Lies of P

Lies of P is a 2023 action role-playing game from developer Neowiz and Nough (previously Round8 Studio), published by Neowiz. Its narrative draws loosely from Carlo Collodi’s 1883 novel *The Adventures of Pinocchio*, to whom the game is dedicated. This Soulslike title takes place in the fictional city of Krat, which draws visual inspiration from the Belle Époque era. Players control the titular “P”—the puppet Pinocchio, seen from a third-person view—who is one of the automaton-like “Puppets” that form the backbone of Krat’s society and industry.

Unlike other Puppets, P possesses free will, allowing him to bypass Krat’s laws of robotics. Gameplay involves using melee weapons, a mechanical arm, and “Ergo” energy—which functions as both experience points and currency—to fight through a city overrun by enemies. A condition called the “Frenzy” has turned other Puppets hostile, and the player operates from a luxurious hotel as a base. Binary choices made during the game affect both sub-plots and the overall story’s outcome.

Released in September 2023, Lies of P launched on macOS, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S. Critics praised its combat, visuals, sound design, and voice acting, while opinions on its level design and story were divided. By June 2025, it had sold over three million copies and earned nominations for awards such as The Game Awards and Golden Joystick Awards, appearing on many “best of 2023” lists. A prequel expansion, *Overture*, arrived in June 2025, and a Nintendo Switch 2 version followed on August 6, 2026. A sequel is currently in development.

**Gameplay** Lies of P is an action role-playing game with a third-person perspective. The player controls a silent puppet named P, who explores Krat and battles hostile puppets, factions, and citizens disfigured by the petrification disease. At the start, the player chooses one of three combat styles, which sets the character’s attributes and starting weapons. Melee weapons and Legion Arms—tools that include a grappling hook—are used in combat. Every weapon except boss weapons consists of a blade and a handle that can be upgraded and combined with other parts. Combining them grants a unique ability called Fable Arts, activated when its gauge is full. Weapon durability decreases during fights and can be restored with grindstones, which also provide temporary power-