Learning how to upgrade weapons in Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is essential to unlocking your team’s full combat potential. Weapon upgrades don’t just increase raw damage — they enhance attribute scaling, unlock powerful passive effects, and fuel your AP economy, elemental synergy, and build identity. This guide explains the complete upgrade system from start to finish, including how to unlock enhancements, farm Chroma Catalysts efficiently, and choose the best upgrade paths for each character’s role.
1. Why Weapon Upgrades Are Essential
Upgrading weapons not only increases their raw power but also improves attribute scaling and unlocks key passives at Level 4, 10, and 20. These passives can trigger effects like Burn on crit, AP refunds, or reduced skill costs. Weapons scale differently based on stats like Defense, Might, or Agility, and upgrading often improves their scaling grades (e.g., from B to A or A to S). Choosing the right weapon and boosting its synergy with your build is essential to breaking through tougher fights later in the game.
The Curator handles all weapon upgrades.
2. How and When You Unlock Weapon Upgrades
You can’t upgrade weapons right away. First, you must:
- Progress through the story until you reach Flying Waters.
- Enter the manor, meet Maelle, and fight a boss called the Curator — this encounter introduces mechanics like jump attacks.
- After defeating the boss Goblu, a cutscene sends you back to camp and unlocks the Curator’s station permanently.
The Curator will now appear in a cave at your camp. Interacting with him opens two options: Upgrade Weapons and Upgrade Expedition Resources. He is the only NPC who can enhance weapons using Chroma Catalysts, and upgrade Pictos via Color of Lumina.
2.1 Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Missing the unlock point: You must finish the manor and beat Goblu to trigger the Curator’s arrival at camp.
- Trying to use catalysts early: You’ll collect them before the upgrade station is unlocked — be patient.
- Skipping the cave: The Curator is not at the fire — he’s in a cave nearby your rest zone.
2.2 Best Practices
- Unlock upgrades naturally by progressing the main story — don’t rush side content expecting it early.
- Check the weapon’s scaling stats (S to D rank) before upgrading — focus on ones that align with your best attributes.
- Upgrade Pictos and Tints at the same location to improve synergy and survivability.
2.3 Pro Tip
After the Curator joins, use him to upgrade not only weapons, but also your Lumina capacity. This lets you equip more powerful Pictos on each character — a hidden power spike many players miss until much later.
The mansion is where you encounter Maelle and unlock the Curator.
3. Understanding Weapon Upgrade Tiers and Passive Effects
Each weapon in Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 can be upgraded up to Level 33, but what makes this system so powerful is how it evolves the weapon’s identity at specific breakpoints. These tiers don’t just increase base stats — they unlock passive effects that define the weapon’s combat utility.
This section explains how each tier works, how passives scale with your build, and why careful investment is crucial for long-term progression. You’ll also learn how scaling grades (S, A, B, etc.) improve through upgrades, and how these changes impact your attribute allocation and damage output.
3.1 Passive Tiers Explained
- Level 4 Passive: The most efficient upgrade tier. Usually adds utility like Burn on crit, AP gain, or elemental synergy. Every main weapon should reach this level quickly.
- Level 10 Passive: Expands on the first passive or adds a second trigger (e.g. lower AP costs for elemental skills).
- Level 20 Passive: These are rare and expensive upgrades — often doubling the effect of Burn, Freeze, Shield, or AP manipulation.
- Level 33 Passive: Ultra-rare capstone tier with scaling enhancements or additional stacking mechanics. Reserved for NG+ or ultra-endgame content.
4. Attribute Scaling Improvements
Many weapons start with poor scaling grades (e.g. Might C, Agility B), but upgrading often improves these ranks. Reaching Level 10 can upgrade an A to an S-rank or open a new secondary scaling stat. Choose weapons that align with your build and watch for how upgrades improve multipliers. For example, a weapon with Vitality A might become Vitality S by Level 10, dramatically increasing effectiveness for Lune or Sciel.
4.1 Common Player Mistakes
- Ignoring attribute synergy: Don’t upgrade weapons that scale off unused stats (e.g. Luck weapons on Defense builds).
- Forgetting passives: Most power spikes come from unlocked effects, not raw stats. Level 4 is often stronger than a base Level 8 with no passive.
- Blindly chasing numbers: A weapon with a good passive at Level 4 often outperforms a higher-level weapon with none.
4.2 Best Practices for Passive Optimization
- Always preview the Level 4/10/20 effects before committing materials.
- Focus on weapons that boost your primary attribute and playstyle (e.g. Burn, Free Aim, Healing).
- Use Color of Lumina to boost Picto capacity alongside weapon upgrades for stacked synergy.
4.3 Pro Tip
Some passive upgrades directly reduce skill AP costs (e.g. “Fire skills cost 1 less AP”) — these effects often break build efficiency wide open. Unlock these early and build around them instead of raw stats.
Weapon upgrades unlock passive effects and scaling boosts.
5. Where to Find Chroma Catalysts and Upgrade Resources
Weapon upgrades in Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 require several types of catalysts and resource tokens, each tied to specific level brackets. These materials are not infinitely farmable early on, so spending them wisely is essential.
Most players collect Chroma Catalysts before they can even use them, then burn them too quickly on weapons that don’t scale. This section explains the full upgrade material tiers, how to farm each type, and where to efficiently collect enough catalysts to power your core builds — without wasting resources on gear you’ll abandon later.
5.1 Types of Upgrade Materials
- Chroma Catalyst: Used for upgrades from level 1 to 3. Dropped in chests, enemy drops, and early story rewards.
- Polished Chroma Catalyst: Required for levels 4 to 9. Dropped by stronger enemies and bosses. Can be farmed in specific zones.
- Prismatic Chroma Catalyst: Used for upgrades from level 10 and beyond. Very rare. Found in optional dungeons or as NG+ loot.
- Color of Lumina: Not used on weapons, but enhances Lumina points for equipping more Pictos. Spend wisely — they are finite and cannot be reallocated.
5.2 Common Player Mistakes
- Using Color of Lumina on the wrong character: Once applied, Lumina points are permanent. Only boost characters you plan to keep in your main party.
- Upgrading random loot: Don’t upgrade every new weapon you find. Wait until you’ve unlocked and reviewed its passive effects.
- Neglecting farming spots: Catalyst drops are not purely random — specific zones have boosted rates and repeatable enemy groups.
5.3 Best Practices for Resource Efficiency
- Upgrade only weapons that fit your build and have a useful Level 4 passive.
- Keep a stockpile of Polished Catalysts for future gear shifts — don’t spend them all at once.
- Don’t hoard Color of Lumina, but apply them carefully. More Pictos = more synergy.
5.4 Pro Tip
Check if a weapon’s power rating jumps dramatically after upgrading (e.g. from 117 to 334). These indicate weapons with strong hidden scaling that benefit more from upgrades — prioritize them when choosing where to spend catalysts.
Upgrades require multiple types of Chroma Catalysts.
6. Best Weapons to Upgrade First by Character
Each character in Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has access to several weapons, but only a few offer the perfect synergy of stats, scaling, and passive effects. Whether you’re chasing Burn damage, Moon charge combos, or full-team support, choosing the right weapon to upgrade first will define your build.
6.1 Gustave / Verso – Balanced Physical Frontliners
- Noahram: Starting weapon. Solid Might and Agility scaling. Level 4 passive grants AP on perfect dodge. Great synergy with Gustave’s reactive Overcharge stance.
- Sakaram: Defense + Might weapon with strong Overcharge support. Easier to obtain and ideal for parry-heavy or stance-swap setups.
- Cruleram: Critical-scaling burst weapon. Level 10 and 20 passives improve AP refund and crit effects. Ideal late-game option for high-risk offense builds.
6.2 Lune – Healer and Support Specialist
- Benisim: Grants Earth Stain generation and AP cost reduction on healing skills. Core pick for any regeneration build.
- Betelim: Generates random stains when none are present and consumes stains for strong buff synergy. Works best in Vitality-Agility hybrid builds.
- Elerim: Tank-healer weapon. Generates Earth Stains and applies Shield on stain usage. Supports defensive or hybrid frontline Lune builds.
6.3 Maelle – Elemental Burn and Stance-Based Hybrid
- Medalum: Arena reward if Maelle defeats Sciel. Starts in Virtuose stance. Level 10 passive doubles Burn stacks; Level 20 doubles Burn damage. Critical for Burn-focused builds.
- Brulerum: Applies Burn on critical hits. Improves Fire synergy when Stanceless. Reliable pick for elemental crit builds.
- Facesum: Increases Burn damage while in Offensive stance and doubles applied Burn effects. Works best when stacking Burn with high AP efficiency.
6.4 Sciel – Moon-Based Utility and Crit Hybrid
- Tisseron: Lightning-infused weapon. Boosts Twilight duration and damage; grants an extra turn when entering Twilight at max level.
- Moisson: Dual-bladed Moon-themed weapon. Prioritizes AP regen and charge cycling; excellent for long-term resource loops.
- Blizzon: Elemental hybrid with Freeze synergy. Scales with Luck and Agility, and applies control-style debuffs in ranged builds.
6.5 Monoco – Agility, Masks, and Crit-Based Burst
- Boucharo: Agile Mask starter weapon. Grants bonus crit effects depending on Mask state. Ideal for burst builds and high-risk mobility roles.
- Ballaro: Light-element support weapon. Grants AP to all allies on upgraded skill use. Best used in AP-sharing support builds.
- Brumaro: Almighty Mask weapon with revive-once passive. Heavy defense focus, suited for survivability and tank roles.
6.6 Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Upgrading off-stat weapons: Always match weapon scaling (e.g. Defense S, Vitality A) with your character’s attribute focus.
- Upgrading rare weapons blindly: Some rare drops look powerful but offer poor passives or scaling for your build. Always review passives before spending catalysts.
6.7 Pro Tip
Preview a weapon’s full passive path at the Curator before investing catalysts. A weapon with moderate stats but a strong Level 10 passive (like AP refund or Burn synergy) will often outperform a higher-stat weapon with no effect.
Certain weapons offer the best returns when upgraded early.
7. Advanced Upgrade Tips and Optimization Strategy
As you get deeper into Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, your upgrade decisions begin to shape not just damage output, but your entire team’s combat identity. The difference between a Level 10 weapon with perfect synergy and a poorly scaled upgrade can be massive, often the difference between wiping or winning against late-game bosses. This section explains how to align weapons with Pictos, scaling stats, and AP economy. You’ll also learn how to plan for NG+, avoid wasting rare materials, and build around core passives that define your playstyle.
7.1 Build Around Passive Effects
- Don’t pick weapons just for high base stats. A Level 4 passive that applies Burn or refunds AP is worth far more than 30 extra power.
- Check the Curator menu before investing — you can preview Level 4, 10, and 20 effects in advance.
- Great passives to prioritize: AP gain on crit/dodge, status infliction (Burn, Freeze, Mark), skill cost reduction, or self-sustain triggers.
7.2 Match Weapon Scaling to Your Attributes
- Each weapon scales with 1–2 attributes. Upgrading can increase scaling grades (e.g. Might A → Might S), dramatically boosting damage or healing output.
- Respecs are limited — avoid building around a Luck weapon if you’ve invested in Defense or Vitality.
- Stat synergy = maximum value. A Level 6 weapon with matching scaling often outperforms a Level 10 with bad stat alignment.
7.3 Prioritize AP Economy and Action Loops
- Weapons that reduce AP costs or refund AP after specific actions (jump, crit, stance switch) enable longer, more consistent combos.
- Combine these weapons with Pictos like Dodger, Cheater, or Energising Break to create AP-positive loops that snowball turns.
- Use low-cost attacks with refund mechanics to maintain momentum in high-pressure fights.
7.4 Combine Color of Lumina with Weapon Planning
- Color of Lumina expands the number of Pictos you can equip. These upgrades are permanent and should be planned alongside weapon enhancements.
- Boost Lumina on characters with synergy builds — e.g. Maelle with Double Burn or Sciel with Free Aim Picto chains.
- Don’t hoard Color of Lumina. Use them strategically to create build-defining synergy around your upgraded weapon’s passives.
7.5 Use NG+ to Maximize Late-Game Investment
- In New Game Plus, previously unlocked weapons retain high levels or return easier to upgrade — ideal for bringing gear to Level 20 or 33.
- Use NG+ to finalize your full party loadout and commit rare catalysts without waste.
- Test experimental weapons or Pictos in your first run — optimize and refine in NG+ when you can fully invest.
7.6 Common Optimization Mistakes
- Overcommitting to filler gear: Don’t spend rare materials just to push from Level 6 to 8 without a passive payoff.
- Neglecting synergy: If your upgraded weapon and Pictos don’t complement each other, you lose huge combat efficiency.
- Ignoring the upgrade path: Always preview passives. A Level 10 with no effect is often worse than a Level 4 with a strong bonus.
7.7 Pro Tip
If a weapon’s passive increases Burn, Freeze, AP, or reduces skill cost — you’ve found a synergy node. Center your entire skill loop, Picto build, and AP economy around it for top-tier combat performance.
Luminas in Clair Obscur: Expedition 33.
8. Final Weapon Upgrade Strategy and Checklist
Upgrading weapons in Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 isn’t just a power spike — it’s a commitment to a strategy. Whether you’re chasing a Burn-stacking DPS, a parry-based AP engine, or a tanky regen loop, the weapons you upgrade will define your team’s momentum and survivability. With limited resources, rare catalysts, and locked-in Lumina upgrades, making the wrong choice can stall your build. This section provides a final checklist to help you upgrade with purpose — not guesswork — and align your passives, stats, and Picto loadouts into a streamlined endgame plan.
8.1 Final Upgrade Checklist – Do This Right
- Unlock the Curator: Complete Flying Waters, beat the manor boss, and unlock weapon upgrades at your camp.
- Preview Weapon Paths: Check Level 4, 10, and 20 passives before upgrading. Don’t invest blindly.
- Stop at Level 4 early: This is the cheapest breakpoint and unlocks the first power-shifting passive.
- Check Attribute Scaling: Only invest if the weapon matches your highest stat (e.g. Vitality S on Lune).
- Reserve Polished Catalysts: Use them for weapons that will reach Level 10 and stay in your final build.
- Save Color of Lumina for Core Characters: Once spent, you can’t reassign Lumina slots. Prioritize synergy builds first.
- Stack Picto + Passive Effects: Use Lumina to equip Pictos that amplify your weapon’s core trigger (Burn, Stain, AP, etc.).
- Use NG+ for Full Power Builds: In your second run, fully invest in weapons you already know fit your loop and party.
- Don’t Upgrade Random Loot: Rarity doesn’t equal viability. If the passive doesn’t help your build, skip it.
- Always Think in Synergy Loops: A good weapon supports your stance, your Pictos, your AP economy, and your role.
8.2 Final Tip
Upgrade decisions are permanent. Before you spend, ask: “Does this weapon’s passive power my best combo? Can I support it with Pictos and Lumina? Will I still want this at Level 20?” If the answer isn’t a clear yes — wait. If it is — commit fully.
Use passives to build synergy, not just stats. And now, you’re ready!
