Fans Speculate on Evil Esquie in 'Clair Obscur: Expedition 33' Update

Anticipation is building among players of the game 'Clair Obscur: Expedition 33', as a significant free update has been announced by developer Sandfall Interactive. This update promises new adversaries and undisclosed surprises, prompting a flurry of fan speculation. Central to these discussions is the possibility of a malevolent version of the character Esquie. This theory gained traction following the release of new promotional artwork and a mysterious alteration to the developer's social media profile image, igniting curiosity about the expansion's narrative direction and the evolution of its key figures.

The recently unveiled artwork, which appears to depict a scene from young Verso's childhood bedroom, showcases a sketch of Verso riding Esquie, both engaged in combat against an obscured foe. This image is the sole new visual released, strongly suggesting Esquie's prominent role in the forthcoming content. Further fueling these theories, the voice actor for Esquie, Maxence Cazorla, along with other cast members, has confirmed their return to the recording studio for new dialogue. In the original game, Esquie is portrayed as a gentle and comforting figure, often sought out by expedition members for solace and wine. However, his immense power is hinted at, with characters describing him as 'the most powerful creature in the world,' and Esquie himself alluding to a hidden, darker aspect when angered.

The theory of an 'evil Esquie' has been widely discussed across various online platforms. One Reddit user, commenting on the update announcement, enthusiastically suggested, 'Time for the true super boss: Esquie.' This sentiment was amplified when Sandfall Interactive modified its social media profile picture to a menacing, shadow-enshrouded character bearing a striking resemblance to Esquie. This change led to fervent calls from players for an 'ESQUIE BOSSFIGHT.' While the updated profile picture could potentially be linked to a Halloween-themed event, its visual cues—red eyes and a spiky collar—make it difficult for fans to dismiss the notion of a darker Esquie.

Another compelling fan theory posits that a young Clea, Verso and Alicia's sister, might have created an evil rendition of Esquie to frighten Verso during their childhood. This theory suggests that Clea, upon her recent return, instructed this malevolent Esquie to target expeditions in a specific area of the canvas, where crucial information about the canvas's truth is concealed. This idea aligns with Clea's past actions within the game's narrative, where she has been known to manipulate the canvas and even characters like Simon, who becomes one of the game's most challenging bosses. The return of Clea's voice actor, Devora Wilde, for new lines further supports this theory, particularly as Clea's presence was largely off-canvas in the original game.

While some might dismiss these ideas as elaborate fan theories, the collective evidence, including the new artwork, the altered profile picture, and the return of key voice actors, paints a compelling picture. The developers' subtle hints have successfully engaged the community, leaving players eagerly anticipating whether their beloved, wine-loving companion will indeed reveal a formidable, malevolent side in the upcoming update.