In Lies of P, secrets and hidden treasures are scattered throughout the dark and haunting world of Krat. Among these secrets is the Old Cryptic Vessel, a mysterious item that offers a rewarding side quest for players who are willing to investigate thoroughly. This vessel holds encoded information leading to hidden treasures, and decoding it becomes a mini-adventure of its own. Whether you’re a completionist or simply looking to find extra loot and lore, the Old Cryptic Vessel is worth exploring. Understanding how it works, where to take it, and what it leads to can enhance your overall gameplay experience and provide valuable in-game rewards.
What Is the Old Cryptic Vessel?
An Enigmatic Item
The Old Cryptic Vessel is a key item you can find in Lies of P. It stands out because it doesn’t serve an immediate purpose upon discovery. Instead, it must be deciphered to reveal a cryptic message pointing toward a hidden treasure. The vessel itself is unassuming, yet the reward it holds is tied to deeper exploration and interaction with specific NPCs.
First Encounter and Location
Players usually find the Old Cryptic Vessel during the mid-to-late stages of the game, depending on their progression and exploration habits. The vessel is often located in a more secretive area, requiring thorough investigation. Once obtained, it sits in your inventory with no immediate use until it’s decoded.
Decoding the Old Cryptic Vessel
Where to Take the Vessel
To decode the Old Cryptic Vessel, you must bring it to a specific NPC known as Venigni. He becomes available as a vendor and quest-giver after progressing through the early chapters of the game. Once he’s established at Hotel Krat, you can interact with him for various mechanical upgrades, and he also helps with deciphering cryptic items like the vessel.
Deciphering the Message
After giving the Old Cryptic Vessel to Venigni, he will need some time to analyze and decrypt the contents. After completing another section of the story or resting at a Stargazer, return to him, and he will provide a decoded note. This note contains a riddle or clue pointing to a specific location somewhere in Krat, often referring to architectural landmarks or notable environmental features.
Following the Clues
Reading Between the Lines
The clue given from the Old Cryptic Vessel won’t point directly to the treasure. Instead, it’s written in vague terms that require the player to recall specific areas or pay attention to unique details in the world. The clue might mention something like the alley where broken time sleeps or beneath the angel’s gaze, pushing you to consider visual cues and subtle world-building hints.
Typical Treasure Locations
Treasure hidden by the Old Cryptic Vessel tends to be in areas you’ve already visited but may not have fully explored. For example, you might find the treasure:
- Behind a breakable wall that previously seemed unimportant
- Inside a building now accessible after obtaining a new item or key
- On a corpse that blends into the environment
- In a hidden alleyway not marked on the map
This encourages players to revisit earlier areas with fresh eyes, especially now that they have context provided by the decoded clue.
Reward for Solving the Cryptic Clue
Treasure Contents
Once you successfully locate the treasure pointed to by the Old Cryptic Vessel, you will receive valuable loot. While the exact contents can vary, they typically include one or more of the following:
- Special costume or cosmetic item
- A collectible note or piece of lore
- High-value materials for weapon upgrades
- Ergo fragments or special crafting components
These rewards make the extra effort worthwhile, especially for players looking to fully upgrade their gear or unlock all cosmetic variations.
Lore Implications
Beyond material rewards, the Old Cryptic Vessel also offers insight into the game’s lore. The clues often hint at forgotten people, lost events, or secret histories tied to Krat’s decline. For lore hunters and narrative enthusiasts, the vessel adds a rich layer of storytelling that supplements the main plot.
Strategies for Solving Cryptic Vessels
Take Screenshots or Notes
Because the clues are abstract and not repeated elsewhere in the game, it’s a good idea to write them down or take a screenshot. This way, you can reference the clue as you explore, rather than having to run back to Venigni each time.
Compare with Map Landmarks
Use the in-game map and landmarks to cross-reference the clue. For example, if the clue mentions a bell or a collapsed church, think about which areas you’ve explored that fit that description. Often, the clue uses poetic language, but the intended location is tied to a unique environmental feature you may remember.
Backtracking Is Necessary
The treasure from the Old Cryptic Vessel is rarely found in the same area where you discover the vessel or decode the clue. Expect to backtrack, possibly to earlier zones or places you only partially explored. This mechanic rewards attentive players who thoroughly comb each location.
Importance of Cryptic Vessels in Lies of P
World Building and Exploration
The inclusion of the Old Cryptic Vessel and similar quests enriches Lies of P’s sense of mystery and immersion. These quests break up the linear flow of boss fights and main objectives, offering a quieter, more thoughtful form of engagement. They reward the player’s curiosity and memory, which is essential in a game designed to evoke exploration and tension.
Value for Completionists
For players aiming to 100% the game, cryptic vessels are an important piece of the puzzle. They often tie into achievement tracking, unlock rare items, or add pieces to collectible sets. Skipping these side quests means missing out on some of the deeper content the game has to offer.
Encouraging Replayability
Because not all players will solve the vessel clue on their first try, or even during their first playthrough, these quests offer a reason to revisit the game. A new playthrough might reveal details you missed, or a different build might allow you to access previously unreachable areas, making each vessel more meaningful over time.
Seek the Secrets of Krat
The Old Cryptic Vessel in Lies of P represents the game’s commitment to rewarding exploration, attention to detail, and player engagement. It’s not just an item it’s a prompt to slow down, observe the world, and put your detective skills to work. Whether you’re after powerful loot or just want to uncover every mystery the game holds, solving the vessel’s riddle is a satisfying endeavor. Don’t rush through Krat its secrets are waiting for those with the patience to look beyond the obvious. The Old Cryptic Vessel is one of many hidden gems in the game, but it’s one that highlights everything that makes Lies of P rich, thoughtful, and rewarding to explore.