You’ve been through the ringer in Krat already. You’ve parried the Nameless Puppet until your thumbs bled and survived the swamp’s toxic sludge. But then the Overture DLC drops, and suddenly there’s this guy. Lumacchio, Leader of the Bastards. Honestly, he’s become the most divisive figure in the community since the game launched in 2023. Some players call him a masterpiece of Stalker design. Others think he’s a cheap, annoying roadblock that relies too much on status effects.
Whether you love him or want to throw your controller out a window, there is no denying that Lumacchio is a pivot point for the Lies of P lore. He’s not just another guy in a mask. He’s a bridge to the original Collodi source material that we haven't seen explored this deeply yet.
Lumacchio Lies of P: The Coward Behind the Umbrella
Most people first hear about Lumacchio in the base game through a note left by Medoro. It’s easy to miss. You’re usually too busy worrying about a giant puppet with a saw blade to read every scrap of paper. But in the DLC, he takes center stage. He is a Stalker, yes, but he’s a Stalker who has completely sold out to the Alchemists.
Why? Fear. Pure, unadulterated terror of the Petrification Disease.
Lumacchio isn't a hero. He isn't even a particularly "cool" villain like Laxasia. He’s a guy who realized the world was ending and decided to side with the people holding the only potential cure. In the Overture prequel, we see him before the city completely falls apart. He treats you like a "Sweeper"—basically a low-class beggar Stalker—and his arrogance is honestly infuriating. He wields an umbrella like a rapier, which is a direct nod to the Coachman and the talking snail from the original Pinocchio book.
Neil Newbon and the Astarion Connection
If his voice sounds familiar, that’s because it is. Lumacchio is voiced by Neil Newbon. If you’ve played Baldur’s Gate 3, you know him as Astarion. He brings that same smug, theatrical, and slightly pathetic energy to Lumacchio. It makes the character way more effective. You want to punch him, but you also kind of pity how much he grovels when his health gets low.
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Newbon’s performance really sells the transition from the "organized" fight of Phase 1 to the absolute chaos of Phase 2.
Breaking Down the Lumacchio Boss Fight
The fight is a two-phase nightmare if you aren't prepared.
Phase 1 is a classic Stalker duel. He’s fast. He uses throwables. He’s got that annoying habit of healing himself—twice, if you let the fight drag on. Most players find this part fun because it’s a pure test of your parry timing. It’s rhythmic. It’s fair. You feel like a badass for deflecting a flurry of umbrella pokes.
Then Phase 2 happens.
An Alchemist tosses him an elixir, and everything goes to hell. Lumacchio transforms into a distorted, "pre-metamorphic" version of himself. His movements become erratic. He starts dealing Decay damage, which eats your weapon durability and health simultaneously. This is where the "bullshit" complaints start coming in. The telegraphs for his attacks become much harder to read because he’s literally flailing around like a dying animal.
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How to Actually Beat Him (Without Cheesing)
If you're stuck, stop trying to dodge everything. This isn't Elden Ring.
- Perfect Parry Grindstone: Save this for Phase 2. When he goes into his chaotic flailing combo, pop the stone and just hold the block button. You’ll melt his posture without having to guess his weird timings.
- Fire is Your Friend: Since he’s essentially becoming a carcass-hybrid in the second half, he’s weak to fire. Use the Flamberge Legion Arm or a fire-buffed blade to tick down his health.
- The Backstab Trap: He is very hard to backstab compared to the Mad Donkey or the Survivor. His recovery animations are short. Don't fish for it; you’ll just get hit by his follow-up.
The Morality Choice: To Spare or Kill?
One of the coolest things about the Lumacchio Lies of P encounter is what happens after the fight. He doesn't just evaporate. He collapses and begs for his life.
You have a choice. You can finish him off or spare him.
If you kill him immediately, you get the Golden Snail’s Mask and his tailcoat. But if you talk to him and listen to his excuses, you get a much deeper look into the Alchemists' manipulation. There is a specific sequence where, if you don't kill him right away, you can later find a letter he wrote to Medoro. This letter is heart-wrenching. It confirms that he knew he was a pawn but felt he had no other choice.
Medoro, the reporter we know from the base game, actually pitied him. That says a lot. In a world where everyone is turning into clockwork monsters or stone, can you really blame a guy for being a coward?
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Why the Overture DLC Matters for the Lore
This DLC is a prequel, meaning it sets the stage for everything we saw in the main game. Lumacchio represents the "Leader of the Bastards," a faction of Stalkers that eventually fell apart. Seeing the city of Krat before the Puppet Frenzy is eerie. Everything is beautiful, but you can feel the rot underneath.
Lumacchio is the physical embodiment of that rot. He’s a noble-looking Stalker with a fancy umbrella who is secretly a decaying mess on the inside.
Actionable Tips for Your Next Run
- Stock up on Quenching Ampoules. You're going to get hit with Decay. If your weapon breaks mid-fight, it’s over.
- Wear the Blue Blood Tailcoat. Some players have reported unique dialogue if you're wearing certain Stalker gear, though Lumacchio usually stays condescending regardless.
- Listen to the music. The track for this fight is one of the best in the DLC, blending the Belle Époque vibe with something much more sinister.
Lumacchio isn't just a boss; he’s a lesson in how Neowiz is handling the Lies of P universe. They aren't afraid to make characters that are genuinely unlikable and difficult. He’s meant to frustrate you. He’s meant to make you feel like the world is unfair. If you can push past the Decay and the smug voice acting, you'll find one of the most rewarding mechanical challenges in the entire game.
Don't let the umbrella fool you. He’s a beast.
Next Steps for Players:
If you've already defeated Lumacchio, head back to the Krat Zoo area to find the Tracker’s Note. It provides additional context on Lumacchio’s relationship with the other Stalker leaders and unlocks a hidden shop tier with the merchant near the frozen shipyard. Check your inventory for the Golden Snail's Mask—wearing it during the final encounter of the DLC changes a specific line of dialogue regarding your "humanity" status.