Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 – Damage Cap Explained
Image Credits: Sandfall Interactive
If you've been landing huge hits in Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 only to watch your damage numbers stop at 9,999, you're not imagining things. The game has a built-in damage cap early on—because apparently, being too powerful too soon is frowned upon.
Here’s how the damage cap works, and more importantly, how to get rid of it so you can finally watch those numbers climb where they belong.
What Is the Damage Cap?
In the early and mid-game, no matter how strong your attacks get, you’ll notice a hard limit: 9,999 damage per hit. It doesn’t matter if you’ve stacked buffs, landed a perfect crit, or pulled off a cinematic-level combo—the game politely tells you, “That’s enough.”
This cap is there to keep things balanced before you're truly ready to unleash your full power. But don’t worry, it’s not permanent.
How to Remove the Damage Cap in Expedition 33
Breaking the damage cap isn’t about grinding levels or finding some hidden weapon. It’s tied directly to story progression.
Step 1: Make your way through the main story until you reach the Monolith.
Step 2: Confront and defeat the Paintress. (Easier said than done, but you’ll get there.)
Step 3: After the fight, you’ll automatically receive the Painted Power Picto. No hidden quest, no secret chest—it’s handed to you as a reward.
This Picto comes with one simple but game-changing effect:
"Damage can exceed 9,999."
Don’t Forget to Equip It
Once you get the Painted Power Picto, equip it immediately to an active party member. After a few battles, the effect will unlock as a Lumina, letting you apply it to everyone in your squad.
For late-game content, keeping this effect active on all party members isn’t just a good idea—it’s basically required. Bosses don’t care about your feelings, but they will care when your damage numbers start breaking five digits.
Final Blurb
The damage cap in Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is just the game making sure you don’t get too cocky too early. But once you’ve proven yourself by taking down the Paintress, it’s time to let loose. Grab that Painted Power Picto, slap it on your team, and enjoy watching your enemies wonder where it all went wrong.
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