You’re wandering through the Shipwreck Exterior in the Overture DLC, and suddenly, there he is. Lumacchio, Leader of the Bastards. If you haven't played the DLC yet, you might be wondering why everyone on Reddit is losing their minds over a guy named after a snail. Well, he’s probably one of the most frustrating, technically demanding, and lore-rich characters Neowiz has ever dropped into Krat.
Basically, he’s the "Stalker" fight that makes the Black Rabbit Brotherhood look like a warm-up. He’s not just a boss; he’s a massive roadblock for anyone trying to wrap up the Overture prequel story.
Who Exactly is Lumacchio in Lies of P?
Lumacchio isn't your average puppet-hunting Stalker. He’s the head of the "Bastards" faction, and honestly, the name fits him perfectly. If you pay attention to the dialogue, you’ll realize he’s actually a former friend of Medoro and even had ties to the legendary Stalker, Lea. He’s voiced by Neil Newbon—yeah, the guy who did Astarion in Baldur’s Gate 3—so you already know he’s going to be charmingly punchable.
He’s obsessed with finding a "cure" for the Petrification Disease. That obsession is exactly what makes him such a tragic (and annoying) traitor. He sold his soul to the Alchemists because he was terrified of getting sick. You can find him early on at the Eventide Hotel Krat or near the Ancient Ruins Excavation Site. He acts like a guide at first, but don't buy it. He’s Simon Manus’s personal "hunting hound," sent to clean up anyone who knows too much about the Alchemists' early experiments.
The Fight That Breaks Everyone
Most players hit a wall when they reach the Archon Fleet. This is where the real Lumacchio shows up. He fights with an umbrella. Yes, an umbrella. But don't laugh—he uses it like a rapier with the reach of a spear.
The fight is split into two distinct phases, and both are designed to tilt you.
- Phase One: The Elegant Coward. In this stage, Lumacchio is human. He’s fast, he sidesteps everything, and he loves throwing smoke bombs and explosive canisters. If you hear him laugh in a high pitch, move. He’s about to rain fire on you. The worst part? He heals. He actually uses Pulse Cells or elixirs to get his health back, which feels like the game is cheating.
- Phase Two: The Crustacean Horror. At about 40% health, things get weird. He drinks an Alchemist elixir and transforms into a crab-like humanoid. He’s got a massive claw now, and his attacks cause Decay. It’s messy. It’s chaotic. It’s the definition of "unfair" until you learn the rhythm.
A lot of people complain about the "Aha!" sounds he makes when he hits you. It’s meant to be infuriating. Neowiz built him to be the ultimate "Bastard" of the game.
Lies of P Lumacchio Strategy: How to Actually Win
If you're stuck, you're probably being too aggressive. Lumacchio punishes greed. You need to play his game.
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The Shield Poke Method
Honestly? If you’re struggling, use the Aegis Legion Arm. It is the hard counter to his umbrella thrusts. You can hold the shield and poke him with a spear or a rapier. It’s not the most "honorable" way to win, but he’s a traitor, so who cares?
Perfect Guarding is Non-Negotiable
In Phase Two, his claw swipes look like they should be dodged, but the tracking is insane. You have to Perfect Guard. If you have the Perfect Guard Grindstone, save it for the second half of the fight. It will help you break his posture (which is around 883 in base game) and get that Fatal Attack.
Status Effects
He is surprisingly weak to Fire and Pierce damage once he transforms. If you’ve got a Salamander Dagger or a fire-buffed spear, use it. Just don't bother with Acid or Decay; he’s basically immune to those once he becomes a monster.
What Should You Do With Him?
After you beat him, you’re given a choice. You can spare him or leave him to die in his misery. This is a Lies of P prequel, so your choices here lean into the "Truth or Lie" mechanic that defines P's humanity.
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If you spare him, you get a bit more dialogue that emphasizes how pathetic he really was. If you leave him, he dies alone. Either way, you get the Golden Snail’s Mask and the Golden Snail’s Tailcoat. It’s a great-looking set, even if it reminds you of the two hours you spent dying to his Phase Two grab attack.
Moving Forward in the Overture DLC
Once Lumacchio is down, the path to the Rose Estate opens up. Make sure you grabbed the Secret Ruins Key from him before the fight (if you talked to him at the hotel) or from his remains. You'll also want to check the Hermit's Cave after the DLC ends to find "Someone's Report Notes," which adds a final, depressing layer to his friendship with Medoro.
To make the next section easier, head back to Hotel Krat and upgrade your Legion Arm to at least level 3. The enemies in the ruins have even higher poise than Lumacchio, and you’ll need the extra utility to survive the final stretch of the prequel.