In Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, timing is everything. The game’s unique, layered turn-based combat rewards players who understand the mechanics behind the first few moments of battle. Two seemingly similar systems – Lumina First Strike (LFS) and Advantage First Strike (AFS) – can significantly impact your strategy depending on how and when you engage in combat.
The Ultimate Guide to LFS vs AFS: Understanding First Strike Mechanics in Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
This guide breaks down how each system works, when to use them, and how to optimize your turn order for maximum advantage.
What Are LFS and AFS in Clair Obscur: Expedition 33?
There are two forms of First Strike in Clair Obscur: Expedition 33:
- LFS (Lumina First Strike): A passive ability that allows characters to act first at the beginning of battle if they possess the LFS trait.
- AFS (Advantage First Strike): A manual mechanic activated by attacking an enemy before entering battle, giving your party the first turn.
Although both are labeled “First Strike,” they work differently and do not stack. In fact, AFS overrides LFS, which can lead to suboptimal outcomes if misunderstood.
Understanding Party Order
Party order—the sequence in which you add characters to your party—determines who acts first during First Strike phases. You can manipulate this order by removing and re-adding characters in the desired sequence.
- With AFS active: All player characters take their turns first in the order of the party setup.
- With LFS active: Characters with LFS act first, following the party order.
- With neither active: Turn order is determined entirely by character speed stats.
Strategic manipulation of party order becomes crucial when using either LFS or AFS.
LFS and AFS Turn Order Mechanics
LFS Without AFS
If your characters all have Lumina First Strike and you allow battle to start without triggering AFS (i.e., you do not manually initiate combat), the following happens:
- Characters with LFS act first, in party order.
- Turn order then shifts to being determined by speed stats.
- If your characters are faster than the enemy, they may get two full actions before the enemy begins.
Advantages:
- Opportunity to act twice before enemies if your team is speed-optimized.
- Ideal for setting up buffs, debuffs, or major damage early.
Disadvantages:
- Only effective if all characters have LFS.
- Less reliable if enemy speed is unknown or if only some party members have LFS.
LFS While Using AFS
If you manually initiate combat and your characters have LFS:
- AFS overrides LFS.
- All player characters go first, in party order.
- The enemy acts immediately after, and then turn order becomes speed-based.
Advantages:
- Guarantees player turn priority regardless of speed.
- Useful in unpredictable or high-risk encounters.
Disadvantages:
- LFS effects are completely ignored.
- You lose the potential double-turn advantage if your characters are faster.
AFS Without LFS
If you initiate battle using AFS but your characters do not have LFS:
- Your entire team will act first in party order.
- Enemies will act immediately afterward.
- Turn order in future rounds is speed-based.
This is a straightforward advantage that ensures the player initiates the battle on favorable terms, but it lacks the flexibility and potential upside of a well-used LFS strategy.
Summary Table of Scenarios
| Scenario | AFS Used | LFS Active | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fast characters, LFS only | No | Yes | Potential two turns before enemies act |
| Slow characters, LFS only | No | Yes | One round before enemies act, same as AFS-only scenario |
| LFS and AFS combined | Yes | Yes | LFS ignored; AFS determines turn order |
| No LFS, AFS used | Yes | No | One round before enemies act |
Best Practices for Maximizing Combat Efficiency
- Avoid combining LFS with AFS if all your characters have LFS—AFS will override LFS, losing the potential double-turn advantage.
- Use LFS alone when your party is fast and all members possess the LFS trait.
- Use AFS in high-risk fights or when LFS is not available, ensuring your team gets the first move.
- Adjust party order to control the sequence of actions, especially in the first round.
Final Thoughts
The interaction between LFS and AFS in Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is subtle but important. While both mechanics offer early turn advantages, using them together incorrectly can reduce your efficiency in battle. LFS offers a higher ceiling when optimized correctly, especially with fast characters, while AFS provides guaranteed control for the first round regardless of speed.
This isn’t a bug or flaw—it’s a deliberate mechanic designed to reward tactical planning. If you want the best combat performance:
Only use AFS when necessary. Let LFS shine when your team is prepared for it.
Last Updated on May 7, 2025
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