Expedition 33: Maelle and Verso Nuke Build Guide

Welcome to another Expedition 33 build showcase, this time highlighting an explosive synergy between Maelle, Verso, and Ciel. This build is all about stacking burn effects and unleashing devastating burst damage, resulting in a near-guaranteed one-turn annihilation of most enemies.

Build Overview

The core idea of this setup revolves around Verso’s ability to apply burn stacks rapidly, Ciel’s role as a full support, and Maelle’s ability to convert those stacks into massive AoE damage.

Verso – Burn Stack Machine

Verso is the enabler of this entire build. Here’s what you’ll want to focus on:

• Free Aim Shot is the centerpiece of Verso’s kit.

• Equip Pictos that:

  • Increase the number of hits per basic attack

  • Apply burn stacks with each hit

  • Generate Action Points (AP) for every successful hit or kill

His only purpose is to apply as many burn stacks as possible to enemies. Damage from Verso himself is minimal, so his weapon does not need to be maxed. Focus entirely on status application and utility.

Ciel – Support Enabler

Ciel’s sole role is to amplify your carry’s burst window. She should enter battle ready to cast:

• Fortune’s Fury: Doubles Maelle’s damage output for a single turn.

• Intervention: Grants Verso another round to apply even more burn stacks.

Ensure Ciel has enough starting AP to perform both actions in one turn. Her gear should focus on AP generation and survivability — damage is not her job here.

Maelle – The Nuke

Maelle is the damage dealer in this build. Once Verso has done his job and Ciel has buffed her:

• Maelle uses Burning Canvas, a powerful ability that deals bonus damage based on the number of burn stacks on the enemy.

• Her weapon allows her to start combat in Virtuoso stance, granting an initial double damage bonus.

• Equip Pictos that:

  • Boost damage when HP is low

  • Enhance damage multiplicatively

💡 Tip: Use Roulette Picto on Maelle. It introduces risk (chance to halve or double damage per hit), but in this setup, the payoff is often worth it.

Team Play Order & Setup Tips

You can manipulate the turn order by adjusting your party’s formation. Place Verso first to apply burn stacks, Ciel second to cast her buffs, and Maelle last to deliver the final blow.

This sequence ensures maximum setup before Maelle attacks.

Picto Loadout Summary

All essential Pictos for this build are shown at the end of the associated video and listed in the description. However, here’s a high-level breakdown:

Verso

• Pictos for:

  • Multi-hit basic attacks

  • Burn application

  • AP generation

Ciel

• Pictos for:

  • Starting AP

  • Support utility

Maelle

• Pictos for:

  • Low HP damage boost

  • Double damage under specific conditions

  • Roulette (optional but high ceiling)

Final Thoughts

This Maelle and Verso Nuke Build is one of the most satisfying team compositions in Expedition 33 when executed correctly. While Maelle is the star of the show, the real success lies in how Verso and Ciel set her up for massive AoE destruction.

Verso doesn’t require high investment, and Ciel is plug-and-play as long as she has enough starting points for her buffs. With practice, this combo becomes one of the most reliable methods for melting down even the toughest encounters.

Thanks for reading!
If you enjoyed this build breakdown and want more team compositions, make sure to check out other guides and videos in the series.
Happy gaming, and see you on the next run of Expedition 33!