Fans of the dark, twisted retelling of Pinocchio’s tale can now dive back into the haunting world of Lies of P with its eagerly awaited prequel DLC, Overture. Released as a surprise shadow drop during the 2025 Summer Game Fest on June 6, the expansion plunges players into the eerie Belle Époque city of Krat before the devastating Puppet Frenzy that shattered its streets. Developed by Round8 Studio and published by NEOWIZ, Lies of P: Overture invites players to explore untold stories, face brutal new enemies, and wield an arsenal of fresh weapons and combat styles, all while uncovering the dark secrets that shaped the original game’s grim world.
Since its initial launch in fall 2023, Lies of P has been celebrated as one of the standout Soulslike games outside of the FromSoftware lineage, praised for its intricate world-building, challenging combat, and a unique narrative twist where the more you lie, the more human you become. The original game cast players as Geppetto’s puppet, navigating the nightmarish city of Krat amid a violent uprising of puppets against their human creators. Now, Overture takes players back in time, months before this chaos, to the city’s final days of grandeur and looming collapse.
In the DLC, players once again assume the role of Geppetto’s puppet, who encounters a mysterious artifact transporting them to Krat’s past. Guided by Lea, the Legendary Stalker on a relentless quest for vengeance, players traverse a richly expanded world filled with new locations ranging from opulent mansions to eerie ruins. This backdrop of decaying elegance sets the stage for an intense journey through untold stories and chilling secrets that deepen the lore of Lies of P.
At the heart of Overture are the fresh combat mechanics and weaponry, which include new Legion Arms and unique weapon combinations. The new trailer showcased during Summer Game Fest highlights protagonist Pinocchio wielding Wolverine-like claws and a bow, hinting at the diverse fighting styles players can adopt. Players will also confront formidable new enemies, including a giant crocodile boss, promising punishing and majestic battles that test skill and resolve.
The DLC offers substantial content, with an estimated 15 to 20 hours of gameplay—roughly a third of the original game’s length—enough to satisfy fans hungry for more of the game’s signature blend of horror, action, and storytelling. However, it’s important to note that a copy of the original Lies of P is required to access the DLC.
Alongside the release of Overture, the base game received a significant update introducing two new difficulty settings and two boss battle modes: Battle Memories and Death March. Battle Memories allows players to revisit previously defeated bosses with new difficulty tiers, while Death March presents a grueling consecutive series of boss fights with limited health and resources. These additions aim to broaden the game’s accessibility and replayability, though the introduction of difficulty options has sparked debate among the community. Some fans welcome the chance for more players to experience the game’s rich world, while purists express concern over preserving the game’s original challenging spirit.
Round8 Studio’s game director, Jiwon Choi, remarked on the release, saying, “Lies of P was a historic debut for our team, and it felt fitting to expand the story we’ve crafted in the most noteworthy fashion during Summer Game Fest with a surprise shadow drop on all platforms. This expansion allowed us to complete the first arc of our story, and we hope our community feels the same love and support as they did for the base game. Please stay tuned for what awaits Geppetto’s Puppet.”
Players eager to start the DLC should reach the end of the base game’s chapter 9, having defeated the Corrupted Parade Master boss. From there, traveling to the Path of the Pilgrim triggers a cutscene that guides players toward the Stargazer, the gateway to Overture. The DLC allows seamless travel between the past and present, so players can return to Hotel Krat whenever they wish.
Available now for $29.99 on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam and Microsoft Store, Overture is a must-play for fans of the original game. It’s also worth noting that Lies of P is currently available on Xbox Game Pass and can be purchased at a 50% discount on Xbox consoles and PC, making it an excellent time for newcomers to jump in.
With its expanded story, new combat options, and challenging encounters, Lies of P: Overture enriches the haunting narrative of Krat and its puppet protagonist. While fans await the likely years-away sequel, this DLC provides a compelling glimpse into the dark past that set the stage for the Puppet Frenzy, deepening the mystery and horror of a world on the brink of collapse.
