The influential French novel that served as a key inspiration for the upcoming RPG Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is finally receiving its first English translation. Alain Damasio's "La Horde du Contrevent," also known as "Horde of the Counterwind," is scheduled for a hardback release in the United States on October 13, 2026, with a UK release following on November 12, 2026.
The novel, a cult favorite since its 2004 publication, follows a group of hardened expeditioners on a perilous journey against a relentless wind to discover its source. This narrative of perseverance against overwhelming odds mirrors themes explored in Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. The book was awarded the Grand Prix de l’Imaginaire in 2006 and has been considered a modern science fiction classic in the French-speaking world.
Alexander Dickow, a poet, novelist, and literary scholar, undertook the translation, a task previously deemed challenging due to the unique nature of Damasio's prose. Dickow's previous translation work includes notable titles such as "The Central Laboratory" by Max Jacob and "Air of Solitude and Requiem" by Gustave Roud.
Sandfall Interactive's co-founder and chief technology officer, Tom Guillermin, previously stated that "La Horde du Contrevent" was a significant influence on the game's story. He described it as a fantasy novel about explorers venturing into the unknown, a concept that resonated with the developers' vision for Expedition 33. Other inspirations cited for the game include the Belle Époque era of European history, an evocative painting, and video games like Persona, Final Fantasy, and Lost Odyssey.