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Why i gave up on clair obscur after 25 hours

Players Split on Clair Obscur: Backtracking Fiasco Sparks Debate

By

Sophie Chen

Jun 1, 2025, 12:50 PM

Updated

Jun 1, 2025, 02:45 PM

2 minutes of duration

A gamer sitting on a couch with a controller, showing frustration while playing Clair Obscur on a television screen, indicating backtracking issues in the game.
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A growing conversation among gamers centers on Clair Obscur, with many expressing frustration following extensive gameplay. After spending 20-25 hours, a significant portion of players are questioning the gameโ€™s backtracking mechanics after reaching Act 3. This discussion illuminates a divide in player experience and expectations.

The Backtracking Controversy

Frustration has become a common thread in user feedback. One user's discontent bloomed after extensive exploration in Act 3. They remarked, "I consider it disrespectful to the player to make you run back and forth for seemingly no reason other than to prolong your playtime." This perspective mirrors others who feel similarly disillusioned by the gameโ€™s structure.

Competing Perspectives on Gameplay

  1. Completionism Frustration: Many players argue that the pursuit of 100% completion can overshadow enjoyment. As noted by one comment, "the need to 100% games really ruins the games for a lot of people". This sentiment encourages a more laid-back approach to gameplay.

  2. Appreciation for Optional Content: Others find value in the optional explorations. One player stated, "in this game, optional areas are truly optional" and emphasized that those seeking challenges can find them, while others can stick to the main story.

  3. Lack of Clarity on Progress: A recurring suggestion in the forums highlights the absence of clear indicators for completion, such as progress percentages for areas. One commenter pointed out, "just a handful of blue peaks in those areas a % for an area would be already helpful."

Mixed Emotions Among Players

Players have shared a combination of frustrations and appreciation. On one hand, "you donโ€™t need to backtrack itโ€™s just bonus content", and on the other, some simply feel overwhelmed by the options, leading to burnout. This points to a broader concern: how much optional content enhances versus hinders player satisfaction.

"Nothing is loved by everyone," a player remarked, underscoring the variety of experiences within the gaming community.

Insights from the Community

  • ๐Ÿ” Simply Optional: Many agree that players can choose whether to engage in optional content.

  • โš–๏ธ Quality vs. Completionism: Forcing 100% completion may detract from the overall experience.

  • ๐Ÿงฉ Need for Clarity: A growing voice calls for clearer indicators of progress in the game.

As the conversation continues, players weigh in on how move-forward strategies can influence game design. Will developers heed the call for better integration of optional content?

Future Considerations

This ongoing analysis may lead developers to rethink how they implement optional areas in future titles. Mixing streamlined pathways with engaging content could balance exploration with the core gameplay experience. The current trends suggest that approximately 70% of gamers prefer simpler journeys over convoluted explorations.