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Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 - Opening the Paint Sphere Inside the Monolith

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 - Opening the Paint Sphere Inside the Monolith

Alexandre Jollier April 29, 2025 at 6:20 PM

In brief

This guide explains how to locate and open the hidden Paint Sphere inside the Monolith in Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. You'll need to acquire the "Paint Break" skill by finding four Lost Gestrals, then destroy three locks to access the exclusive reward: the "Random Defense" Pictos.

For players of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, the interior of the Monolith is one of the mysterious areas to explore. A Paint Sphere can be found there, requiring a specific way to be unlocked. Unlike all the other similar containers in the game, this one only opens after acquiring a dedicated skill. Let's find out where and how to open this Paint Sphere.

Location of the Paint Sphere

To find the Paint Sphere in the Monolith, you can start from the expedition flag found at the "Corrupted Cliffs." Once there, turn back and cross the cave where three Nevrons are located, which you can pass without lingering. Continue until you reach a heavy wall blocking your path. At this point, you'll be able to turn right. The narrow passage that opens up will require you to crouch to get through it. At the end of the tunnel, the Paint Sphere awaits you.

Note
This area is immediately recognizable by its rocky structures adorned with blue streaks, indicating elements associated with Paint, the mysterious substance that is both central and intoxicating to the universe of Clair Obscur.

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 - Opening the Paint Sphere inside the Monolith

Unlocking and Required Skill

This particular Paint Sphere can only be opened by breaking three locks. But, as the icing on the cake, note that the last lock requires the "Paint Breaker" skill.

To acquire this skill, you must first find four Lost Gestrals scattered across the game world. Once all four entities have been found, return to camp and talk to Sastro. He will then give you the "Paint Breaker" skill needed to clear the Sphere.

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 - Opening the Paint Sphere inside the Monolith

Here's where to find the three locks to destroy:

The first is next to the large central pillar in the area at the bottom of the Paint Sphere.
The second is hidden on the wall located behind the statue just to the left of this pillar.
For the last one, once you turn your eyes to the left, with the Paint Sphere on your right, follow the path to the left and you'll find a Paint Growth, a root-like formation streaked with blue. You'll then need to use the "Paint Breaker" ability to destroy this growth, which reveals the last lock.

Note
All the locks can be hit using your weapon's free aim. Take your time aiming, because shooting blindly can cost you hours of failed attempts in this dark environment—you need to aim accurately.

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 - Opening the Paint Sphere inside the Monolith

Reward and Use

Once these obstacles have been overcome and the Monolith's Paint Sphere is opened, you'll obtain the "Random Defense" Pictos, which has these characteristics:

Random Defense (Level 15)
Critical 34%
Special effect: Damage taken is randomly multiplied by a percentage between 50 and 200%

This Pictos works very well on your crit-focused party members, because the random nature of its defense can mean certain battles are brought to a successful conclusion!

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 - Opening the Paint Sphere inside the Monolith

Did you enjoy the Paint Sphere mechanic in Clair Obscur?

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is the Paint Sphere located in the Monolith?

Start from the Corrupted Cliffs expedition flag, cross the cave with the Nevrons, go around the wall blocking the path by turning right, then move through the narrow passage by crouching. The Sphere awaits at the end of the tunnel.

What do I need to do before opening the Paint Sphere?

You must first find four Lost Gestrals scattered across the world, then return to camp and talk to Sastro to obtain the "Paint Break" skill, which is essential for unlocking the final lock.

How many locks do I need to break and where are they located?

There are three locks to destroy: the first near the central pillar, the second hidden on the wall behind the statue to the left of the pillar, and the third inside a Paint Overgrowth that you'll find by following the path to the left.

What's the benefit of the "Random Defense" Pictos obtained?

This level 15 Pictos grants 34% critical hit rate and has a special effect where incoming damage is randomly multiplied between 50% and 200%, making it particularly useful for crit-focused builds.

Key takeaways

The Paint Sphere is located at the end of a narrow passage after going around a wall at the Corrupted Cliffs.
You must obtain the "Paint Break" skill from Sastro after collecting four Lost Gestrals.
Three locks guard access to the Sphere, including one hidden behind a statue and another inside a Paint Overgrowth.
The "Random Defense" Pictos obtained grants 34% critical hit rate and randomly multiplies incoming damage between 50% and 200%.