How to Use the Old Key in Clair Obscur and Unlock Hidden Trophies

 


Introduction

If you're diving into Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 and aiming for that sweet 100% completion or the elusive platinum trophy, there's one thing you can't afford to overlook — missable trophies. Some of these achievements can slip right past you if you're not paying close attention. This guide focuses on one of the most important yet easily overlooked tools in the game: the Old Key. More importantly, we’ll walk through how it ties into several hidden trophies and offer tips on when and how to use it to avoid any regrets later.

Whether you're early in your journey or knee-deep in Act Two, this walkthrough breaks down what to do and what to watch for so you don't miss a single trophy opportunity.

Missable Trophies Start Early – Don’t Skip the Prologue

Right from the start, Clair Obscur hides some tricky achievements in the prologue. You might think it’s safe to relax during the opening scenes, but that’s not the case here. The very first missable trophy is tied to an encounter with a Mimic. If you skip talking to and defeating this creature, you lose out on two key things: a music album and the “Mplay” trophy. Since the Mimic has the very first album in the game, missing him means you won’t be able to collect all of them later on.

So, make sure to explore thoroughly in the prologue. Talk to every NPC and interact with every suspicious object. That Mimic encounter is not just a quirky fight — it's a necessary step for anyone serious about getting 100% of the collectibles. Miss it, and you’ll be locked out of completing the album set and earning those two related trophies.




Where and When to Use the Old Key

As you progress, you’ll reach the Fairground section of the game. This is where the Old Key becomes important — even though its use won’t be obvious until much later. You don’t actually use the Old Key until you reach Expedition 42, specifically at the Old Lumier checkpoint. It's easy to forget about it by that point, but don’t! If you’ve picked it up, make sure it’s in your inventory when you hit this area.

To use it, explore the side paths near the checkpoint. You’ll find a pipe and a ledge you can jump on. This little detour leads you to a hidden item and eventually to a locked room that the Old Key opens. Inside is a survival diary, which counts toward another trophy. If you miss this diary, you’ll miss out on the achievement tied to collecting all journal entries — and there’s no second chance.

Act Two Danger: Monoko and the Foot Mechanic

Things really heat up in Act Two when Monoko joins your party. This quirky character comes with a totally unique mechanic — he can learn skills by eating the "feet" of enemies. No joke. During battles, a small icon appears above certain enemies if Monoko is in your team. That icon means the enemy has a foot Monoko can consume to gain a new ability. It’s a strange concept, but an important one.

Here’s the kicker: some of these enemy skills are one-time-only opportunities. Certain enemies, especially Chromatic enemies, only appear once in the entire game. If Monoko isn’t in your team when you first encounter them, you won’t get the skill. That’s not just an inconvenience — it’s a major blocker for earning the trophy tied to collecting all of Monoko’s skills. No second tries. So, if you're aiming for full completion, Monoko needs to be in your team at all times after he's unlocked.


Where to Find Chromatic Enemies (And Why They Matter)

One Chromatic enemy you’ll want to keep an eye out for shows up on a small island in the beach area during Act Two. This particular fight is the only time you’ll get the chance to grab a rare skill — one that's essential for Monoko's collection. Miss it, and the corresponding trophy becomes unreachable. These enemies don’t respawn, and there's no replay function for them.

So, what’s the strategy? Always keep Monoko in your party when you're exploring new areas, especially during Act Two. Even if you prefer using other characters, it's worth sacrificing a slot to avoid missing a vital skill. You don’t have to use him for every attack, but at the very least, he should be active during the fight. That way, you’ll be able to see the foot icon pop up and act accordingly.




Trophy Alert: The Importance of Monoko’s Skills

You’ll quickly realize that many of Monoko’s acquired skills are critical for unlocking the “Will Control” trophy. And unfortunately, some of these abilities — especially the ones from Chromatic enemies — can’t be picked up any other way. The game doesn't give you a heads-up either. If you miss an enemy with a foot, that skill is gone, and so is your chance at 100% completion.

There’s a bit of good news though. You can check the skills menu to track how many you’ve acquired. Use this to compare and confirm if you’ve missed any. If you’re unsure, keep backup saves at critical points. That way, if you miss a foot, you can reload and try again. It’s tedious, but worth it if you’re committed to earning every trophy.


Don’t Sleep on Relationships – Another Missable Trophy

Aside from combat-related trophies, there’s another category that’s easy to miss: relationship level achievements. Specifically, you’ll need to get every companion to Level 7 in terms of relationship status. This isn't something you can rush. You need to visit the camp frequently, especially after main missions, and interact with everyone.

Neglect this, and you’ll be stuck without a clear path to increasing those levels later in the game. The window of opportunity closes fast if you move too far ahead in the story without bonding moments. So make it a habit: after each major event, return to camp, talk to everyone, and build those friendships. It’s the only way to guarantee you unlock the “Ampai” trophy.

Smart Saving: Backup Files Can Save Your Platinum Run

Here’s a major tip for all trophy hunters — always keep multiple save files. Clair Obscur gives you the option to load from previous checkpoints, so make use of it. Especially before big battles or when entering new zones, create a backup save. This is a safety net in case you realize too late that Monoko wasn’t in your team or you forgot to grab a key item like the diary or music album.

By having these backup saves, you can avoid the heartbreak of a ruined platinum run. It’s a simple habit, but it makes a huge difference. Many of the trophies are tied to very specific and missable actions, and having the ability to go back without starting over is a huge time-saver.




Final Tips for 100% Trophy Completion

To wrap up your path to 100% completion, keep these points in mind:

  • Monoko is essential – Always include him in your party post-unlock.

  • Use the Old Key at Expedition 42 – Don’t forget this late-game action.

  • Defeat Chromatic enemies properly – One shot, no second chance.

  • Talk to the Mimic in the prologue – He holds a key item and two trophies.

  • Build relationships early – Camp visits should be a regular thing.

  • Backup saves are your best friend – Use them to prevent missed content.

These tips might sound simple, but they’re the difference between a casual playthrough and a platinum trophy. Miss any one of these steps and you might find yourself replaying hours just to make up for it.

Conclusion: Trophy Hunting Done Right in Clair Obscur

If you're chasing every trophy in Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, planning ahead is everything. The game doesn’t hand out second chances easily, and missing one encounter, item, or skill can put your platinum run at risk. Using the Old Key, including Monoko in your party, collecting all music albums, and building relationships consistently are all essential steps.

What makes Clair Obscur special also makes it challenging — it rewards thorough exploration and smart decision-making. By following this guide and staying alert, you’ll be in a great position to unlock every hidden achievement the game has to offer. Good luck out there, and happy trophy hunting!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Where do I find and use the Old Key in Clair Obscur: Expedition 33?
You’ll find the Old Key during the Fairground section of the game. It’s used later at the Old Lumier checkpoint in Expedition 42. Look for a pipe and ledge that lead to a hidden area. There, you’ll use the key to access a locked room containing a survival diary — essential for the diary trophy.

Q2: Can I miss trophies in the prologue of Clair Obscur?
Yes, there are at least two missable trophies in the prologue. If you don't talk to and defeat the Mimic, you’ll miss out on a music album and the “Mplay” trophy, which are both tied to collectible completion.

Q3: How does Monoko help with earning trophies?
Monoko has a unique skill system based on consuming enemy "feet." Certain enemies, particularly Chromatic ones, appear only once. If Monoko isn’t in your party when you face them, you’ll miss out on a skill and the trophy for collecting all feet.

Q4: What are Chromatic enemies, and why are they important?
Chromatic enemies are special foes that only appear once in the game. They often carry unique skills Monoko can absorb. Missing these enemies or not having Monoko in your team when fighting them can block you from earning the related skill and trophy.

Q5: How can I raise relationship levels with companions?
You can increase relationship levels by visiting the camp and interacting with companions regularly. It’s important to do this especially after each main mission. You’ll need to get everyone to level 7 to unlock the Ampai trophy.

Q6: What’s the best way to avoid missing trophies in Clair Obscur?
Use multiple save files, especially before major story points or boss battles. Always keep Monoko in your party once he’s available, explore thoroughly, and return to camp regularly to maintain relationship progress.


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