FromSoftware's parry-based masterpiece meets the Pinocchio-themed challenger that stunned everyone.
When Lies of P was announced as a "Pinocchio-themed Soulslike," nobody took it seriously. Then it launched and people immediately called it "the other Sekiro" — a comparison the developers would probably frame and put on their wall. Both games center their combat around deflection and parrying, creating a rhythmic combat dance that rewards precision over dodge-spamming.
But can the student match the master? Sekiro won Game of the Year in 2019. Lies of P earned a sequel announcement within months of launch. Here's the full breakdown.
| CATEGORY | SEKIRO: SHADOWS DIE TWICE | LIES OF P |
|---|---|---|
| Combat System★ Sekiro | Pure parry-based combat. Posture system rewards aggression. One weapon (kusabimaru) with prosthetic tool variations. Tight, precise, and unforgiving. | Parry-focused with weapon assembly system. Combine blades and handles for custom weapons. Heavier, more Souls-like stamina management. |
| Build Variety★ Lies of P | None. You are Sekiro. One sword, one playstyle, prosthetic tools for variation. Mastery over customization. | Significant. Weapon assembly system, stat allocation, Legion Arms (prosthetics). More RPG-like build diversity. |
| World & Level Design★ Sekiro | Interconnected, vertical world. Grappling hook adds traversal depth. FromSoftware's legendary level design at its most creative. | Belle Époque-era Krat. Linear but atmospheric. Stunning art direction. Not as interconnected as Sekiro. |
| Difficulty= PREFERENCE | No summons, no builds, no leveling past skill trees. You either learn the patterns or you don't progress. The hardest FromSoft game. | Hard but offers more tools — grinding, summoning NPCs, weapon upgrades. More accessible difficulty curve. |
| Story= TIE | Sengoku-era Japan. Quiet narrative with deep lore. The Shura ending is devastating. | Dark Pinocchio reimagining. Surprisingly emotional. Lie/truth system affects the ending. Gorgeous Victorian gothic aesthetic. |
| Value= TIE | $40, often on sale. 30-60 hours. No DLC. Complete experience. | $40, often on sale. 25-40 hours. DLC and sequel confirmed. |
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