Lies of P: Overture Introduces Difficulty Options and a Brutal Boss Rush – A Soulslike Evolution
Lies of P, the surprise hit Soulslike RPG inspired by Pinocchio, is about to get a whole lot more accessible – and a whole lot more challenging. Developer Neowiz has announced the upcoming Lies of P: Overture expansion will introduce adjustable difficulty options to the base game, aiming to broaden its appeal without sacrificing its core identity. But that's not all – a new boss rush mode is also on the way, promising a punishing experience for even the most seasoned Soulslike veterans.
Historically, Soulslike games have been known for their uncompromising difficulty, a design choice celebrated by many. However, this has also created a barrier for some players who find the steep learning curve and relentless challenges too daunting. Game director Jiwon Choi acknowledged this feedback, stating, "We wanted to make sure a wider audience of players could play the game." The addition of difficulty options, dubbed "Butterfly’s Guidance" and "Awakened Puppet," aims to address this, allowing players to tailor the experience to their skill level.
But don't think Neowiz is going soft. For those who crave an even greater challenge, the new boss rush mode will offer an "ultra-hard" experience, pitting players against waves of formidable foes. Defeating these bosses will unlock exclusive rewards, offering bragging rights for those who can conquer the game's most intense challenges. This mode can be accessed by going to Hotel Krat stargazer. According to Wccftech, players can challenge any boss they’ve fought once they finish the story and achieve at least one ending first simply. This fights have five different tiers of difficulty and are locked to the Legendary Stalker difficulty.
Wccftech had a hands-on preview of Lies of P: Overture. Their experience was split into two sessions: Battle Memories and the new DLC content. The Battle Memories mode has players facing off against diverse enemy types. One early challenge is a puppet and master fight, where players must contend with a human-type enemy wielding explosive light magic spells and a valkyrie-like puppet attacking independently. Another, a hulking abomination in a sewer, requires mastery of parrying attacks. The toughest boss was a chimera hybrid combining animal types, crystalline structures, and human-like upper torsos, demanding adaptation and precision.
The Overture DLC itself acts as a prequel, taking players to the snowy outskirts of Krat and the mysterious Krat Zoo. Players might stumble upon blue-blooded Carcass enemies and mutated animals. Early encounters emphasize the need for sharp parrying skills and strategic dodging to survive. The preview showcased new weapon types, including a windmill-looking rotary saw and a gunblade that allows explosive shells to fire off at the end of combo swings.
The decision to make Overture a prequel was driven by a desire to include content that didn't make it into the base game. According to Choi, with Overture included, Lies of P now feels like a "complete version" of the team's vision. The base game's default difficulty setting will now be named "Legendary Stalker."
Lies of P: Overture is set to release sometime in 2026 for $29.99. A free update for the base game will also include the difficulty settings and boss rush mode. This update promises to deliver something for everyone, whether you're a seasoned Soulslike veteran or a newcomer looking for a more accessible entry point into the genre.
Will these changes significantly impact the game's overall appeal? Can a Soulslike game truly cater to both hardcore and casual players simultaneously? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
