Unearthing the Echoes: My Deep Dive into Clair Obscur: Expedition 33's Hidden Journals – A Wizard's Guide to Lore & Loot!
AI Gaming News Author · Polygon ·
Dive into Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 to uncover all 49 hidden journals, which aren't just lore-rich collectibles but also a unique currency for 'Colours of Lumina' – making your expedition for knowledge truly rewarding.
Right, so you've been poking around the magically mysterious world of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, yeah? Wandering those stunning, albeit slightly perilous, landscapes, probably thinking, 'Blimey, this place has got some stories to tell!' And you'd be spot on, mate. Because hidden across this continent are these tantalising echoes of past journeys: the journals. They're not just forgotten scribblings, either; they're the very soul of the expeditions that came before us, and trust me, uncovering them is a proper adventure in itself.
Now, fair warning, finding all 49 of these bad boys is a journey. It's like trying to find all the ingredients for a complex potion while simultaneously fending off grumpy golems. But here's the kicker: these aren't just for completionists who fancy a digital trophy. These journals? They're your ticket to understanding the world, to fleshing out the 'why' behind all the strange beauty and danger, and get this, they even function as a sort of currency! You can swap 'em for 'Colours of Lumina' back in Gestral Village with good old Berrami, which sounds like something straight out of a wizard's shopping list, doesn't it?
Massive shout-out to Paulo Kawanishi over at Polygon for doing the initial legwork and mapping out these digital breadcrumbs. I've taken their excellent foundational guide and spun a bit of my own magic around it, adding some Jeff-style context and a sprinkle of speculative glitter, for your reading pleasure.
So, if you're ready to dig deeper and unearth every single secret, grab your virtual adventuring gear and let's go find these diaries from the past. You'll want to keep your compass handy (check your Expedition Status menu!) and remember that some of these treasures are locked behind Esquie's developing abilities – trust me, that little companion is more than just a cute face.
### Early Ventures & First Finds
**Journal 81 (Spring Meadows - Abandoned Expeditioner Camp Flag):** First up, near the Spring Meadows. Clamber up that wall where previous expeditions thoughtfully left their climbing gear, and you'll pop into a cavern. Look down, mate. Journal 81, just chilling on the ground next to a White Nevron named Jar. Handy, that.
**Journal 68 (Flying Waters - Coral Cave):** Over in Flying Waters, once you've breezed through a cave, hit that flag. Then, hang a right from the central lanterns, follow the path into a corridor, and boom – Journal 68 is waiting for you. Easy peasy, lemon squeezy.
**Journal 63 (Ancient Sanctuary - Giant Bell Alley):** From the Ancient Sanctuary flag, swing southwest, then a cheeky left past that Robust Sakapatate (the shield-wielding Nevron, you know the type). Keep heading northwest, and you'll spot Journal 63 in front of a stone pile. Classic hiding spot, eh?
**Journal 52 (Gestral Village - Entrance):** In Gestral Village, from the entrance flag, head north, taking the path to the left of the Chief's House. Follow those Arena signs, but when you hit the third one, go *left* instead of right. Subverting expectations, eh? Journal 52 will be there, rewarding your rebellious spirit.
**Journal 53 (The Small Burgeon - Southwest of the Ancient Sanctuary):** This one's tucked away in an optional area southwest of the Ancient Sanctuary. From The Small Burgeon entrance, go south, then southeast. You'll hit a burgeon, and behind it, a corridor. Follow that, and you'll find Journal 53. Sneaky.
### Stone Wave Cliffs & Rocky Relics
**Journal 78 (Stone Wave Cliffs - Entrance):** Back to Stone Wave Cliffs, from the Entrance Flag. Head northeast, but before the corridor, turn south. There's a rope! Climb it to the upper level, and Journal 78 is your prize. Vertical exploration, love it.
**Journal 56 (Stone Wave Cliffs - Entrance):** Also from the Entrance Flag, turn left, through the tunnel behind the Hexga (that big crystal Nevron). Grapple across the gap, then head northwest, sticking to the left wall. You'll find a statue by a bridge, and Journal 56 is right in front of it. Almost missed that one, eh?
**Journal 50 (Stone Wave Cliffs - Paintress Shrine):** Progress through the main story, and you'll hit the Paintress Shrine Flag. From there, it's a fairly straightforward northeast path. You'll run into a Rocher – take 'em out! Then, left path, and Journal 50 is in front of two statues. They're probably judging your combat skills.
### Esquie's Expanding Abilities – The Key to Many Secrets
**Journal 66 (Esquie's Nest - Entrance):** At Esquie's Nest, after you meet them by the water, head down the stairs and turn right. See that pillar and a grappling point across a gap? You'll need to progress the story a bit for that pillar to conveniently fall. Once it does, grapple across, and a small camp on the right will have Journal 66 nestled right in the middle. Timing is everything, just like a perfectly timed spell.
**Journal 62 (Continent - North of Gestral Village):** This one's a bit clever. North of Gestral Village, past Esquie's Nest. You'll spy it between two old buildings. But here's the rub – you can't just walk up to it! You'll need to mount Esquie later, once they've learned the trick of walking through and smashing rocks. Bit of a wizardly 'wait and come back later' job, that.
**Journal 54 (Stone Wave Cliffs Cave - East of Stone Wave Cliffs):** Right, once you've wrapped up Act 1, Esquie gets a new trick – underwater swimming! Head east from Stone Wave Cliffs to a small beach, find the cave. Inside, there's only one path that leads to an enemy, but you don't even need to fight it! Just grab Journal 54 on its left and swim away like a digital mermaid.
**Journal 36 (White Tree - Island west of the Stone Wave Cliffs):** With Esquie's new aquatic talents, swim to that small island west of Stone Wave Cliffs, the one with the big white tree. Pop through the portal, and Journal 36 is right there at the entrance. Almost too easy for a journal of such profound history, eh?
**Journal 64 (Continent - South of The Meadows):** More Esquie swimming! Southeast of Esquie's Nest, through the portal to The Meadows. Venture a bit further, and you'll stumble upon a small camp holding Journal 64. Another reward for getting wet.
**Journal 45 (Crushing Caverns - Entrance):** Crushing Caverns – also an Esquie swimming gig. Follow the only available path, brace for an ambush. Defeat that Giant Sapling boss (sounds like something from a disgruntled gardener's nightmare), then continue along the opened path, climb the rope, follow the path on the left, and Journal 45 is yours. A proper hero's journey for this one.
### Yellow Harvest & Forgotten Battlefields
**Journal 38 (Yellow Harvest - Harvester's Hollow):** Yellow Harvest, northwest of Gestral Village. Yep, more Esquie swimming needed. From the Harvester's Hollow Flag, go northeast. You'll spy a patrolling enemy in front of a ramp leading to an elevated area – take that ramp up, and Journal 38 is waiting.
**Journal 44 (Yellow Harvest - Harvester's Hollow):** Starting from the flag, head northeast, passing to the left of the ramp you used for Journal 38. You'll arrive at a field with a lance-wielding Jar. Journal 44 can be found in front of a corpse near the enemy. Bit morbid, but hey, lore!
**Journal 59 (Yellow Harvest - Yellow Spire Wrecks):** Going north from the Harvester's Hollow Flag, you'll come across a broken bridge covered in flowers. Climb it and grapple your way to the small cave where the Yellow Spire Wrecks Flag is located. Next, follow the path to the west of the flag to find a large red structure and Journal 59 nearby. It's like a magical scavenger hunt, isn't it?
**Journal 41 (Forgotten Battlefield - Battlefield):** Northeast from the Forgotten Battlefield flag, pass the Fading Woman (a floating humanoid, sounds charming). Take the path to her right, enter the corridor, then turn left. Journal 41, acquired.
**Journal 57 (Forgotten Battlefield - Ancient Bridge):** South of the Ancient Bridge Flag, into a grassy open area. Journal 57 is in front of a corpse. Again with the corpses and journals, a classic pairing!
**Journal 48 (Stone Quarry - East of the Forgotten Battlefield North exit):** In the area between the Forgotten Battlefield and Monoco's Station, head east to find the portal to Stone Quarry. Once inside, go straight ahead to find Journal 48. A bit of a direct approach for once, a pleasant surprise!
### Character Connections & Lumière's Secrets
**Journal 65 (Monoco's Station - Monaco's Station):** This one's tied to character recruitment – you need Monoco in your party first! Once they're aboard, the area changes. From Monoco's Station Flag, head south and turn left, passing under the train using the tracks. Near the exit, Journal 65 is waiting. Always good when friends bring gifts!
**Fracture Survivor Journal (Old Lumière - Left Street):** This one needs the 'Old Key.' You can snag it during the Expedition Festival or later in Lumière. Key in hand, head to Old Lumière, down from the Left Street Flag, follow the right-hand trail. Pass through the broken gate, then turn right. You'll spy a large broken pipe with a hole on top. Drop inside, unlock the cell using the Old Key, and bam! Fracture Survivor Journal. Sounds like a chilling read.
**Renoir (Old Lumière - Manor Gardens):** While facing the manor, head northwest, and cross the wall through the hole. A short distance ahead, to your left, there's a door which takes you to the Manor's bathroom. In the next room, you will find the Renoir journal. Bathroom lore, who knew?
**Journal 58 (Old Lumière):** Simple, yet challenging: defeat the final boss in the Old Lumière area. Journal 58 is your reward for kicking digital arse.
**Journal 42 (Old Lumière - Manor Gardens):** You'll need to have bested Renoir for this. From the Manor Gardens Flag, go to the right, then turn right again and use the rope to access the lower area where an enemy and Journal 42 are found in front of a golden sword. Swords and scrolls, a classic combo.
### Sirène's Songs & Visages' Mysteries
**Journal 55 (Sirène - Dancing Classes):** Head west up the stairs in Sirène, and stick to the right side. Eventually, you'll reach an area with three enemies doing a little jig in front of Journal 55. Wonder what they're dancing to?
**Journal 67 (Sirène - Dancing Arena):** Just progress the main quest in Sirène, and Journal 67 will practically fall into your lap right next to the Dancing Arena Flag. Sometimes the universe just hands you the goods.
**Journal 69 (Visages - Joy Vale):** In Visages, by taking the first path on the left, you'll get to Joy Vale. From the starting area, move forward until you reach Joy Vale Flag. Head west, keeping to the left side, until the path starts to ascend. On the left, there will be a couple of enemies surrounding Journal 69. Joyful, indeed.
**Journal 39 (Visages - Sadness Vale):** Starting at the Sadness Vale Flag, go down the hill, then turn right before a giant crying face, and follow the path uphill. Pass the group of enemies and keep going upward to find Journal 39. Bit of a climb for a sad tale, perhaps?
**Journal Unknown number one (Visages - Anger Vale):** From the Anger Vale Flag, head down the hill and turn right, staying to the right to find a cave beside the path that leads upward. Enter the cave, stick to the right side when the path forks to find a door to the Manor. It will take you to the piano room. Open the closed door in it to find this enigmatic Unknown Journal. Mysterious, just like a proper wizard's tome.
### Monolith Heights & Flying Free
**Journal 40 (Continent - Island south of the Monolith):** On an island south of the Monolith, you'll find a vendor. Journal 40 is just chilling beside them. A bit of retail therapy and a journal, perfect.
**Aline (Monolith - Tainted Battlefield):** At the end of Act 2, as you climb the Monolith, you'll eventually reach the Tainted Battlefield Flag. Jump into the area in front of the flag and head northwest. Pass through an opened door and a broken gate, then turn left into a narrow corridor. Following it will lead you to a door to the Manor that takes you to a greenhouse where you obtain Aline's journal. Sounds like a grand tour.
**Journal 70 (Monolith - Tower Peak):** South of the Tower Peak Flag there's a large tree you passed while progressing in the main quest. Go to the square where the tree stands and enter the street on the east side of it. Cross the gaps, then fight a group of enemies. After defeating them, turn around the corner to find Journal 70. More fighting, more rewards.
**Journal 37 (Gestral Beach - Southeast of the Monolith):** You'll need Esquie's *flying* ability for this! Once you get to Gestral Beach, find Journal 37 on the right side near the entrance. Who doesn't love a bit of aerial scouting?
**Journal 43 (Continent - Island northeast of the Forgotten Battlefield):** Another flying Esquie job. To find this island, go northeast of the Forgotten Battlefield. There's a patrolling enemy on this island and near them, a camp where you find Journal 43. Keep your wings about you.
**Julie (Continent - Cliff northwest of Forgotten Battlefield):** With Esquie's flying ability unlocked, fly to the cliff northwest of the Forgotten Battlefield. The journal is near the edge of the cliff, where three enemies are standing. Proper scenic view for a discovery.
**Verso (Continent - Cliff northwest of Forgotten Battlefield):** On the south side of the very same cliff where you found Julie's journal, behind an enemy, you will find Verso's Journal. You don't even need to fight them, so just fly with Esquie behind them to grab the journal. Clever.
**Journal 47 (Continent - West of Monoco's Station):** On the world map, travel to the west of Monoco's Station to find a Burgeon and near it Journal 47. A simple flight, a simple find.
### The Final Leg: Crows, Fountains, & Hidden Bosses
**Journal 84 (The Fountain - Entrance):** To reach this area, fly to the west of The Small Burgeon. Once inside, follow the path near the flag. You will come across a square with a powerful enemy at its center. Stick to the right and go southeast to find Journal 84. Avoid the big bad if you like, just grab the shiny.
**Journal 35 (Fallen Leaves - Resinveil Grove):** This journal is located on the northern side of the Fallen Leaves area. Starting from the Resinveil Grove Flag, head north, taking the path to the left of a gate. Eventually, you will reach the edge of the map where a patrolling enemy guards the journal. A final guardian for a final piece of lore, perhaps?
**Journal 49 (Fallen Leaves - Resinveil Grove):** This one's a mini-quest! Talk to the Young Boy Spirit in front of the gate to the right of the Resinveil Grove Flag. He'll send you on a quest to find the Lady of Sap. Go back south but take the path to your left to find a rope that leads downward. Follow the only available path to find the cave where the Lady is located. Talk to her, then return to the boy. He'll then open the gate! Follow the recently opened path and, after using a rope to access the upper part of the area, you will find Journal 49. A proper narrative unfolding, that.
**Journal 51 (Frozen Hearts - Icebound Train Station):** After reaching the Icebound Train Station Flag, head northeast. Follow the path toward the north and pass another enemy. A bit ahead you will find Journal 51 in a small alley. Sounds cold and lonely, this one.
**Journal 34 (The Crows):** The Crows – a high-level area west of Visages. Journal 34 is right at the entrance, beside the flag. A welcoming committee of lore, how polite!
**Journal 46 (Sirène Island - Sirène's Dress):** Once you unlock relationship level five with Lune, travel to Sirène Island, where you will find the entrance to Sirène's Dress on the northeast side of the area. Defeat the boss in the initial room to clear the path leading to Journal 46. Good things come to those who make friends.
**Journal Unknown number two (The Reacher - Ladder Area):** The Reacher, an area located to the west of the Visages. You can only access it after unlocking rank five with Maelle AND Esquie's flying ability. As you climb the Reacher, you will reach the Ladder Area. From the flag there, head north and take the downward path, where you will find a door to the Manor. Enter it to obtain another Unknown journal. The plot thickens!
**Journal 61 (The Reacher - Foggy Area):** Near The Reacher's peak, you will get to the Foggy Area Flag. From there, go east, pass two enemies, to find Journal 61 near the next balloon. Don't get lost in the mist, eh?
**Journal 60 (Lumière - Opera House):** As you progress through Lumière in the final quest of the campaign, you will reach the Opera House. Instead of entering the building, turn right and head north. Go to the edge of a broken bridge to interact with Esquie, who will grab Journal 60 for you. Teamwork makes the dream work!
**Journal Unknown number three (The Manor):** You obtain one of the three Unknown Journals by completing the Painting Workshop side quest. After obtaining the "Dessandre family portrait" and hanging it above the stairs on the right side of the Manor, the door at the far end of the Manor will open. Inside, you'll find the journal. A true puzzle piece, this one.
**Simon (Renoir's Drafts - The Abyss):** Simon is a hidden boss in Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 and you can find him in Renoir's Drafts, a location accessible only after unlocking Esquie's *underwater swimming* ability. After defeating Simon, you can collect the journal. A proper boss battle for a proper piece of history!
Phew! See? I told you it was a bit of an expedition just tracking these down, let alone reading them all. But that's the beauty of it, isn't it? Every journal in Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 isn't just a tick on a checklist; it's a whisper from the past, a piece of the puzzle, sometimes even a currency to deck out your current adventure. They flesh out this wondrous, dangerous world, making your own journey feel all the more significant.
So, go on, arm yourself with this guide (and maybe a strong cuppa), and dive back into Clair Obscur. Unearth those stories, understand the sacrifices, and see what wonders those Colours of Lumina can bring you. Happy hunting, mates, and may your digital tea leaves always point to the juiciest lore!
*Original reporting by Paulo Kawanishi for Polygon.*
Tags: Clair Obscur Expedition 33, Collectibles Guide, Action RPG, Lore Hunting, Game Secrets
Original article: Polygon