Malum District in Lies of P is basically the point where the game stops holding your hand and shoves you into a dumpster. Honestly, it’s one of the most atmospheric yet frustrating zones in the entire game. If you've just crawled out of the Path of the Pilgrim, you’re likely covered in carcass bile and wondering why the difficulty just spiked.
This place is a maze of rotting wood, rain-slicked rooftops, and the headquarters of the Black Rabbit Brotherhood. It's grimy. It's loud. And if you aren't careful, the elite enemies here will turn P into scrap metal before you even see the Red Lobster Inn.
But here’s the thing: you can’t just rush through. Malum District is packed with some of the best mid-game gear, including the Bone-Cutting Saw and a merchant who practically breaks the game’s economy if you know how to talk to him.
Navigating the Slums Without Losing Your Mind
The layout here is a giant, sickening loop. You start at the entrance where you meet Red Fox and Black Cat. Pro tip: definitely accept their help. Even though they’re shady as hell and ditch you the second things get actually dangerous, they can tank a few hits from the basic carcasses while you get your bearings.
The Floor is... Literally Breaking
Early on, you’ll enter a building where the floor looks a bit "off." It is. You’ll fall through into a basement guarded by a dog. Don't panic. There’s a chest down there containing the Arch Break Cartridge. This thing is a lifesaver for this zone because the carcasses love to spit "Break" status at you, which nukes your stamina recovery.
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The Central Plaza and that Annoying Elite
Eventually, you hit a square with a burning pyre in the middle. There’s a massive elite carcass circling it. He’s tanky, he’s fast, and he hits like a freight train.
- The Reward: Killing him drops the Patience Amulet.
- Why it matters: It increases your stamina recovery speed. In a game where every roll and parry counts, this is arguably the most important amulet for the first half of the game.
Don't miss the small shack right near the bonfire. Inside is a chest with Quartz. You need that for your P-Organ upgrades. Seriously, don't leave this area without it.
The Best Weapon Hidden on the Roofs
If you’re running a Motivity build—or even if you aren't—you need the Bone-Cutting Saw. It’s tucked away in a chest on the rooftops above the central plaza.
To get it, you’ll need to find a ladder in the back of the square. Watch out for the "gut-flingers" (the bloated carcasses) who will snipe you with projectiles while you’re climbing. Once you're up there, the saw blade offers some of the best reach in the game. You can attach that blade to a faster handle, like the Bramble Curved Sword handle, and basically outrange almost every puppet in Krat.
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Arlecchino is Calling
While you’re exploring the upper levels, you’ll hear a phone ringing. It’s our "friend" Arlecchino.
- The Riddle: "I have no mouth, but I can blow... I have no lungs, but I can grow..." (Actually, the Malum riddle is usually about the Candle).
- The Answer: Candle.
- The Prize: A Trinity Key. You’ll use this back at St. Frangelico Cathedral to get the Black Cat’s Amulet and some sweet lore-heavy clothes.
The Red Lobster Inn and the Infinite Merchant
The Red Lobster Inn is the final stretch before the boss. It’s crawling with enemies, but the real prize is upstairs. There’s a ladder hidden behind some breakable barrels.
At the top, you’ll find a Wandering Merchant. If you found the Smiling Bunny Mark earlier in the Path of the Pilgrim (it’s in a grave near the Golden Stargazer), show it to him. He’ll stop being a jerk and start selling you the good stuff.
This guy is the only merchant who sells infinite throwables like Shot Puts, Thermites, and Electric Blitz Canisters. If you’re struggling with bosses, these items are basically the "easy mode" button. A couple of Shot Puts can instantly stagger a boss when their health bar is glowing white.
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Facing the Black Rabbit Brotherhood
The Malum District culminates in a fight against the Eldest of the Black Rabbit Brotherhood. This isn't a fair fight. It’s a 1-on-4 gank squad, though they (mostly) take turns.
Survival Tactics for the Eldest
- Break the Sword: If you're good at Perfect Guarding, focus entirely on the Eldest's massive buster sword. If you parry him enough, his weapon will literally snap. His damage and range drop significantly after that.
- Handle the Siblings: When his health drops to about 75%, 50%, and 25%, his younger siblings jump in.
- The Youngest: Fast, uses twin daggers. Easy to backstab.
- The Eccentric: Uses a spear. Also very easy to backstab.
- The Battle Maniac: Uses a saber and a wire to pull you in.
- The "Stay Away" Rule: While a sibling is in the arena, the Eldest usually hangs back. Keep him in your peripheral vision. If he starts running at you with a shout, dodge. Focus on killing the smaller sibling as fast as possible to return to the 1-on-1.
Honestly, the easiest way to win is to use the environment. There’s a pile of trash and bags on the right side of the arena. You can kite the Eldest around it to heal or buy time.
Actionable Tips for Your Malum Run
- Check the Wine: Pick up the "La Bleiweis" wine item near the stairs in the pub. You’ll need it for a quest later with the lady at the window.
- Buy the Record: The merchant in the Inn sells the record "Someday" for 3,800 Ergo. Listen to it at the Hotel to increase your Humanity.
- Upgrade Before the Boss: Use the Quartz you found in the shack to grab the "Link Dodge" or "Increase Pulse Cells" upgrades. You’re going to need them for the Brotherhood.
- Backstab the Siblings: The three smaller siblings have almost no poise. You can literally just run behind them for backstabs while they’re mid-animation.
Malum District is a test of your patience and your ability to spot shortcuts. Once you unlock the door inside the Red Lobster Inn that leads back to the first Stargazer, the area becomes much less intimidating. Just don't forget to stock up on Shot Puts before you head to the next chapter.
Next, you'll want to take that Smiling Bunny Mark and head into the Town Hall behind the boss arena to find the portrait that eventually gives you the Golden Lie weapon.