Finding the Hermit's Cave in Lies of P is a total headache if you aren't paying attention to the cryptic clues the game throws at you. Most players just sprint through the Barren Swamp, kill the boss, and move on to the next area without realizing they've missed one of the most rewarding "secret" zones in the entire game. It's tucked away. It’s quiet. And honestly, it’s got some of the best loot for anyone trying to max out their build before the brutal final acts.
You don't just stumble into this place. You have to earn it through a series of steps that involve the Cryptic Vessels—those annoying little metal tubes that Venigni has to crack open for you. If you’ve been ignoring your collectibles, you’re basically locking yourself out of a massive chunk of lore and some top-tier gear.
Getting the Rusty Cryptic Vessel
To even think about entering the Hermit's Cave, you need the Rusty Cryptic Vessel. This isn't something you find early on. You’ve got to make it all the way to the Collapsed Street Stargazer in Area IX (Krat Central Station).
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There's a specific route here. You’ll climb through a building, deal with some annoying puppets on the rooftops, and eventually find a chest hidden behind a drop-down. It’s easy to miss. Once you have the Vessel, you can't just open it yourself. You have to head back to Hotel Krat and talk to Venigni. He’s the only one who can decipher these things.
After he does his thing, the "orders" will tell you about a cave in the Barren Swamp. This is where the real work begins.
Locating the Entrance in Barren Swamp
The Barren Swamp is arguably one of the most frustrating levels because of the verticality and the constant threat of corruption. To find the Hermit's Cave, head to the Barren Swamp Bridge Stargazer. You might remember a closed gate near an NPC named Rookie Explorer Hugo.
Hugo is obsessed with the legendary stalker Alidoro. If you’ve already progressed his questline, you know he’s a bit... eccentric. The gate right next to him is the entrance to the cave.
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If you haven't decoded the Rusty Cryptic Vessel, that gate stays locked forever. No amount of hitting it or looking for a lever will work. Once decrypted, the gate magically (well, mechanically) opens.
The path inside is treacherous. It’s not just a straight walk to a treasure chest. It’s a gauntlet.
What’s Actually Inside the Cave?
It’s narrow. There are traps everywhere.
The Hermit's Cave is a vertical slice of platforming hell mixed with some tight combat encounters. You’ll be crossing thin wooden beams while enemies try to knock you into the abyss. If you have a low-mobility build, this part is going to suck. Use your Legion Arm—specifically the Puppet String—to close distances quickly if you're struggling with the narrow footing.
The main draw here is the Black Cat’s Hunting Apparel. For the fashion-souls players, this is a must-have. But for those looking for power, the real prize is the Quartz and the Misty Era Record.
Quartz is the most valuable currency in Lies of P for upgrading your P-Organ. Missing even one can mean the difference between having an extra pulse cell or a faster dodge recovery during the endgame bosses like Laxasia the Complete or the Nameless Puppet.
Dealing with the Shield Enemy
Deep inside the cave, you'll run into a particularly beefy elite enemy with a shield. In these cramped quarters, he’s a nightmare.
- Tip: Don't try to out-muscle him.
- Use the Aegis shield yourself to tank his hits or use fire-based throwables.
- Backtracking to a wider platform often helps avoid getting pushed off the edge.
He guards the final room where the "Hermit" supposedly lived. The lore implications here are heavy, touching on the fate of those who tried to escape the Frenzy by hiding underground.
Why the Hermit’s Cave Matters for the Ending
Lies of P is a game about choices and humanity. While the cave itself doesn't trigger a specific ending, the items found within—specifically the records—play a massive role in your "Humanity" score.
Listening to records in Hotel Krat increases P’s humanity. If you want the "Rise of P" ending (the best ending, let's be real), you need every bit of humanity you can get. The record found in the Hermit’s Cave is a piece of that puzzle.
Furthermore, the interaction with Hugo near the entrance evolves based on your progress here. It’s a small detail, but Neowiz put a lot of effort into making the world feel reactive.
Actionable Steps for your Playthrough
If you’re currently playing and haven't hit this area yet, here is exactly what you should do to ensure you don't miss out:
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- Hoard your Gold Coin Fruits. You’ll need them for various NPC trades that can lead to Cryptic Vessels.
- Talk to Venigni constantly. Every time you find a weird cylindrical object, bring it to him immediately.
- Double-check the Barren Swamp Bridge. Even if you think you’ve cleared the area, go back once you reach the late game. The gate being open is a sign you’ve unlocked the "secret" content.
- Prepare for platforming. Equip amulets that increase your stamina or reduce falling damage before entering the cave. It’s better to be safe than to lose a mountain of Ergo to a bad jump.
- Listen to the record. Once you grab the Misty Era record from the end of the cave, go back to the Hotel and let it play until the very end. You’ll see the "Your springs are reacting" message, which is your confirmation that your humanity is ticking up.
The Hermit's Cave isn't just a side quest; it's a testament to the game's depth. It rewards exploration and patience, things that are often lost in the "boss rush" mentality of soulslikes. Take your time, watch your step on those beams, and get that Quartz. You’re going to need it for what comes next.