Gradient Counter Guide — Clair Obscur Expedition 33

Image Credits: Sandfall Interactive

Gradient Counter is one of the flashiest mechanics in Expedition 33, but it’s also one of the most confusing—mostly because the tutorial pretty much lies to you (yes, really).

Here’s how it actually works.

What is a Gradient Counter?

When an enemy flashes with a black-and-white "gradient" effect and the world slows down, you can perform a Gradient Counter by pressing R2/RT. This lets you instantly parry and counter the attack, often avoiding huge damage.

How the Timing Really Works

• Ignore the tutorial.
  The game teaches you to press R2/RT right when the black-and-white gradient effect appears. That’s wrong.

• Time it like a normal parry.
  Wait until right before the attack physically lands. The slowdown is just for flair—it actually messes with your timing.

• Holding works better.
  It seems that holding R2/RT (instead of tapping) gives a more consistent counter, especially when the enemy has slower attacks.

Common Mistakes

• Pressing too early.
  The gradient flash tricks you into reacting too soon.

• Trusting the visual or sound cues.
  Some enemies delay the actual hit or use sound effects that don’t line up with the real timing.

• Not memorizing tricky attacks.
  Unfortunately, some attacks have strange timings. You might need to learn them enemy by enemy.

Quick Gradient Counter Tips

• Hold R2/RT during the attack animation, not at the start of the gradient flash.

• Practice on slower enemies to get a feel for the window.

• Don’t rely on the same timing for every enemy—some will intentionally mess with you.

Final Blurb

Gradient Counters feel inconsistent at first, but once you stop trusting the game's tutorial and start reacting to the actual attack animations, they become much easier. Remember to parry the hit, not the pretty effects.

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