This caught my attention for one big reason: how often do you see a major Soulslike expansion just drop out of nowhere, especially when the base game is already riding high in the genre? Lies of P: Overture wasn’t just a DLC I was waiting for – it’s become an actual event, thanks to this midnight shadowdrop and a blast of fresh content that goes beyond the usual “more of the same.” Let’s break down what this means for fans and why it deserves more than a shrug, even if you’ve already finished Krat’s twisted puppet nightmare.
If you missed the late-night news, Lies of P’s long-awaited Overture expansion is out now-months ahead of the original “summer” window. Instead of drawn-out teasers, Neowiz and Round8 Studio went for the Soulslike mic drop: a shadow release that injects new life (and monsters) into one of last year’s tightest action-RPGs.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Publisher | Neowiz |
| Release Date | June 7, 2024 |
| Genres | Action RPG, Soulslike |
| Platforms | PC, PlayStation 4/5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S |
Lies of P was already a standout in the deluge of Soulslikes trying to ride FromSoftware’s coattails. Instead of a lazy copy-paste, it nailed the gothic, blood-soaked atmosphere and tight combat while carving out its own identity (the puppet system, weapon assembly, and those wild takes on Pinocchio lore). So, any new content is bound to get my hopes up — but it also raises my expectations. Will Overture bring meaningful evolution or just more of the same with a new skin?
First up: the zoo setting isn’t just a quirky backdrop. Soulslikes thrive on memorable, oppressive environments, and a monster-infested zoo is a playground for this team’s grotesque creativity. The promise of “new horrors” and a bestiary overhaul means you’re not just fighting palette-swapped mobs — you’re getting weird, fresh enemy types that can genuinely change your approach. Considering how well Lies of P handled boss and enemy design in the base game, this is exactly the kind of risk I want to see from a DLC.
Gameplay tweaks are the next big win. New weapons and puppet arm abilities mean more ways to experiment, and if you’re like me, replaying Soulslikes is all about finding new builds and combat strategies. The added combat styles could seriously shake up meta runs and speedrunning tech, and it’s great to see the devs leaning into what makes their mechanical systems unique rather than chasing open-world bloat.
But let’s be real: the Boss Rush and new difficulties are what push Overture past a “just for fans” pack. Soulslike communities live for challenge runs and theorycrafting, so letting you refight bosses (presumably with special conditions or as gauntlets) is a massive quality-of-life improvement. This isn’t just padding — it’s the kind of replayable content that gives a game lasting legs between big story drops. If other studios are watching, this is a template for how to support a hardcore playerbase without resorting to FOMO microtransactions or half-baked live service features.
What about lore? Overture doubles down on Krat’s origins, tossing us into a “time travel” prequel slice, and teams you up with the Legendary Roamer — a new NPC whose presence could shake up what we think we know about Pinocchio’s world. Given that a full sequel is already teased, this is definitely the “bridge” content designed to keep narrative theorists busy and set up bigger stakes for next time. Still, it’s a side story, so don’t expect world-shattering twists — but it’s more than a soulless boss gauntlet or asset flip.
Here’s what makes Overture actually matter for players: even if you’re done with the main campaign, this is an excuse to jump back in, try new builds, and test your skills against fresh nightmares. For completionists, the prospect of new achievements/trophies and a bestiary to fill out is pure catnip. The only caveat? If you were hoping for a sprawling expansion on the scale of Elden Ring’s Shadow of the Erdtree, temper expectations — this is a focused DLC, not a whole new campaign. But for £/€15? That’s a fair ask for what’s on offer, especially when so many expansions stretch content and price far beyond their actual value.
Bottom line: Overture is a smart, well-timed shot in the arm for one of the best modern Soulslikes. It’s giving veterans a reason to return and new players a bigger, weirder playground. If you’re a fan of tight, punishing combat with just enough narrative mystery to pull you in, it’s hard to see this as a miss. But as always, I’ll be keeping an eye on how the Boss Rush and new mechanics shake out in the hands of the community — that’s where the real legacy of a Soulslike expansion is forged.
Lies of P: Overture lands with a surprise, dropping new horrors, weapons, and challenge modes for one of the freshest Soulslikes around. It’s a sharp, focused DLC that respects your time and skill — not a bloated cash grab. If you’re hungry for more Krat and want a real excuse to dust off those dodge rolls, this one’s worth your attention.
Source: Neowiz via GamesPress