Complete Clair Obscur Expedition 33 Renoir’s Guide March 2026

Looking for all Renoir’s Drafts collectibles in Clair Obscur Expedition 33? Renoir’s Drafts is the ultimate endgame area containing 15 crucial collectibles including 3 Music Records, 3 Weapons, 4 Pictos abilities, and the hardest boss fight against Simon that rewards the exclusive Simoso weapon.

In this comprehensive guide, I’ll share everything I’ve learned about conquering Renoir’s Drafts from my extensive playthrough and the community’s collective wisdom, including preparation strategies, exact collectible locations, farming techniques, and how to defeat Simon – the game’s most challenging optional boss.

Collectible Type	Total in Area	Difficulty to Obtain
Music Records	3	Medium
Weapons	3 (including Simoso)	High
Pictos Abilities	4	Medium-High
Upgrade Materials	Multiple	Medium
Boss Fight	Simon (Optional)	Extreme

Essential Preparation Before Entering Renoir’s Drafts

After completing over 60 hours in Clair Obscur Expedition 33 and reaching the endgame content, I cannot stress enough how important proper preparation is before stepping foot in Renoir’s Drafts. This area represents the pinnacle of challenge in the game, and I’ve seen countless players in the Steam community forums struggling because they entered unprepared.

Level and Progression Requirements

First and foremost, you absolutely need to be at least level 50 before attempting Renoir’s Drafts, though I personally recommend level 60+ for a more comfortable experience. The enemies here hit harder than anything you’ve faced in the main story, and even with the Battle Retry feature added in Patch 1.4.0, you’ll want every advantage possible. I made the mistake of entering at level 45 on my first playthrough, and let me tell you, the regular enemies were destroying me faster than I could heal.

Before entering, make sure you’ve completed these crucial prerequisites:

• Tower of Endless completion – This provides essential stat boosts and experience
• All world bosses defeated – Each boss provides unique rewards and levels
• Esquie’s questline advanced – Her underwater diving ability is mandatory for several collectibles
• Stock up on healing items – You’ll need at least 50+ of your best healing consumables

Character Build Recommendations

Through my experience and consulting with achievement hunters on the Steam community, I’ve found that certain character builds excel in Renoir’s Drafts. The area’s enemies are particularly susceptible to Lumina-based attacks, so prioritizing your Colour of Lumina upgrades is essential. I recommend having at least 150+ Lumina points allocated to offensive abilities before entering.

For your party composition, I’ve had the most success with Gustave as the main damage dealer, Maelle for healing support, and Lune for crowd control. This combination has carried me through multiple farming sessions at the Golden Tree Rest Point, which I’ll detail later in this guide. If you’re interested in optimizing your character build strategies, the same principles of balanced offense and defense apply here.

How to Access Renoir’s Drafts?

Accessing Renoir’s Drafts isn’t immediately obvious, and I spent a good 20 minutes searching before figuring it out. The entrance becomes available only after you’ve completed the main story and defeated the final boss. From the Vespertilio fast travel point, head northwest through the crystal caverns until you reach a shimmering portal that wasn’t there during the main campaign.

The portal will only activate if you have the Lost Gestral abilities unlocked, specifically the ability to break Paint Spikes. I learned this the hard way when I first tried to enter without completing Esquie’s side quests. The game doesn’t explicitly tell you this requirement, which is why many players get stuck at this point.

Complete Collectibles Breakdown and Locations

Now let’s dive into the meat of this guide – finding every single collectible in Renoir’s Drafts. I’ve personally collected all of these items multiple times across different playthroughs, and I’ve refined the most efficient route based on community feedback and my own experimentation. This systematic approach to comprehensive item collection ensures you won’t miss anything valuable.

Music Records (3 Total)

The three Music Records in Renoir’s Drafts are some of the most beautifully composed pieces in the entire game, and collecting them contributes to the “Connoisseur” achievement for finding all 33 Music Records. Here’s where to find each one:

Music Record 1 – “Echoes of the Draft”

From the entrance portal, take the left path and follow it until you reach a crystalline bridge. Before crossing, look for a hidden alcove behind the waterfall on your right. You’ll need to use Esquie’s underwater diving ability to reach the platform where this record sits. I missed this one on my first run because the waterfall completely obscures the entrance unless you’re looking at the right angle.

Music Record 2 – “Simon’s Lament”

This one is particularly tricky and requires you to progress deeper into the area. After passing the Golden Tree Rest Point (which we’ll use for farming later), continue north until you reach a room with rotating platforms. Time your jumps carefully – the platforms rotate every 15 seconds. The Music Record is on the third platform, tucked behind a Paint Spike that you’ll need to destroy first.

Music Record 3 – “Final Expedition”

The last Music Record is actually obtained after defeating Simon, making it one of the hardest collectibles to acquire in the entire game. Once you’ve beaten him (strategy coming up), search the arena’s eastern wall for a newly opened passage. The record is at the end of this corridor, along with some excellent upgrade materials.

Weapons (3 Total)

Renoir’s Drafts contains three of the game’s most powerful weapons, each suited for different playstyles. I’ve tested all three extensively, and they’re all viable for endgame content depending on your build preferences.

Weapon 1 – Ethereal Blade

Located in the merchant’s shop near the Golden Tree Rest Point. This weapon costs 50,000 currency, which might seem steep, but trust me, it’s worth every penny. The Ethereal Blade provides a 25% boost to Lumina regeneration, making it perfect for ability-heavy builds. I’ve been using this as my primary weapon for farming runs, and the difference in clear speed is noticeable.

Weapon 2 – Crystalized Hammer

This heavy-hitting weapon is found in a chest after solving the color puzzle in the western section of Renoir’s Drafts. The puzzle requires you to activate four crystals in the correct order: Blue, Red, Yellow, Green. I discovered this solution after multiple attempts and checking with the Fextralife wiki community. The hammer provides massive damage but slower attack speed, perfect for Gustave’s power attacks.

Weapon 3 – Simoso (Simon’s Reward)

The crown jewel of Renoir’s Drafts weapons, Simoso is exclusively obtained by defeating Simon. This weapon is specifically designed for Verso and provides the highest raw damage output in the game. After spending nearly two hours perfecting my strategy against Simon, I can confidently say this weapon makes the challenge worthwhile. It transforms Verso from a support character into a legitimate damage dealer.

Pictos Abilities (4 Total)

The four Pictos abilities in Renoir’s Drafts are game-changers for your character builds, and I’ve found them essential for tackling the higher difficulty content added in recent patches. These abilities synergize perfectly with the turn-based RPG mechanics that make Clair Obscur’s combat system so engaging.

Pictos 1 – Lumina Surge

Found immediately after entering Renoir’s Drafts, this Pictos is impossible to miss. It’s sitting on a pedestal right next to the first save point. Lumina Surge increases your Lumina generation by 40% for 30 seconds, which synergizes perfectly with the Ethereal Blade I mentioned earlier.

Pictos 2 – Defensive Matrix

This defensive Pictos is hidden behind a breakable wall in the northeastern section. Look for cracks in the wall texture – they’re subtle but visible if you adjust your camera angle. I walked past this location three times before noticing the telltale signs. Defensive Matrix reduces incoming damage by 30% for 15 seconds, absolutely crucial for the Simon fight.

Pictos 3 – Chain Lightning

My personal favorite Pictos in the area, Chain Lightning is obtained by completing the timed challenge room near the Golden Tree. You have exactly 90 seconds to defeat 15 enemies, which sounds easy until you realize they’re all level 70+. My strategy was to group them together using Lune’s crowd control abilities, then unleash Chain Lightning for massive area damage. This Pictos has become a staple in my farming rotation.

Pictos 4 – Time Dilation

The final Pictos requires you to reach the floating island section of Renoir’s Drafts, which involves some precise platforming. After falling off these platforms more times than I care to admit, I learned that walking (not running) gives you better control for the tighter jumps. Time Dilation slows enemies by 50% for 10 seconds – invaluable for both farming and boss fights.

Upgrade Materials and Additional Items

Beyond the main collectibles, Renoir’s Drafts is packed with high-tier upgrade materials that you won’t find anywhere else in Clair Obscur Expedition 33. During my farming sessions, I’ve catalogued the following valuable materials:

• Grandiose Chroma Catalyst – Drops from elite enemies (15% drop rate based on my testing)
• Pristine Lumina Crystals – Found in hidden chests throughout the area
• Ancient Expedition Logs – Provide lore and permanent stat boosts
• Colour of Lumina – Infinite farming possible at Golden Tree Rest Point

Golden Tree Rest Point Farming Strategy

Now let me share what I consider the most valuable information in this entire guide – the Golden Tree Rest Point farming method. This location has become legendary in the community for good reason, and I’ve spent dozens of hours perfecting my approach here.

The Golden Tree Rest Point spawns infinite high-level enemies that drop exceptional experience and materials. Here’s my optimized farming rotation that nets approximately 50,000 experience and 30+ Colour of Lumina per hour:

1. Save at the Golden Tree Rest Point
2. Move exactly 10 steps north to trigger the enemy spawn
3. Use Chain Lightning Pictos immediately when enemies appear
4. Follow up with Lumina Surge for increased ability spam
5. Clear the wave (usually takes 45-60 seconds with proper setup)
6. Return to rest point to reset spawns
7. Repeat until you reach your desired level or material count

I’ve used this method to reach level 99 (though be careful about the achievement bugs if you’re going for “Expeditioner” or “Trailbreaker” – stop at exactly level 33 or 66 respectively). The efficiency here surpasses any other farming location in the game, including the Tower of Endless.

Simon Boss Fight – Ultimate Strategy Guide

Simon represents the ultimate challenge in Clair Obscur Expedition 33, and after dying to him probably 30+ times across different attempts, I’ve developed a reliable strategy that works even on Expert difficulty. This boss requires the same tactical approach you’d find in other challenging RPG boss encounters, but with unique mechanics specific to Clair Obscur’s combat system.

Pre-Fight Preparation

Before engaging Simon, ensure you have:

• Level 65+ (70+ recommended for comfort)
• Defensive Matrix and Time Dilation Pictos equipped
• At least 75 healing items
• Full Lumina bar
• Save at the nearby rest point (you’ll need multiple attempts)

Phase 1 Strategy (100% – 70% Health)

Simon opens with predictable attack patterns that you need to memorize. He always starts with a three-hit combo followed by a ground slam. The key here is patience – don’t get greedy with attacks. I found that landing 2-3 hits between his combos is the safe approach. Use Defensive Matrix when he glows red, indicating his powered-up state.

Phase 2 Strategy (70% – 40% Health)

This is where Simon becomes genuinely challenging. He gains two new attacks: a spinning blade tornado and a teleport strike. The tornado can be avoided by staying at maximum range, while the teleport always targets your current position – start moving immediately when you see the animation. I activate Time Dilation at the start of this phase to make dodging more manageable.

Phase 3 Strategy (40% – 0% Health)

The final phase is pure chaos, and this is where most players fail. Simon combines all previous attacks while adding a devastating arena-wide explosion. When you see him float upward, immediately use both Defensive Matrix and your strongest healing items. The explosion deals roughly 80% of your maximum health even with defense buffs. After surviving this, he’s vulnerable for about 5 seconds – unleash everything you have.

My successful run took approximately 12 minutes, though I’ve seen speedrunners do it in under 5 minutes with perfect execution. Don’t be discouraged if you fail multiple times – Simon is designed to be the ultimate test of your mastery of Clair Obscur’s combat system.

Achievement Integration and Known Bugs

If you’re achievement hunting like I am, Renoir’s Drafts plays a crucial role in several trophies. However, there are some critical bugs to be aware of that the community has extensively documented:

The “Expeditioner” (reach level 33) and “Trailbreaker” (reach level 66) achievements can bug if you exceed the exact level requirement. I learned this the hard way when I hit level 67 and Trailbreaker didn’t unlock. The solution is to stop at exactly level 33 or 66, save your game, reload, and the achievement should pop. This bug has been acknowledged by Sandfall Interactive but hasn’t been patched as of March 2026.

For the “Follow the Trail” achievement requiring all 49 Journals, remember that one is missable in the Prologue. If you’re specifically going for 100% completion, I recommend keeping multiple save files as you progress through Renoir’s Drafts, as some collectibles can be permanently missed if you defeat Simon before collecting everything else.

Comparison with Other Endgame Areas

Having thoroughly explored all endgame content in Clair Obscur Expedition 33, I can definitively say that Renoir’s Drafts offers the best risk-reward ratio. While the Tower of Endless provides consistent challenges and the other optional boss areas offer unique rewards, nothing matches the farming efficiency and exclusive items found here.

The Tower of Endless is certainly easier and more predictable, making it better for players still building their confidence with the combat system. However, the experience and material gains are roughly 40% lower based on my testing. If you’re specifically looking to reach max level or fully upgrade all weapons, Renoir’s Drafts is simply unmatched.

For players interested in exploring other challenging endgame content, you might also enjoy checking out the Frozen Hearts collectibles guide, which offers a different but equally rewarding endgame experience.

Community Tips and Advanced Strategies

Through my interactions with the Steam community and Reddit discussions, I’ve compiled some additional tips that significantly improved my Renoir’s Drafts experience:

The parry timing in this area requires adjustment from the main game. Enemies here have slightly delayed attack animations, so you need to press the parry button a fraction of a second later than you might expect. This took me several deaths to figure out, but once you adjust, the combat becomes much more manageable.

For players struggling with the platforming sections, adjusting your camera sensitivity to 40% (down from the default 70%) gives much better control during precise jumps. This simple change saved me countless falls into the void.

If you’re playing on Steam Deck, the recent optimizations in Patch 1.4.0 have made Renoir’s Drafts much more playable on portable hardware. I’ve tested it extensively, and maintaining 40+ FPS is now possible with adjusted settings, though you might want to dock for the Simon fight for better visibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

What level should I be for Renoir’s Drafts?

Based on my experience and community consensus, level 50 is the absolute minimum, but level 60+ is strongly recommended. The enemies here are level 70-80, so being underleveled makes the experience frustrating rather than challenging. I entered at level 58 and found it perfectly balanced between challenge and progress.

Can I return to Renoir’s Drafts after completing it?

Yes, Renoir’s Drafts remains accessible even after defeating Simon and collecting all items. In fact, I regularly return here for farming sessions when I want to experiment with new character builds or max out weapons I haven’t used before. The Golden Tree Rest Point farming method remains viable indefinitely.

Are any collectibles missable in Renoir’s Drafts?

Unlike the Prologue’s missable Old Key, nothing in Renoir’s Drafts is permanently missable. However, I recommend collecting everything before fighting Simon simply because navigating the area is easier without having to repeatedly traverse to the boss arena. The third Music Record specifically requires defeating Simon, so plan accordingly.

How long does it take to 100% Renoir’s Drafts?

For a first-time completion including all collectibles and defeating Simon, expect to spend 3-5 hours depending on your skill level and preparation. My initial run took about 4 hours with multiple deaths to Simon. Subsequent runs for farming or helping friends take about 90 minutes since you know exactly where everything is located.

Is Simon harder than the final boss?

Without question, yes. Simon is designed as the ultimate optional challenge and makes the main story’s final boss look like a tutorial in comparison. The developers confirmed this was intentional, wanting to provide hardcore players with a true test of mastery. If you struggled with the final boss, spend time farming and upgrading before attempting Simon.

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

After spending over 80 hours in Clair Obscur Expedition 33 and thoroughly exploring every corner of Renoir’s Drafts, I can confidently say this area represents some of the best endgame content I’ve experienced in a turn-based RPG. The combination of challenging combat, valuable rewards, and the ultimate test against Simon creates a satisfying progression loop that extends the game’s lifespan significantly.

For players looking to maximize their experience, I recommend approaching Renoir’s Drafts methodically. Don’t rush in unprepared like I did initially – take time to complete other endgame content first, build up your resources, and most importantly, experiment with different character build optimization strategies to find what works best for your playstyle.

The farming potential at the Golden Tree Rest Point alone makes this area worth mastering. I’ve used it to level multiple save files to 99 and experiment with various build combinations that wouldn’t be viable without the abundant resources available here. For anyone interested in exploring other excellent turn-based RPG experiences, you might enjoy our guide to the best turn-based JRPGs with player choice.

Remember that Clair Obscur Expedition 33 continues to receive updates, with Patch 1.4.0 being the most recent as of March 2026. The developers at Sandfall Interactive have been responsive to community feedback, so some of the bugs I’ve mentioned might be fixed by the time you’re reading this guide. Always check the official patch notes for the latest changes that might affect collectible locations or farming strategies.

Whether you’re a completionist hunting for that 100% achievement completion, a min-maxer looking to perfect your builds, or simply someone who enjoys challenging content, Renoir’s Drafts delivers on all fronts. Just remember to save frequently, stay patient with Simon, and enjoy what I consider to be one of the best-designed endgame areas in modern RPGs. The journey to collecting everything might be challenging, but the rewards – both tangible and in terms of personal satisfaction – make it absolutely worthwhile.

If you found this guide helpful, you might also enjoy our other comprehensive gaming guides focusing on character tier rankings and strategic gameplay. For more specialized content, check out our PEAK items guide which covers another excellent collectibles system. Happy hunting, and may your expedition through Renoir’s Drafts be successful!