintress boss fight guide.
Following boss defeat, an extended cinematic sequence plays, transitioning into the Clair Obscur Expedition 33 campaign’s Epilogue segment, titled Alicia.
Heading downstairs in the Manor in Clair Obscur Expedition 33 (Image via Sportskeeda Gaming || Kepler Interactive)
Your party deposits at The Manor location. Descend two stairway sets and turn right to traverse the dining hall into the canvas chamber. Cinematic content initiates. Upon regaining Maelle control, interact with Clea and exhaust all inquiry options.
Subsequently, engage with the Canvas to enter its interior. An extensive cutscene plays, revealing substantial remaining Clair Obscur Expedition 33 content, as the game’s third act commences under the Maelle title.
This concludes The Monolith’s comprehensive walkthrough guidance.
Check out our other articles on Clair Obscur Expedition 33:
No reproduction without permission：Tsp Game Club » The Monolith: Clair Obscur Expedition 33 walkthrough: How to complete The Monolith Complete walkthrough guide for The Monolith region with strategic tips, collectible locations, and boss fight tactics