Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is filled with secrets and puzzles that can be tough to unravel. As you learn to swim and start exploring the continent with Esquie, you’ll likely spot glowing areas scattered throughout the ocean. When you get close to these glowing spots with Esquie, you can interact with them and dive beneath the surface to see what’s there. However, you’ll need to unlock a specific ability first, as Esquie’s underwater diving skill isn’t automatically available through the main storyline.
To dive underwater, you need to build Esquie’s relationship level to Level 6. Once you achieve this, you’ll go on a little adventure to locate Urrie, a special rock that grants Esquie the diving ability he needs to explore those glowing ocean spots. Gaining this ability is crucial for uncovering every area in Clair Obscur, particularly locations like the eerie Renoir’s Drafts and The Abyss, which can only be accessed by diving deep with Esquie.
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How to Swim Underwater with Esquie in Clair Obscur
Build Esquie’s Relationship to Level 6 & Fight Francois Again
Esquie has various exploration skills that help you uncover every hidden corner of the continent. While core abilities like breaking rocks and swimming are automatically unlocked as you progress through the main story, the skill to swim underwater requires a bit more effort. You must boost Esquie’s relationship all the way to Level 6 before you can take that plunge. This process will likely carry you into Act 3 since earlier choices will provide limited camp interactions.
As part of Esquie’s relationship quest at Level 6, you’ll face Francois using only Verso. Ensure Verso is well-equipped for this challenge.
To enhance relationships with characters in Clair Obscur, Verso needs to talk with each one at the camp and spend time with them to gradually increase their relationship levels. Levels with other characters will unlock their Gradient Skills, while advancing Esquie’s relationship brings about Verso’s Gradient Skills. After reaching Level 6, Esquie will have a unique encounter that leads him and Verso back to Esquie’s Nest to retrieve a special rock from Francois, an enemy from Act 1.
What the Glowing Ocean Pools Are in Clair Obscur
Glowing Pools Often Contain Loot, But Can Also Be New Areas with Unique Enemies
Once you have the Urrie rock, you’ll be able to dive underwater. This means you can revisit the glowing blue pools across the ocean to either collect loot or access new regions. Many of these pools hold valuable items that will be helpful as you navigate the more challenging parts of Act 3. Typically, these items include additional Colour of Lumina, enhancing the number of passive Lumina effects you can activate for a character.
Other glowing pools might serve as gateways to new areas, like Renoir’s Drafts, a particularly mysterious and unsettling location in the game. This area connects to The Abyss, where you can confront Verso’s old acquaintance, Simon—a formidable boss. Be prepared for an intense challenge when exploring these endgame zones unless you’re ready for a tough fight. All in all, acquiring the ability to dive underwater is a key exploration feature in Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, and it can only be unlocked by reaching Level 6 in your relationship with Esquie.
