Neowiz Expands Soulslike Portfolio: Lies of P Sequel and New RPG in Development
Introduction
Since its release, Lies of P has stood as one of the most acclaimed Soulslike titles developed outside of FromSoftware. Now, developer Neowiz has confirmed that the long-anticipated sequel has moved into the vertical slice stage of production, marking a critical milestone in full-scale development. Alongside this, the studio is also working on another Soulslike game and a narrative-driven RPG, signaling a bold expansion of their action-RPG lineup.
The Vertical Slice Milestone for Lies of P 2
A vertical slice is a development phase where a small but representative section of the game is fully polished—including gameplay, art, audio, and systems—to demonstrate the final quality and vision. For the Lies of P sequel, entering this stage means the core mechanics and aesthetic direction are locked in, allowing the team to scale production with confidence.
Why Vertical Slices Matter
Vertical slices help developers validate design decisions early, identify technical risks, and align the entire team on a unified target. For Neowiz, reaching this point with the sequel suggests strong internal confidence in the project's potential to recapture—or even surpass—the magic of the original.
What Fans Already Know About the Sequel
Details remain scarce, but based on the original game's ending and post-credit scenes, the sequel is expected to continue the story of Pinocchio in a dark, puppet-infested world. Neowiz has also hinted at expanded combat mechanics, deeper weapon customization, and a more interconnected world design. The vertical slice will likely showcase a signature boss fight or pivotal narrative moment.
Neowiz's Broader Development Plans
Beyond the Lies of P sequel, Neowiz is actively developing two other major titles:
1. Another Soulslike Title
While details are under wraps, Neowiz has confirmed they are working on a second Soulslike project that is not related to Lies of P. This suggests the studio aims to establish itself as a specialist in the genre, leveraging the combat fluency and atmospheric design they honed with the first game. Early speculation points to a different historical or folklore-inspired setting.
2. A Narrative RPG
Perhaps the most intriguing announcement is a narrative-focused RPG that departs from the Soulslike formula. This project will emphasize branching storylines, deep character choices, and traditional role-playing mechanics. Neowiz has not revealed whether this will be a new IP or set in an existing universe, but the shift indicates a desire to diversify their portfolio beyond challenging action games.
Why Neowiz Is Doubling Down on Soulslikes
The success of Lies of P is a major driver. The game sold over 1 million copies within its first months, earning critical praise for its tight combat, eerie Belle Époque setting, and faithful Souls homage. This gave Neowiz the financial and creative capital to expand their development teams and take on multiple projects simultaneously.
Market Trend Toward Soulslikes
The broader gaming market continues to embrace challenging action-RPGs. FromSoftware's Elden Ring and Armored Core VI have proven there is strong appetite for difficult but rewarding experiences. Neowiz is positioning themselves as a top-tier alternative, especially for players who want a more linear, story-driven take on the formula.
Building a Dedicated Fanbase
By maintaining support for Lies of P through updates and DLC, Neowiz has cultivated a loyal community. The sequel and the new Soulslike project are likely to benefit from this existing audience, while the narrative RPG could attract players who prefer less punishing gameplay.
What This Means for the Future of Neowiz
With three distinct RPG projects in various stages of development, Neowiz is rapidly evolving from a single-hit studio into a multi-faceted powerhouse. The Lies of P sequel is the flagship, but the other two titles will test the studio's versatility. If successful, Neowiz could become a key player in the action-RPG space alongside giants like FromSoftware and CD Projekt Red.
Risks and Challenges
Managing multiple ambitious projects is no small feat. Neowiz will need to avoid scope creep, maintain quality across all titles, and ensure each game has a distinct identity. The vertical slice for Lies of P 2 is a positive sign, but fans will be watching closely for any delays or quality dips.
Conclusion
Neowiz's commitment to expanding its RPG catalog is an exciting development for fans of the genre. The Lies of P sequel hitting vertical slice is a major milestone, while the additional Soulslike and narrative RPG projects show the studio's ambition. As more details emerge, the gaming community will be eager to see how Neowiz balances innovation with the proven formulas that made Lies of P a success.