The jump in difficulty is real. You’ve probably spent the last few hours in Lies of P feeling like a bit of a badass, parrying puppets and feeling out the dodge window. Then you hit the St. Frangelico Cathedral. It’s a massive, rotting structure that smells like decay and bad decisions, and honestly, it’s the first time the game truly tries to break you. This isn't just another level; it’s a massive vertical puzzle filled with platforming that feels a bit too "Dark Souls" for comfort and a boss that serves as a literal gatekeeper for the rest of the experience.
If you’re stuck here, you aren't alone. Most players hit a wall at the Cathedral.
Navigating the Vertical Nightmare of the Cathedral
Walking into the St. Frangelico Cathedral, the first thing you notice is the change in atmosphere. The city of Krat was creepy, sure, but this is different. It’s claustrophobic and expansive at the same time. You start at the ground level, dealing with pools of Decay—the game’s version of poison—that will melt your HP if you linger too long. But the real challenge is looking up. You have to climb.
The level design here is devious. You’ll be walking across narrow wooden beams while Carcass enemies throw projectiles at you from the shadows. One wrong step or a poorly timed block sends you falling into the abyss. It’s frustrating. It's meant to be.
The shortcut system in the Lies of P Cathedral is actually quite brilliant once you stop cursing at the screen. There’s a specific elevator you need to unlock that makes the run back to the boss manageable. To get there, you have to survive the rafters. Pro tip: use your Legion Arm. If you’ve been ignoring the Falcon Eyes or the Puppet String, this is where they shine. Pulling an annoying ranged enemy off a ledge before they can knock you off is incredibly satisfying.
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Why the Archbishop Andreus Fight Is a Turning Point
Everything in the Cathedral leads to Fallen Archbishop Andreus. He’s a grotesque, mutated mess of flesh and wings, and he represents a massive spike in what the game expects from you. Before this, bosses mostly had readable, rhythmic patterns. Andreus is chaotic.
The first phase is a test of patience. He’s huge, slow, and hits like a freight train. You’ll want to stay behind him, but the game is smart—he has a tail-like growth that will swipe at you if you get too greedy. The real kicker? The second phase. Just when you think you’ve won, he flips over, and a humanoid torso emerges from his "backside" to start a whole new fight.
This is where the Lies of P Cathedral really tests your mastery of the Perfect Guard. If you try to dodge everything, you’ll likely run out of stamina or get cornered. You have to learn the timing of his overhead slams. Honestly, it’s one of the most polarizing fights in the game because the camera sometimes struggles with his sheer size. If you’re struggling, try using Fire. Carcass enemies hate Fire. Use the Flamberge Legion Arm or some Thermite, and you'll see his health bar start to actually move.
Environmental Storytelling and the Lore of the Decay
Lies of P doesn't just put a Cathedral here because it looks cool. It serves a narrative purpose. This is where we see the transition from the Puppet Frenzy to the Petrification Disease. The enemies here aren't metal and springs; they are mutated humans. It’s body horror at its finest.
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As you explore the side rooms, you’ll find notes about the "winged one" and the desperate prayers of the people who sought refuge here. They thought the church would save them. Instead, it became a tomb. It’s a grim reminder that in the world of Krat, even the most sacred places have been corrupted by the Alchemists' ambitions.
Pay attention to the statues. Some of them hold clues about the "Blue Blood" and the nature of the Ergo that fuels everything. The Cathedral is effectively a laboratory disguised as a sanctuary. It’s dark stuff.
Survival Tips for the Cathedral Rafters
- Watch your feet, obviously. But seriously, don't lock onto enemies while you’re on the narrow beams. The camera will pivot and walk you right off the edge.
- The Trinity Room. There’s a Trinity Room hidden here. If you’ve been answering the Riddler’s phone calls, you’ll need a key. Inside, you get some high-tier gear that makes the upcoming boss way easier. Don't skip it.
- Carry Cleansing Ampoules. The Decay pools and the projectiles from the bloated Carcasses will ruin your day. Don't let the status effect proc, or you’ll find your weapon durability dropping faster than you can repair it.
- The Large Gear. You'll encounter a massive rotating gear mechanism. You can actually jump onto the teeth of the gear to reach hidden platforms. It feels like a platformer for a second, and it’s where a lot of people miss the best loot.
What Most People Miss in the Cathedral
There’s a hidden room near the top of the lift that requires you to drop down onto a ledge you can barely see. It contains a cryptic vessel. If you take this back to Venigni at the Hotel, he can decode it, leading you to a "treasure hunt" back in the earlier parts of the city. Most players are so stressed about the boss that they just sprint past these details. Slow down. The game rewards curiosity, even when it’s trying to kill you with a giant hammer-wielding monk.
The St. Frangelico Cathedral is the "git gud" moment of Lies of P. It forces you to manage height, status effects, and multi-phase bosses all at once. Once you clear it, the rest of the game opens up, and you’ll find yourself with way more options for your build and playstyle.
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Moving Forward From the Cathedral
Once Andreus is down, your next move should be heading back to Hotel Krat to talk to Geppetto and Antonia. The gold coin fruit tree should be accessible now, which is a literal life-saver for getting Star Gazing items. Also, check your P-Organ upgrades. If you haven't invested in "Link Dodge" or "Increase Pulse Cells," now is the time. You’re going to need them for the Malum District.
The most important takeaway? Don't let the rafters tilt you. Every player has fallen off those beams at least five times. Take a breath, use your consumables, and remember that Fire is your best friend in this rotting hellhole. Check your inventory for any "Sawtoothed Wheels" to pull enemies one by one instead of fighting a mob on a ledge. It's about being smart, not just fast.