Clair Obscur Boss Guide: Best Builds to Defeat Simon Quickly ~ HaploGamingChef

If you're stuck trying to beat Simon in Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, you're not alone. This boss fight can feel overwhelming, especially with all the mechanics and phases involved. But the good news? You don’t need to waste hours experimenting with trial-and-error. We've put together the top three most effective builds that can help you destroy Simon fast—some even without using backup characters.

Whether you like to play aggressively, face-tank, or out-speed your opponent, these builds are optimized for different styles. From the unkillable Verso build to high-damage burst setups and full party speed control, you’ll find one that fits how you play. This Simon boss fight guide breaks down each setup with clear steps and smart strategies so you can beat the hardest enemy in the game with ease.

Let’s jump into the best builds in Expedition 33 that will make Simon a non-issue.

Top 3 OP Builds to Beat Simon in Expedition 33

🥉 #3: Undying Verso Build (No Backup Needed)

This build focuses entirely on Verso, allowing you to beat Simon without needing any support characters. It’s built around consistent resurrection and high gradient charge generation, making it a top pick for players who want to face-tank the fight.

🔧 How It Works:

Angel Eyes Gradient Attack is key—it gives Verso the Aurole buff, which revives him each time he dies.
By using free-aim shots, you’ll charge your gradient meter fast enough to cast Angel Eyes every turn.
This loop keeps Verso alive no matter what Simon throws at you.

📦 Key Build Components:

Weapon: Contorso (applies lightning strike per hit, doubling gradient charge)
Skills:
- Endbringer (used to skip Simon’s Gommage mechanic)
Pictos:
- Energy Master
- Double Burn
- Second Chance
Lumina Cost: High (around 523), but worth the trade-off for consistent solo clears.

📌 Execution Steps:

Turn 1: Use a free-aim shot to break Simon and cast Endbringer.
Turn 2: Unload free-aim shots to max out gradient charge. Cast Angel Eyes.
Turn 3: Control damage output to avoid triggering Simon’s Gommage. Let Verso revive.
Turn 4: Break Simon with a shot, then finish him using Endbringer again.

If you do miss the timing and Simon activates Gommage, use Maelle as a backup. Just make sure she’s built to cast her own Gommage at Gradient Level 3 to end the fight.

🔥 Why This Build Works:

It’s the best no backup Simon strategy.
Very consistent once you understand the revive loop.
Great for players who want to rely on one character.

⚠️ Things to Note:

RNG can slightly affect AP regeneration from free-aims.
Revive Paradox Picto lets Verso act immediately after reviving—but it doesn’t stack with Cheater.

🥈 #2: Destroyer Paintress Maelle Build (Burst Strategy)

If you prefer a quick, no-nonsense win, this is the build for you. The Maelle burst setup is perfect for players who want to skip Simon’s phases and finish the fight in just a few turns. It's one of the most used builds because of its reliable one-shot potential and minimal Lumina requirements.

🔧 How It Works:

Maelle delivers a devastating final blow using Stendahl or Gommage, depending on your preference.
The strategy involves buffing Maelle using Verso and Sciel before forcing her into action.
If executed properly, Simon won’t even get a chance to attack.

📦 Key Build Components:

Characters: Maelle (main attacker), Verso (multiplier setup), Sciel (buffer)
Weapons:
- Yeverum (recommended, good balance)
- Glaisum (for max raw attack if you want fun over efficiency)
Pictos: Typical burst-focused, with damage stacking, AP boosters, and casting order controllers.
Lumina Cost: Low, making it accessible to more players.

📌 Execution Steps:

Turn 1:
- Verso and Sciel auto-explode to max out Simon’s break gauge.
- Maelle uses Last Chance to enter Virtuose Stance.
Turn 2 (Sciel):
- Cast Fortune's Fury on Maelle for double damage.
- Shoot Simon to break him.
- Use Intervention to force Maelle’s turn.
Turn 2 (Maelle):
- Cast Stendahl to hit ~158–164 million damage and clear Phase 1.
Phase 2: Repeat the same cycle and Simon goes down again.

🔥 Optional Upgrade:

Want even more damage? Mix this with the gradient charge method from the Verso build to cast Gommage instead of Stendahl. It's overkill but fun to try.

👍 Why This Build Works:

Fastest strategy available.
High success rate with almost no RNG dependence.
Minimal resource cost—great for quick clears or repeated farming.

⚠️ Drawbacks:

It can feel a bit boring for players who enjoy longer fights or tactical play.
Relies heavily on one burst moment—mistime it, and things get tricky.

🥇 #1: Speed Crowd Control Build (Full Party Lockdown)

This build is perfect if you enjoy longer battles with control mechanics, where you can completely shut down the boss. With this strategy, Simon barely gets a turn as your party cycles through actions, stacking speed and crowd control effects. It’s the most satisfying way to beat Simon for players who enjoy strategy over brute force.

🔧 How It Works:

Your team builds up extreme speed, pushing Simon further down the turn order.
Stuns and slows make sure Simon can’t act at all for most of the fight.
You’ll gradually wear him down using free-aim shots and Gradient attacks.

📦 Key Build Components:

Characters: Sciel (support & slow), Maelle (DPS), Monoco (main breaker)
Weapons:
- Sciel: Litheson (applies Slow with Sun Charge)
- Monoco: Built around Break Point, a powerful gradient skill
Pictos: Focus on:
- Speed boosts
- AP regeneration
- Shortcut (extra turns)
- Stun/slow status effects
Buff Skills:
- All Set (Sciel) to grant Rush, Powerful, Shell
- Last Chance (Maelle) for Virtuose Stance
- Pyrolyze (Maelle) to deal damage and inflict Burn

📌 Execution Steps:

Turn 1 (Sciel):
- Cast All Set to buff the party. Litheson will apply Slow on Simon.
Turn 2 (Sciel):
- Unload AP with free-aim shots, finish with a normal attack.
Turn 1 (Maelle):
- Shoot to charge gradient, leave 1 AP to cast Last Chance.
Turn 2 (Maelle):
- Use Pyrolyze to inflict Burn and deal solid damage.
- Shortcut Picto gives Maelle another turn—dump more shots.
Turn 1 (Monoco):
- Use free-aim shots to break Simon.
- Use Break Point for massive break damage and stun.

Phase 2 Strategy:

Repeat the same steps.
Make sure to cast All Set every 2 turns to maintain buffs.
Simon will stay locked—he may use mechanics like shield steal or HP-to-1 skills, but won’t actually attack.
Monoco’s Break Point often ends the fight.

🔥 Why This Build Works:

Keeps Simon from attacking the entire battle.
Great for players who enjoy managing buffs, turn order, and crowd control.
Fun and interactive, using all three party members effectively.

⚠️ Things to Remember:

Monitor buff durations. If unsure, just reapply All Set every 2 turns.
Requires a bit more input than auto-burst builds, but the tradeoff is satisfaction and full control.

✅ Conclusion: Beat Simon Your Way

Simon might be one of the most difficult bosses in Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, but with the right strategy, he's beatable on your terms. Whether you want to take him down with pure tanking, overwhelming burst damage, or smooth crowd control, there's a build that fits your playstyle.

Verso’s Undying Build is great for soloing with revives and consistent gradient charging.
Maelle’s Burst Setup is the fastest if you want to skip phases.
Speed Crowd Control keeps Simon stunned and slowed, making it the most strategic option.

Try out each build and see which one gives you the smoothest run. And remember—adjustments based on your Lumina resources or preferred characters can make a big difference.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is the easiest build to use for beating Simon?
A: The Destroyer Maelle Build is the easiest due to its quick burst damage and minimal Lumina requirement.

Q: Can I beat Simon without backup characters?
A: Yes, the Undying Verso Build can solo Simon using revival loops and gradient attacks.

Q: What if I can’t avoid Simon’s Gommage?
A: Use Maelle as backup, cast her own Gommage to counter and finish the fight.

Q: Which build is best for full party control?
A: The Speed Crowd Control Build uses buffs, slows, and stuns to prevent Simon from acting.

Q: Is there RNG involved in these builds?
A: Slightly, especially with free-aim AP regen, but most steps are consistent if followed correctly.

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