Should I Kill the Black Cat in Lies of P?

When It Makes Sense

• Good fit: You are trying to collect all possible items, equipment drops, or achievements, and you accept that defeating an NPC may unlock content tied to that route.
• Good fit: You are playing a villain or pragmatic run, or you have already completed the NPC’s questline and want to see the combat encounter or alternate outcome.

When You Should Avoid It

• Warning sign: You value NPC questlines, merchant services, or lore progression, because killing the Black Cat may remove access to future interactions or items they would have sold or given.
• Warning sign: You are on a first playthrough and want the most complete story experience, since attacking NPCs can lock content without a clear warning.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Potential access to unique drops, equipment, or an achievement tied to defeating the character.
• Explores a darker or alternate narrative path and satisfies curiosity about what happens if you attack.

Cons

• Risk of permanently losing that NPC’s questline, shop inventory, dialogue, or future assistance in the game.
• May move you toward an ending, reputation state, or trophy route you did not intend on your first playthrough.

Decision Checklist

• Have I finished this NPC’s current quest steps and purchased any items I want from them first?
• Am I comfortable reloading a save or playing through the consequences if I regret the choice?
• Have I checked whether this decision affects an achievement, ending, or covenant path I care about?

Alternatives to Consider

Before attacking, talk to the NPC fully and exhaust their dialogue; many soulslike games offer peaceful resolutions, side quests, or hidden rewards for keeping characters alive. You can also back up your save file before making the choice, or save the confrontation for a later playthrough once you know the full consequences. If you are unsure, consult a spoiler-free guide or community wiki for the exact rewards and penalties in Lies of P.

Final Recommendation

On a first playthrough, the safer default is usually to leave the Black Cat alive until you have completed their interactions and understand the consequences. Attack or kill them only if you are pursuing a specific item, achievement, or role-play path and are willing to accept lost content. For exact outcomes, check a current Lies of P wiki or guide, because game patches and player discoveries can change NPC behavior.