Lies of P adds difficulty after devs struggled Most couldn’t make it halfway

In the crowded landscape of action RPGs, some titles stand out not just for their polish but for their sheer, punishing difficulty. Yet, within this challenging genre, Lies of P has carved out a unique niche as one of the most compelling soulslikes outside of FromSoftware’s fold.

However, even games renowned for their brutal design face the perennial debate surrounding difficulty settings. For many enthusiasts, the challenge is part of the allure; for others, it becomes an insurmountable barrier. Lies of P entered this ongoing discussion by offering these optional settings a few years after its initial release, bundled alongside expansions like Lies of P: Overture.

This decision immediately ignited a spirited debate among the community. Soulslike fans, in particular, often view increased difficulty as fundamental to the experience. Introducing easier options was seen by some as diluting the intended atmosphere, leading to contentious discourse about what truly defines a challenging game.

But behind the curtain of Lies of P’s development, the shift wasn’t simply a matter of catering to a trend; it stemmed from an honest assessment of player experience. Combat director Lee Jeonghyeon shared insight into the internal reasoning that led the studio to change its stance on this sensitive topic.

During their intensive “Game Days”—periods where developers immerse themselves in the mindset of players—the team realized a crucial point: while mechanically skilled players could easily navigate the gauntlet, many others simply hit walls they couldn’t overcome before time ran out. It became clear that while the challenge was intended for mastery, it inadvertently excluded a large portion of the audience.

To ensure that more players could actually complete the experience and feel the full scope of the narrative without being completely shut out by the mechanics, the team introduced two distinct difficulty settings. These options were deliberately easier than the standard mode, providing a vital bridge for those who wanted to enjoy the world of Lies of P.

This adjustment proved to be more than just a concession; it generated overwhelmingly positive feedback. The developers quickly recognized that offering these alternative paths truly benefited the player base, proving that adding difficulty options wasn’t just a feature tweak, but a meaningful way to enhance accessibility and engagement for everyone.