You’re tired. By the time you reach the Arche Abbey in Lies of P, you’ve been through the ringer. Between the platforming nightmares and the bosses that hit like freight trains, it’s easy to just tunnel-vision toward the end. But there’s a guy. Test Subject 826 Lies of P fans often miss him because he’s tucked away in a spot that feels like a dead end, even though he holds the key to some of the best late-game gear and a bit of world-building that actually makes sense.
He’s not a hero. He isn’t some grand warrior. He is just a shivering, terrified experiment who happens to be one of the few sources of humanity left in a tower full of monsters. If you want his rewards, you have to find him twice, and the first time is a test of your patience with elevators.
Where is Test Subject 826?
Finding him the first time is the hard part. You’ll find Test Subject 826 Lies of P located deep within the Arche Abbey, specifically near the Outer Wall Stargazer. You have to navigate a series of elevators and traps that feel designed specifically to make you lose your mind. Honestly, most players just sprint past the room where he’s hiding because it looks like just another alcove filled with crates.
Look for a room with a bunch of bookshelves and a very distinct, non-aggressive NPC sitting on the floor. He won't attack you. He’s just... there. He is wearing the clothes of a researcher or a test subject, obviously, and he talks with this shaky, high-pitched voice that makes you realize just how much the Alchemists messed people up.
Talk to him. Do it. If you don't talk to him here, he won't move to his second location later on. It’s one of those classic "Souls-like" NPC triggers where if you miss the window, you’re just locked out of the shop until New Game Plus.
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The Arche Abbey Bridge Shortcut
Once you’ve exhausted his dialogue, he mentions wanting to see the world outside. It’s kinda sad. He’s been stuck in this hellhole of a tower for who knows how long. To get him to move, you actually have to beat the boss of the area—Laxasia the Complete. She’s arguably the hardest boss in the game, so good luck with that.
After she’s dead, Test Subject 826 Lies of P moves. But he doesn't just go anywhere. He goes back to the Rosa Isabelle Street. Remember that bridge where you fought the Mad Clown Puppet? Or rather, the bridge near where the fire was raging earlier in the game? That’s where he ends up. He’s standing on the bridge overlooking the city, just taking in the view of the ruins.
It’s a long walk back. You’ll want to teleport to the Rosa Isabelle Street Entrance Stargazer and head toward the bridge.
Why You Actually Care About This NPC
It isn’t just about the lore. I mean, the lore is cool if you're into the whole "Alchemists are evil" vibe, but most people want the loot. Test Subject 826 is a merchant. And he sells some of the best fashion in the game.
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- The Black Cat's Hunting Apparel: If you like the sleek, dark aesthetic, this is the outfit for you. It’s iconic.
- The Carcass Crystal Axe: This is a heavy-hitter. If you're running an Advance build, this weapon is basically mandatory for the endgame. It deals massive Acid damage.
- The Happy Memory Record: For the collectors out there, you need this for the "Golden Melody" trophy/achievement. You can't get it anywhere else.
The axe is the real standout. In the final chapters of Lies of P, enemies are increasingly susceptible to elemental damage. Acid, specifically, melts through the tanky armored enemies you'll face in the final climb. If you haven't been leveling Advance, it might not be your primary weapon, but for those who have, it’s a game-changer.
Dealing With the Ambush
Here is a pro tip: when you go to meet him on the bridge at Rosa Isabelle Street, be careful. The area isn't empty. There are still puppets and carcasses wandering around. I’ve seen people get mid-dialogue with him only to get poked in the back by a random mob. Clear the bridge first. Then talk.
The Tragic Reality of Subject 826
There’s a bit of debate in the community about whether Subject 826 is actually "human" or just a very well-preserved carcass. His dialogue suggests he’s losing his mind, or at least his memories. He represents the "success" of the Alchemists' experiments—someone who survived the transformation without becoming a mindless beast, yet lost everything that made him a person in the process.
He’s a foil to P. While P is a puppet gaining a soul, Subject 826 is a human who has had his soul scraped away by science.
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If you decide to kill him—don't, by the way, it's not worth it—he doesn't even fight back much. He just accepts it. It’s much better to keep him as a vendor. The gear he sells is unique, and frankly, the bridge looks less lonely with him standing there.
Actionable Steps for Your Playthrough
If you are currently pushing through the Arche Abbey, do not skip these steps:
- Locate the Outer Wall Stargazer and find the hidden elevator that leads down to the lower library levels.
- Look for the non-hostile NPC in the room filled with books; this is Test Subject 826. Talk to him until he repeats himself.
- Defeat Laxasia the Complete. This is the hard part. Use Acid or Perfection Whetstones to handle her second phase.
- Travel to Rosa Isabelle Street. Head to the large bridge (the one near the fire-bomber puppets).
- Purchase the Carcass Crystal Axe immediately. Even if you don't use it now, the handle has an excellent moveset for motivity builds if you decide to swap the blades later.
- Buy the Record. You need it for your humanity levels. Listening to records at the hotel is the easiest way to ensure you get the "Rise of P" ending.
Missing this NPC doesn't break your game, but it does rob you of some of the best elemental gear available. Make sure you double-check that bridge before you head into the final boss encounter with Simon Manus.