The creators of the critically acclaimed soulslike game Lies of P have officially confirmed that their studio is now fully dedicated to developing a complete sequel. South Korean developer NEOWIZ announced that Lies of P 2 is being built using the latest version of Unreal Engine 5, promising significant technical and visual improvements over its already impressive predecessor. This news has excited fans worldwide who have been eagerly awaiting confirmation of a continuation to one of 2023’s most surprising gaming successes.
The Original Game’s Remarkable Success Story
Lies of P, released in September 2023, took the gaming world by storm with its unique reimagining of the classic Pinocchio fairy tale set in a dark, Belle Époque-inspired world. The game transported players to the fictional city of Krat, a once-beautiful European metropolis now overrun by murderous mechanical puppets and twisted creatures. Players assumed the role of P, a puppet boy searching for his creator Geppetto while uncovering the dark secrets behind the city’s catastrophic downfall. The game received widespread critical acclaim for its challenging combat mechanics, atmospheric world design, and innovative lying system that affected the narrative and endings.
The title sold over one million copies within its first month of release, eventually surpassing three million units sold worldwide. This remarkable commercial success established NEOWIZ as a serious competitor in the increasingly crowded soulslike genre, which has been dominated by FromSoftware’s legendary titles including Dark Souls, Bloodborne, and Elden Ring. Critics praised Lies of P for successfully capturing the essence of the challenging action RPG formula while adding its own distinctive flavor through the Pinocchio-inspired narrative and Victorian steampunk aesthetic.
Technical Leap with Unreal Engine 5
The decision to develop Lies of P 2 on Unreal Engine 5 represents a significant technical upgrade that should deliver substantial improvements in visual fidelity and performance. Epic Games’ latest engine technology includes revolutionary features such as Nanite virtualized geometry, which allows for unprecedented geometric detail, and Lumen, a fully dynamic global illumination solution that creates remarkably realistic lighting. These technologies have already powered impressive titles like Fortnite Chapter 5 and The Matrix Awakens, demonstrating the engine’s capability to create stunning visual experiences.
For a game that relies heavily on atmospheric horror and intricate environmental storytelling like Lies of P, these technological advancements could prove transformative. The original game was already visually impressive, featuring detailed puppet designs, elaborate Victorian architecture, and haunting environmental effects. With Unreal Engine 5’s capabilities, NEOWIZ will be able to push these elements even further, potentially creating one of the most visually striking soulslike experiences ever developed. Industry analysts suggest that the engine’s improved performance optimization could also help the sequel run more smoothly across various hardware configurations.
The Growing Soulslike Genre Competition
Lies of P 2 enters development during an interesting period for the soulslike genre. Following the massive success of Elden Ring in 2022, which sold over 25 million copies and won numerous Game of the Year awards, the market has seen an influx of challenging action RPGs attempting to capture similar magic. Recent entries include Lords of the Fallen 2023, Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty, and the upcoming Black Myth: Wukong. This competitive landscape means NEOWIZ must deliver significant improvements to maintain their position as one of the genre’s leading developers outside of FromSoftware.
The studio has remained relatively quiet about specific details regarding Lies of P 2’s story, gameplay innovations, or release window. However, the confirmation of active development using cutting-edge technology suggests the team is committed to delivering a worthy successor. Given that the original game ended with multiple possible conclusions and several unresolved plot threads, fans have speculated extensively about where the narrative might lead. The ending where P becomes fully human has been particularly discussed as a potential starting point for the sequel’s story.
Looking Ahead to the Future
While no official release date has been announced, development timelines for games of this scope typically span three to four years. Players can reasonably expect Lies of P 2 to arrive sometime between 2026 and 2027, though NEOWIZ has not provided any official estimates. The studio previously released DLC content for the original game, helping to maintain community engagement while the sequel takes shape. As development progresses, fans will undoubtedly be watching closely for any additional details about what promises to be one of the most anticipated soulslike sequels in recent memory.
Expert Opinion: The strategic move to Unreal Engine 5 positions Lies of P 2 as a potential technical showcase for the soulslike genre. Given NEOWIZ’s proven ability to create compelling gameplay and their now-established fanbase, the sequel has strong foundations for commercial success. However, the studio must innovate beyond visual improvements to truly distinguish itself in an increasingly competitive market where player expectations continue to rise.
