Lies of P Boss Explains Major Difficulty Shift for Wider Appeal

The upcoming "Lies of P" DLC, "Overture," will introduce selectable difficulty settings for the very first time.

As a classic "Soulslike" title, "Lies of P" is renowned for its challenging nature, which can be daunting for players drawn in by its grim narrative and atmosphere. Initially, Director Jiwon Choi and the team held the view that such games shouldn't include difficulty options, leading to the base game's launch without them.

Neowiz has now reconsidered this stance following a thorough review of player feedback, confirming the upcoming change.

"Our goal is to make the game accessible to a wider player base," Choi explained to VGC. "By incorporating feedback from our community and development team, we've adjusted our approach. Introducing these difficulty options allows us to cater to diverse player preferences and expand our audience."

This decision has sparked discussion among fans, with one commenting: "It's easier to stick to a design principle than to face ongoing criticism and negative reviews. Adapting the difficulty likely comes from a desire to share the game's world with more people."

Another player shared: "I started gaming in my mid-twenties. I appreciate easier settings because, while I love 'Lies of P,' my skills are still developing—and that's perfectly fine. Not having access to consoles as a kid means I'm catching up now as an adult without a decade of practice."

A supporter added: "Some hardcore Souls fans oppose difficulty options to gatekeep accomplishments. I'm glad 'Lies of P' is prioritizing inclusivity over that mindset."

However, the move has its detractors, as seen on Steam forums and social media.

One critical post read: "I was interested, but after the balance adjustments and added difficulty levels, I lost interest. Developers should stop catering to less dedicated players." Notably, most replies in that thread supported the developer's new direction.

Another user lamented: "Neowiz had a masterpiece and has now made it a joke. What a shame." A thread titled "Difficulty settings = Not playing" sits near another from a player who tried the game and found the challenge "simply ridiculous."

Lies of P: Overture Screenshots

View 5 Images

"Lies of P" offers a dark, innovative reimagining of Pinocchio, blending punishing action with a unique "lie" system where choices directly impact the world. The "Overture" DLC expands this with new areas, foes, bosses, characters, and weapons. It also debuts "Death March," a mode challenging players to re-engage with every boss. Experienced players can expect roughly 15-20 hours of new content, unlocked after progressing past a specific story chapter. A full sequel to "Lies of P" is also in development.

In our review, we scored the game 8/10, noting: "While 'Lies of P' doesn't radically deviate from its Soulslike inspirations, it executes the formula with remarkable skill and polish."