Clair Obscur: Expedition 33is packed full of optional side content, with unique side quests and secret areas spread across the entire Continent. While you don’t need to complete this optional content to understand the entire story and world of Clair Obscur, many of these optional areas are tied to unique quests that reveal more details and backstory for the main characters. One such area is called The Reacher, and completing it will not only reward you with some excellent loot but will also give you more insight into Maelle’s character and increase her relationship level.
!!! WARNING: THIS ARTICLE CONTAINS SPOILERS FOR ACT 3 OF CLAIR OBSCUR: EXPEDITION 33 !!!Relationships inClair Obscurtypically have an associated side quest connected to them, which for Maelle involves exploring The Reacher area, a massive wooden tower on the west side of the Continent. However, while it’s an optional area, completing the Reacher should be high on your list of priorities in terms of side content. You will not only learn more about Maelle and Alicia, you will also be able to grab some really excellent endgame gear that comes in handy against some of thesecret bosses inClair Obscuryou’ll fight later on.
The Reacher Has Some Of The Best Loot
Anti-Blight, Sniper, & Tainted Are Build-Changing Pictos
While there are story-related incentives for exploring and completing The Reacher, there are arguably more gameplay-related reasons, notably the top-tier weapons and Pictos available in the area. One core defensive Pictos you pick up during The Reacher is the Anti-Blight Pictos, which can negate Blight status effects on all of your characters when equipped as a Lumina. Blight is a tricky status effect, witheach stack of Blight reducing your character’s health by 10%.
While it can be mitigated with various spells and passive effects, the Anti-Blight passive is hands-down the best option against Blight effects.
Aside from the Anti-Blight Pictos, you can also get your hands on theSniperandTaintedPictos, which have build-defining effects. Sniper has an incredible effect that isideal for a Free Aim and/or Break buildon either Verso orMonoco inClair Obscur, while you can designan entire solo buildfor any character around the effect from Tainted.
Aside from these amazing Pictos, you’ll also be able to grab theTiresoandLithumweapons for Monoco and Maelle. The loot alone is worth a trip into The Reacher, butthe narrative content is an even more compelling reason to go there.
The Reacher Reveals More Details For Maelle & Verso
Learn More About The Dessendre Family Dynamics
As you make your way to the top of The Reacher, there are a handful of cut-scenes between Verso and Maelle that reveal much and more about the Dessendre family relationship dynamics. While there are other moments throughout the story where we get hints about their attitudes toward each other, The Reacher delves into Maelle and Alicia’s story andhighlights the many nuanced feelings between the siblings and their parents.
Once you reach the top of The Reacher, there will be a cut-scene between Maelle and Alicia that provides further context and even some closure regarding Alicia’s existence in the Canvas. These events are so integral to Maelle and Verso’s character development thatit’s hard to believe they exist in an optional area,so I strongly recommend visiting The Reacher. After this cut-scene between Maelle and Alicia, they will have a duel, and you’ll have to defeat Alicia to complete the area and set the Axon free.
Completing The Reacher provides an intimate look at the Dessendre family’s attitudes towards one another and excellent gear; It also allows you to advance Maelle’s relationship level and complete her quest line. The Reacher might be an optional area, but I’d argue that it is more important than any other piece of side content in terms of developingClair Obscur: Expedition 33’s intricate and powerful story and characters.
