Embarking on the perilous journey through Lies of P can be a daunting challenge, especially for those new to the Souls-like genre. In this guide, we’ll share essential tips and tricks to help you navigate the puppet-infested streets of Krat with confidence. Whether you’re learning combat mechanics, optimizing your build, or understanding resource management, this guide will ensure you start off strong. Let’s dive in!

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Choosing the Right Combat Style

At the beginning of Lies of P, you will be given a choice between three combat styles: Path of the Cricket (Balanced), Path of the Bastard (Dexterity), and Path of the Sweeper (Strength). Each of these determines your initial stats and weapon preferences. However, don’t stress too much over this decision, as your build will evolve over time. Keep in mind, though, that your base class stats cannot be respeced later, so choosing a style that complements your playstyle is important.

• Balanced Path (Cricket) – Ideal for beginners, offers well-rounded stats and works best with standard swords.
• Dexterity Path (Bastard) – Specializes in quick, precise weapons like daggers, spears, and rapiers.
• Strength Path (Sweeper) – Excels in heavy-hitting weapons such as cleavers, hacksaws, and hammers.

If you’re new to the genre, starting with the Balanced Path and experimenting in the practice area is recommended before committing to a specific build.

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Leveling Up: Where to Invest Your Points

Leveling up in Lies of P requires Ergo, earned by defeating enemies and collecting fragments. As you progress, the cost of leveling up increases exponentially, so allocating your points wisely in the early game is crucial.

1. Vitality (HP Pool) – For the first 5-10 levels, prioritize Vitality. Extra HP makes the game significantly more forgiving.
2. Motivity (Strength) or Technique (Dexterity) – Invest in the stat that best suits your weapon. If using a balanced build, level these stats simultaneously.
3. Vigor (Stamina) – Around level 20, increase Vigor to improve stamina, which is crucial for boss fights and extended combat.
4. Capacity (Weight Load) – Raising this stat lets you equip high-level puppet parts without exceeding 80% equip load, which would otherwise slow your dodging speed.
5. Advanced (Rare Usage) – Only level this if you plan to use specific weapons that scale with Advanced.

Target Stats by Level 30:

• Vitality: 30
• Vigor: 20
• Capacity: 20
• Motivity or Technique: 30
• Advance: 20 (only if needed for a specialized build)

Avoid using Boss Ergo for leveling—these rare items can be exchanged for powerful equipment later in the game.

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Mastering Combat Mechanics

Combat in Lies of P is a test of patience and precision. To succeed, understanding attack patterns and stamina management is key.

• Utilize the Pulse Cell System: When you run out of Pulse Cells (healing flasks), you enter the Discharged State.Damaging enemies restores a Pulse Cell, making aggressive play a viable survival strategy.
• Perfect Guard & Staggering: Blocking at the right time reduces damage and builds up stagger damage. Heavy weapons cause more stagger, setting up Fatal Attacks for massive damage.
• Dodge Wisely: Exceeding an 80% weight load slows your dodge roll significantly. Investing in Capacity allows you to equip stronger armor while maintaining mobility.
• Specters as Distractions: Summon Specters with Star Fragments to assist in battle. While they don’t deal significant damage, they are excellent for distracting enemies, buying you openings to strike.

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Optimizing P-Organ Upgrades

P-Organs are a crucial part of progression in Lies of P. These upgrades are obtained through Quartz, found in chests, mini-bosses, and major boss fights.

• Prioritize Pulse Cell Upgrades: Increasing healing efficiency is a game-changer.
• Best Large Nodes: Link Dodge, Additional Amulet Slot, Additional Fable Slots, and Retain Guard Regain.
• Best Small Nodes: Stagger damage, Fatal Attack damage, stamina reduction, and guard regain.

The game allows you to respec P-Organ upgrades later, so experiment and find what suits your playstyle best.

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Weapon Upgrades and Customization

Weapons in Lies of P can be enhanced using Moonstones, found throughout the game. Regular weapons can be upgraded infinitely using common Moonstones, while special weapons require Moonstones of the Covenant, which are limited.

Additionally, you can use Cranks to modify a weapon’s stat scaling:

• Motivity Crank – Boosts strength-based weapons.
• Technique Crank – Improves dexterity scaling.
• Advance Crank – Enhances elemental or magic-like weapons.
• Balance Crank – Provides a mix of benefits.

Weapon assembly lets you mix and match blades and handles to create a weapon that suits your style. Start by choosing a blade with favorable damage and range, then pair it with a handle that offers a comfortable attack pattern.

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Managing Consumables and Status Ailments

Managing consumables wisely is essential. Some rare items have limited availability, so use them strategically:

• Legion Magazines & Fable Catalysts – Common, so don’t hesitate to use them.
• Attribute Purification & Resistance Ampoules – Useful for negating elemental effects.
• Rare Consumables (e.g., Cat Dust) – Save these for the toughest battles.

Status ailments can be devastating if not handled properly:

• Decay – Reduces weapon durability.
• Break – Lowers HP recovery from Pulse Cells.
• Disruption – Instantly kills you if the meter fills up.

Use purification ampoules to counteract these effects and explore Hotel Krat for vendors selling these essential items.

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Exploration and NPC Interactions

Thoroughly exploring Krat will reward you with weapons, Quartz, and quest items. Always check corners, rooftops, and hidden passages.

NPCs frequently update their dialogue and may provide quests, lore insights, or essential items. Some characters appear outside Hotel Krat before offering their services, so keep an eye out for them as you progress.

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Final Thoughts

Lies of P is a game that rewards patience, experimentation, and adaptability. By carefully choosing your build, mastering combat mechanics, and managing resources wisely, you’ll be well-prepared to take on the nightmarish world of Krat. Whether you’re a newcomer to Souls-likes or a seasoned veteran, these tips will help you carve your own path to victory.

Good luck, and may your strings never break!