While exploring the vast regions of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, you might have stumbled across large, glowing paintings that take you into another realm. These are called Painting Workshops, and can be quite confusing since your objective has no context. If you don’t know about what to do next, this guide will walk you through everything: where to find all three Painting Workshops, how to use the Light, Heart, and Shape of the Beast items, and ultimately how to solve the mystery.
Painting Workshop Mystery Guide
There are three hidden Painting Workshops scattered across the world, each offering a little platforming challenge. You’ll need to hop and climb your way down through a maze of hanging picture frames until you eventually find a strange little character called the Faceless Boy. Every time you meet him, he’ll hand you a special item — the Light, Heart, or Shape of the Beast, which you’ll need later to solve the workshop’s mystery. After grabbing the item, keep descending until you come across a mysterious statue tucked deeper inside the workshop.
You can use the item the Faceless Boy gave you at the statue. Depending on which workshop you’re in, the item will be different, but the process stays the same. At first, placing the item won’t seem to do much. But once you’ve visited all three Painting Workshops and offered up the received item at each one, a secret doorway will open up in the last workshop you complete. Behind that door waits the boss called Lampmaster.
Where to Find the Painting Workshops
Lampmaster is a tough boss and can essentially team wipe you with ease. You must be at least level 85+ to have a chance of a fair fight. You also need Esquie’s travel abilities to gain access to all the workshops, which are unlocked much later in the game.
Workshop 1: Near Stone Wave Cliffs
Although you can visit the Painting Workshops in any order, you’re most likely to come across the first one just northeast of Stone Wave Cliffs. Look for an island with a few enemies and a large portrait leaning against a mountain. You’ll be able to reach this area once you have Esquie and unlock his swimming ability.
Workshop 2: Near the Forgotten Battlefield
The second Painting Workshop is found soon after you leave the Forgotten Battlefield. After you clear the Stone Wave Cliffs, just turn left and head into a grove of trees to spot it.
Workshop 3: Floating Isle East of Sirene
The third and final Painting Workshop requires Esquie’s flight ability, which is unlocked near the end of the campaign. It’s located on a floating island high in the sky, just east of Sirene and Sirene’s Dress. Watch for the picture frame icon on your map to pinpoint it.
Once you defeat the Lampmaster speak with the Faceless boy to receive Perfect Chroma Catalyst, which allows you to upgrade a weapon to level 33. You also get the Noir et Blanc trophy/achievement, x3 Grandiose Chroma Catalysts, and At Death’s Door and Energising Attack I Pictos.
