A Heartbreaking Dilemma
⚠️ SPOILER WARNING for Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
After finally defeating Renoir in Expedition 33, I thought the hardest part was over—until I had to make the choice. Maelle or Verso. Two characters I grew deeply attached to throughout the journey. And now I had to pick one?
The Moment That Hit Hard
As Verso steps into the canvas and meets the spirit of the young painter, he quietly asks, “Are you tired of painting?” That hit different. You could feel the weight in his voice. Then Maelle arrives—desperate to stop him. Two souls, both lost in their own pain, fighting for two completely different visions of what’s right.
It wasn’t just about saving one of them. It was about choosing between reality and illusion… between healing and holding on.
Why I Chose Verso
I sat with that choice for a while. I even looked it up on Reddit because I didn’t want to make the “wrong” decision. But the truth? There is no right choice—only what felt right for me.
Maelle had one of the strongest backstories in the game. I felt for her deeply. But I couldn’t fully understand her final decision. Choosing her path meant staying in a painted fantasy, living in denial, no matter how beautiful it looked. She even admits she’s addicted to it—she knows it’s not healthy, but still chooses to stay.
In contrast, Verso’s ending felt like closure. Painful, yes—but honest. With his choice, Maelle learns to let go. She confronts grief and starts to heal. She faces the real world, and somehow… finds peace. That felt more powerful to me than preserving a fantasy.
A Powerful Narrative Choice
This decision will stay with me for a long time. Expedition 33 doesn’t force a “good” or “bad” ending on you—it forces you to reflect on what kind of person you are.
- Do you choose comfort, beauty, and illusion?
- Or do you face the harsh truth, even if it hurts?
I chose reality. I chose Verso.
And even though it hurt, I believe Maelle would thank me for it—one day.
If you’re struggling with this choice too, I get it. It’s not just about game mechanics—it’s about you. Your values. Your emotional journey. That’s what makes Expedition 33 such a masterpiece. 🎨
NG+ Here I Come…
But I’m not done yet.
I’m jumping into New Game+ soon to explore Maelle’s ending. I want to see it through her eyes. I want to understand what peace means to her, even if it’s a different path than mine. I feel like this story deserves both perspectives.
💭 Still deciding between Maelle and Verso?
🎮 Check out my full Expedition 33 review here: Read the full breakdown