How Long Does It Take to 100% Undertale?
The quest for 100% completion in Undertale is a journey that can vary significantly depending on player dedication and playstyle. A comprehensive playthrough aiming to uncover every secret, achieve all endings, and witness all dialogue is not a quick task. Generally, achieving 100% completion in Undertale will take around 20½ to 36 hours. This range allows for variations in player speed, exploration habits, and the time spent engaging with dialogue and story elements. This dedication to fully completing the game involves multiple playthroughs, mastering different combat styles, and carefully making choices that affect the game’s diverse outcomes.
Undertale Playthrough Times: A Detailed Breakdown
To truly appreciate the time commitment required for a 100% completion run, it’s crucial to examine the individual components of the game. Undertale doesn’t have a single “100%” ending. Instead, it boasts various endings, each requiring a specific type of playthrough.
The Main Storyline
Focusing solely on the main objectives without delving into side content, Undertale can be completed in approximately 7 hours. However, this approach skips much of the charm and hidden depth the game offers. It’s akin to rushing through a carefully curated art gallery, missing out on the subtle details and nuances.
The 100% Completion Run
A true 100% completion run will require multiple playthroughs to witness all the unique endings, engage with every character, and discover all the secrets. This is where the 20½ to 36-hour timeframe applies. This encompasses the time spent doing multiple runs: a pacifist, a neutral, and a genocide one. Players will spend time revisiting areas, exploring, and engaging in dialogue to unlock all endings and secrets.
The True Pacifist Route
The True Pacifist route, considered by many to be the most rewarding ending, demands a non-violent approach throughout the game. This often involves carefully figuring out how to spare every monster rather than fighting them. Reaching the True Pacifist ending can take roughly 6 hours if you’re familiar with the game mechanics and can navigate the world quickly. However, players who prefer to soak in the dialogue and world-building can expect to spend well over 32 hours if exploring all interactions on their first playthrough.
The Genocide Route
The Genocide route, on the other hand, is a stark contrast to the pacifist approach. To achieve this, you must kill every monster in every area of the game. The first attempt will take roughly 5-10 hours due to the need to be meticulous about your kills. Subsequent playthroughs on a Genocide path will probably be more like 2-5 hours as you will be familiar with the kills necessary and you will no longer need to take part in combat you don’t need to.
Factors Influencing Playtime
Several factors can alter how long it takes to achieve 100% completion in Undertale:
- Reading Speed: Players who take their time reading dialogue will naturally spend longer on a playthrough.
- Exploration Habits: Players who are meticulous in exploring every nook and cranny of the game world will naturally require more time.
- Combat Proficiency: Players who can quickly defeat monsters will progress quicker. However, those who struggle with battle mechanics will take longer.
- Number of Playthroughs: Achieving all endings will require a minimum of 3 playthroughs (Pacifist, Neutral, and Genocide). Some players find themselves completing more playthroughs for curiosity’s sake, which will increase playtime.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How long does a True Pacifist run take?
A True Pacifist run can take around 6 hours if you’re focusing on speed and progression. However, if you’re enjoying the story and world-building it can easily extend to over 32 hours.
2. How long is the Undertale Genocide run?
The first time you attempt a Genocide run, it’s likely to take between 5-10 hours. Subsequent attempts become much faster at 2-5 hours due to familiarity.
3. Does fleeing ruin a True Pacifist run?
No, fleeing battles does not ruin a True Pacifist run. You must spare all of your enemies to complete the run.
4. Does FIGHTing ruin a pacifist run?
No, using the FIGHT option does not ruin a Pacifist run as long as you don’t kill any enemies.
5. How many kills for a Genocide run?
You need to murder 20 creatures in each area to continue on a Genocide route.
6. Can you spare Sans in a Genocide run?
No, you cannot spare Sans in a Genocide run. Attempting to do so will result in an unavoidable death trap.
7. Is True Pacifist or Genocide harder?
The Genocide run is generally considered to be the hardest route due to the challenging fights. The Pacifist route is much easier in comparison.
8. How many endings does Undertale have?
Undertale has three base endings with variations depending on the choices the player makes, along with some endings which will affect other endings.
9. Can you reach level 20 in Undertale?
Yes, you can reach level 20 in Undertale but only after the fight with Sans in the Genocide run.
10. What is a Soulless Pacifist run?
A Soulless Pacifist run occurs when you attempt to do a True Pacifist run after having already completed the Genocide run. The game ending will change based on your previous experience with the Genocide run.
11. Can you get Tek armor in a Genocide run?
No, you cannot get Temmie Armor in a Genocide Run. The Temmie Shop will sell premium flakes of the Temmie instead.
12. What happens if you reset after killing Sans?
You will be fine if you reset after killing Sans, as long you don’t answer Chara’s question.
13. How do you spare Toriel?
To spare Toriel, simply keep choosing the “Spare” option each turn and she will eventually give up the fight. Do not attack her.
14. How do you get 9999 money in Undertale?
There are two methods you can use to obtain infinite money: selling cloudy glasses at the Tem Shop or having Dog Residue multiply and selling it at the Tem Shop.
15. What age limit is Undertale?
Undertale is rated 10+ by the ESRB.
Conclusion
Achieving 100% completion in Undertale is a rewarding endeavor, involving multiple playthroughs and exploring all the secrets that the game has to offer. The 20½ to 36-hour range provides a realistic estimate for players striving to witness every ending, engage in every conversation, and experience all that Undertale has to offer. This timeframe can be influenced by personal playstyle, reading speed, exploration tendencies, and the number of playthroughs you choose to complete. Whether you’re a speedrunner or a patient explorer, Undertale’s depth and charm are sure to provide a memorable experience.