Rookie Explorer Hugo is an intriguing non-playable character (NPC) in Lies of P who plays a vital role in world exploration, side quests, and late-game boss weapon trading. Known for his distinctive dog mask and unyielding admiration for the legendary treasure hunter Alidoro, Hugo starts out as an inexperienced enthusiast trapped in the perilous Barren Swamp. As the story unfolds, his narrative intersects deeply with major lore revelations, cryptic puzzles, and the fate of Hotel Krat’s weapon exchange.
Lies of P Rookie Explorer Hugo Overview

Hugo represents an earnest outsider trying to make a name for himself amid the ruins of Krat . Initially introduced as an over-enthusiastic novice adventurer who idolizes the legendary hound-masked treasure hunter Alidoro, Hugo gradually becomes a central figure in side exploration and lore progression . His character arc bridges optional puzzle-solving in the mid-game with major vendor utility in the closing acts.
| Key Feature | Character Summary |
|---|---|
| Initial Role | Quest giver, Cryptic Vessel provider |
| Late-Game Role | Special Boss Weapon & Amulet Merchant |
| Affiliation | Independent Explorer / Alidoro Fanatic |
| Key Item Provided | Old Cryptic Vessel, Wanted: Alidoro poster |
Name
- In-Game Display Name: Rookie Explorer Hugo
- Original / Alternate Title: Novice Explorer Hugo (초보 탐험가 휴고)
- Late-Game Persona: Inheritor of the Alidoro mantle (Alidoro the Hound)
Throughout the early and middle chapters of the game, his dialogue prompt and interface label identify him strictly as Rookie Explorer Hugo . Depending on player narrative choices regarding the imposter Alidoro later in the story, Hugo takes up Alidoro’s signature gear and persona to preserve the reputation of his hero.
Role
Hugo serves two key gameplay and storytelling purposes across the narrative :
- Cryptic Vessel & Lore Catalyst: When first encountered, Hugo gives the player the Old Cryptic Vessel and shares the Wanted: Alidoro poster, initiating essential side investigation threads into Krat’s hidden areas and Alidoro’s true history.
- Hermit’s Cave Pointer: He stations himself directly in front of the locked gate to Hermit’s Cave, serving as the visual landmark and narrative cue for one of the most rewarding secret zones in the game.
- Special Boss Item Merchant (Successor): If the player confronts and executes the fraudulent Alidoro at the Relic of Trismegistus, Hugo relocates to Hotel Krat. There, he permanently takes over the role of trading rare Boss Ergo for special boss weapons and boss amulets, ensuring no merchant functionality is lost.
Location
Hugo can be found in two distinct locations throughout the campaign depending on story progression and player choices:
- Chapter VIII (Barren Swamp Bridge): Hugo’s initial location is right next to the Barren Swamp Bridge Stargazer. He stands directly outside the heavy locked metal gate leading into the Hermit’s Cave.
- Chapter X & Onward (Hotel Krat): If the player confronts and eliminates the imposter Alidoro at the Relic of Trismegistus Combat Field, Hugo relocates to the ground floor of Hotel Krat. He takes up position in the exact spot Alidoro previously occupied near the main hall entrance.
[Chapter VIII: Barren Swamp Bridge Gate] ───(Defeat/Resolve Alidoro in Ch. X)───► [Chapter X+: Hotel Krat Ground Floor]
Information

Hugo’s background highlights a standard human surviving the puppet frenzy and petrification disease through cautious exploration and scavenging . Unlike hardened stalkers or elite workshop engineers, Hugo relies on disguise, wit, and inspiration drawn from the legends of Krat’s treasure hunters.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Character Classification | Friendly NPC / Merchant / Quest Character |
| Faction / Alignment | Independent / Allied with P |
| Primary Visual Trait | Canine-styled stalker mask and scavenger attire |
| Vulnerability Status | Protected NPC (Non-attackable in his locations) |
Gender
- Gender: Male
Hugo is referenced exclusively with masculine pronouns throughout English and localized versions of Lies of P. His vocal delivery and character model portray an eager young man venturing into ruins far beyond his current combat experience.
Actor
- English Voice Actor: Mathew Foster
Hugo’s voice performance was delivered by British actor Mathew Foster, who captures the character’s mixture of wide-eyed idealism, naivety, and eventual resolve . Foster also lent his voice to additional atmospheric background roles across Lies of P .
Where to Find Rookie Explorer Hugo in Lies of P
Chapter VIII Progression: [Barren Swamp Entrance] ──► [Barren Swamp Ravine] ──► [Barren Swamp Bridge Stargazer] ──► [Locked Gate / Hugo]
- Step 1: Reach the Barren Swamp Bridge Stargazer in Chapter VIII .
- Step 2: From the Stargazer, walk a few yards toward the heavy iron portcullis gate leading to the Hermit’s Cave .
- Step 3: Hugo stands just to the right of the closed iron gate, looking over the ravine .
- Step 4 (Late Game): After defeating the Black Rabbit Brotherhood at the Relic of Trismegistus in Chapter X and confronting Alidoro, Hugo permanently moves to Hotel Krat to replace Alidoro as the special vendor .
Lies of P Rookie Explorer Hugo All Inventory List
When Hugo moves to Hotel Krat, he inherits the complete inventory of special boss trades . Players exchange one Rare Boss Ergo for either a Special Weapon or a unique Boss Amulet (one choice per playthrough).
| Boss Ergo Required | Special Boss Weapon Option | Boss Amulet Option |
|---|---|---|
| Parade Leader’s Ergo | Seven-Coil Spring Sword | Dancing One’s Amulet |
| Broken Hero’s Ergo | Etiquette | Extreme Modification Amulet |
| King’s Flame Ergo | Holy Sword of the Ark | Conquering Amulet |
| Twisted Angel’s Ergo | Trident of the Covenant | Nameless One’s Amulet |
| Burnt-White King’s Ergo | Puppet Ripper | Triumvirate Amulet |
| Reborn Champion’s Ergo | Frozen Feast | Arm of God Amulet |
| Puppet-Devouring Green Hunter’s Ergo | Two Dragons Sword | Ghost Walk Amulet |
| Sad Zealot’s Ergo | Uroboro’s Eye | Impregnable Fortress Amulet |
| Fallen One’s Ergo | Noblesse Oblige | Awakened God’s Amulet |
| Nameless Puppet’s Ergo | Proof of Humanity | Piercing Hatred Amulet |
Rookie Explorer Hugo Related Quests in Lies of P
Hugo is directly involved in two major quest chains that reward powerful upgrades, lore achievements, and rare collectibles:
- The Old Cryptic Vessel Hunt:
- Exhaust Hugo’s dialogue at the Barren Swamp Bridge regarding his discoveries to receive the Old Cryptic Vessel.
- Bring the cylinder to Venigni at Hotel Krat to decipher it.
- Travel to the Path of the Pilgrim Stargazer, descend the elevator into the Tomb Slums, and speak with the Slum Resident to receive the Robbers’ Shack Key.
- Unlock the nearby shack, survive the floor-trap ambush, and open the treasure chest to claim the Life Amulet +1 and a Legion Caliber.
[Talk to Hugo (Ch. VIII)] ──► [Decipher with Venigni] ──► [Tomb Slums Shack] ──► [Life Amulet +1 & Legion Caliber]
- The Alidoro & Eugénie Narrative Line:
- Speak to Hugo at the bridge about his idol to receive the Wanted: Alidoro flyer.
- Confront the hound-masked stalker at Hotel Krat with the poster to expose cracks in his story.
- Following the Chapter X battle against the Black Rabbit Brotherhood at the Relic of Trismegistus, confront Alidoro about his betrayal and slay him to obtain Alidoro’s Cryptic Vessel.
- Decrypt the vessel with Venigni and conclude Eugénie’s storyline, prompting Hugo to relocate to Hotel Krat and succeed the Alidoro mantle permanently.
Lies of P Rookie Explorer Hugo Notes, Tips, and Trivia
- No Missed Boss Equipment: Slaying the imposter Alidoro does not lock you out of boss weapons or amulets; Hugo takes over the merchant shop seamlessly without losing any past or future stock .
- Hermit’s Cave Prerequisite: Although Hugo stands directly outside the gate to Hermit’s Cave, he cannot open it himself . Access requires obtaining the Special Krat Supply Box in Chapter IX, buying the Rusty Cryptic Vessel from Polendina, and having Venigni decrypt it .
- Literary Symbolism: Hugo’s dog mask mirrors the classic hound disguise used by stalkers in Krat, paying homage to Carlo Collodi’s The Adventures of Pinocchio where the hound mastiff Alidoro serves as a memorable guardian and companion .
- Dialogue Milestone: Always exhaust all dialogue options with Hugo upon your first encounter; if you leave without triggering the prompt about his discovered treasure, you will miss the initial trigger for the Old Cryptic Vessel questline.
FAQ
1. Will I lose access to Special Boss Weapons if I kill Alidoro?
No. If you choose to execute Alidoro at the Relic of Trismegistus, Rookie Explorer Hugo moves directly to Hotel Krat and takes over the merchant shop . He offers the exact same boss weapon and amulet trades, and any unspent Rare Boss Ergo can still be exchanged without penalty .
2. How do I open the locked gate next to Hugo at the Barren Swamp Bridge?
Hugo cannot open the gate immediately upon your first meeting. To unlock it and access the Hermit’s Cave:
- Advance to Chapter IX (Collapsed Street) and find the Special Krat Supply Box.
- Give the box to Polendina at Hotel Krat, then purchase the Rusty Cryptic Vessel for 1,000 Ergo.
- Take the vessel to Venigni to decrypt it.
- Return to the Barren Swamp Bridge; the gate will now be open .
3. What rewards are found inside the Hermit’s Cave behind Hugo?
Completing the Hermit’s Cave side area yields valuable late-game equipment, upgrade materials, and collectibles:
- Black Steel Cutter Blade & Handle (Advanced fire weapon)
- Black Cat’s Hunting Apparel (Costume)
- Misty E’rA Record (Gramophone music collectible)
- Quartz (P-Organ upgrades)
4. Can Hugo be killed or turn hostile in Lies of P?
No. Hugo is a friendly non-combatant NPC and cannot be attacked, harmed, or turned hostile by player actions . His storyline progresses entirely through dialogue choices, Cryptic Vessel discoveries, and your decisions regarding Alidoro .
5. Why does Hugo wear Alidoro’s mask and outfit later in the story?
After discovering the truth about the original Alidoro and the imposter’s betrayal, Hugo resolves to carry on the noble legend of his hero . In the Rise of P and Free From the Puppet Strings narrative paths, he dons the hound costume and adopts the identity of Alidoro the Hound to ensure that Krat’s heroic treasure hunter legacy lives on .