How to Break Paint Spikes in Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 (And Why You Should)

Learn how to unlock the Paint Break skill in Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, where to find Sastro, and how to destroy Paint Spikes for rare loot and powerful Pictos.

How to Break Paint Spikes in Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

As you explore the world of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, you’ll find all kinds of loot scattered around — gear, Pictos, and even items dropped by tough enemies. But some of the rarest stuff? That’s hidden inside Paint Spikes — those big blue-lined rocks you’ll see standing out in almost every area.

To break them open, you’ll need a special skill called Paint Break. Here’s how to get it and how to use it.

How to Get the Paint Break Skill

You can’t just go smashing Paint Spikes from the start. First, you need to unlock the Paint Break skill — and to do that, you’ll need to track down Lost Gestrals.

Here’s the step-by-step:

1. Find 4 Lost Gestrals
   These friendly little NPCs are scattered all over the continent. When you talk to one, they’ll return to your camp automatically.
   
2. Return to Sastro
   After you’ve rescued at least four Gestrals, head back to your camp and talk to Sastro. He’ll reward you with the Paint Break skill.
   

Pro tip: By the time you reach Act 2 and unlock the Esquie ability to swim through Corals, you’ll have easy access to enough areas to find four Gestrals.

Where to Find Sastro

Sastro is always hanging out in your camp, which you can return to anytime from the overworld.

Here’s how to find him:

• Enter your camp and walk past Esquie.
  
• Head to the left path, not the one leading to the Curator.
  
• Go between the rocks until you see some wooden crates and a white sheet.
  
• Take a left at the sheet — Sastro will be straight ahead.
  

Each time you return a Gestral, Sastro gives you a reward, so it’s worth checking in regularly.

How to Use Paint Break

Once you’ve unlocked Paint Break, your basic attack outside of combat will get a small upgrade.

To use it:

1. Walk up to a Paint Spike (those tall, blue-lined rocks).
   
2. Line it up within range of your basic attack.
   
3. Hit it — and watch it shatter!
   

Right where the rock was, there’s usually a rare item, Picto, or gear waiting for you. It’s always worth the effort.

Don’t forget: After unlocking Paint Break, go back to earlier areas. There are Paint Spikes hiding lots of powerful loot that’s often better than anything else you’ll find in that region.

And that’s it! Unlock Paint Break, smash every blue-lined rock in sight, and score some of the best hidden rewards in the game.

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