Unraveling Undertale: How Long Does It Really Take to 100%?

So, you’ve fallen down the rabbit hole – or rather, down Mount Ebott – and found yourself captivated by the charming, quirky, and surprisingly profound world of Undertale. You’re hooked, and now you want to experience everything this indie masterpiece has to offer. The burning question is: How long does it take to achieve 100% completion in Undertale?

The simple answer is: it typically takes around 20 to 36 hours to fully complete Undertale, aiming for all achievements and seeing all significant endings. This figure can fluctuate depending on your playstyle, how much you immerse yourself in the dialogue and lore, and whether you utilize guides. This includes doing a True Pacifist run, a Genocide run, and various Neutral runs to witness all the nuanced variations.

Delving Deeper: What “100%” Actually Means in Undertale

Before we break down the playtime, let’s define what we mean by “100% completion.” It’s not just about finishing the game once. It involves:

• Achieving the True Pacifist Ending: This requires completing the game without killing any monster and befriending key characters. It’s considered the “good” ending and unlocks the most content.
• Witnessing the Genocide Ending: This dark path involves systematically killing every monster in the game, leading to a disturbing and thought-provoking conclusion.
• Exploring Neutral Endings: Undertale features numerous Neutral endings, which vary based on which characters you kill or spare. Experiencing these provides a fuller understanding of the game’s complex moral choices.
• Unlocking All Achievements: Undertale has achievements on platforms like Steam. Completing these challenges often requires specific actions or playthroughs.
• Experiencing Unique Encounters and Dialogue: The game is brimming with hidden details, optional conversations, and secret characters. A true completionist will want to uncover as many of these as possible.
• Soulless Pacifist Ending Finish a Genocide run, wait 10 minutes and then start a True Pacifist run to see the secret ending.

Breaking Down the Playtime: Run by Run

Here’s a more detailed estimate of the time required for each major playthrough:

• Neutral Run (First Playthrough): 5-8 hours. This is your initial experience, where you learn the mechanics and make choices without necessarily aiming for a specific ending.
• True Pacifist Run: 6-10 hours (if following a guide). This run requires careful planning and execution. If you have completed a neutral run before, you can do this by completing the requirements post-credits or by starting a new game.
• Genocide Run: 5-10 hours (first time), 2-5 hours (subsequent attempts). This is a grueling run that requires you to grind for encounters and confront challenging boss fights.
• Neutral Ending Variations: 5-30 hours. You will need significantly more free time as it takes at least 20 hours. But the playtime can increase to 36 hours if you play at a leisurely pace.

Total Estimated Time: 20-36 hours.

Factors Affecting Playtime

Several factors can influence how long it takes you to achieve 100% completion:

• Your Gaming Experience: Seasoned RPG players may adapt to Undertale’s mechanics faster.
• Use of Guides: Following walkthroughs can significantly reduce playtime, especially for the True Pacifist and Genocide routes.
• Reading Speed: Undertale is dialogue-heavy. Faster readers will progress more quickly.
• Willingness to Explore: Taking your time to explore every nook and cranny will add to the overall playtime.
• Difficulty with Boss Fights: Some boss battles, especially in the Genocide run (Sans, anyone?), can be extremely challenging and require multiple attempts.
• Your Computer Specs: The game is not very resource intensive but issues with the game running smoothly or crashing can set you back.
• Accidental Kills: Killing even one character prevents the true pacifist ending and can derail a run.

Why Undertale is Worth the Time Investment

Undertale is more than just a game; it’s an experience. Its unique blend of humor, heart, and moral complexity makes it a truly memorable journey. The game encourages players to think critically about their choices and the consequences of their actions.

For those interested in the educational aspects of gaming, exploring Undertale can be a fascinating case study. The game’s design principles, narrative structure, and player agency are all valuable topics for discussion. Organizations such as the Games Learning Society (GamesLearningSociety.org) are dedicated to studying the intersection of games and learning.

FAQs: Your Undertale Completion Journey

Here are some frequently asked questions to further guide you on your 100% completion quest:

1. Can you finish Undertale in a day?

A single playthrough, especially a Neutral run, is possible in a day (around 5-8 hours). However, achieving 100% completion, including all endings and achievements, will definitely require more than one day.

2. How many endings does Undertale have?

Undertale has three primary endings: Neutral, True Pacifist, and Genocide. However, the Neutral ending has numerous variations depending on which characters you spare or kill, leading to a large number of potential outcomes. Some sources estimate that the game has up to 93 endings.

3. How long is the Undertale pacifist run?

A True Pacifist run typically takes 6-10 hours, especially if you have prior knowledge of the game or follow a guide.

4. How long is the Undertale genocide run?

A Genocide run can take 5-10 hours for your first attempt, depending on your familiarity with the game and your ability to navigate the encounters efficiently. Subsequent runs can be completed in 2-5 hours.

5. Is True Pacifist or Genocide harder?

While the True Pacifist run requires more careful planning and execution, the Genocide run is generally considered harder due to the repetitive grinding required and the challenging boss fight with Sans.

6. Can you beat Undertale without killing anyone?

Yes! The True Pacifist ending requires you to complete the game without killing any monster.

7. What is a soulless pacifist run Undertale?

A Soulless Pacifist run involves completing a Genocide run first, waiting 10 minutes after selling your SOUL, and then immediately completing a True Pacifist run. This unlocks a secret, unsettling ending.

8. How do you beat Flowey?

During the Flowey fight in the True Pacifist route, the souls of the fallen children will aid you, providing healing items. Hit the Fight button whenever it appears to defeat Flowey once his DEF drops to zero.

9. What is the age limit for Undertale?

Undertale is rated 10+ by the ESRB due to fantasy violence, mild blood, mild language, and the use of tobacco.

10. Can you reach level 20 in Undertale?

Yes, you can reach LV 20 in a Genocide run after defeating Sans.

11. Is there a bad ending in Undertale?

The Genocide ending is often considered the “bad” ending, as it involves systematically killing every monster and leads to a dark and disturbing conclusion. However, even the Neutral endings can be considered “bad” depending on which characters you kill.

12. Which Undertale ending is true?

The True Pacifist ending is widely considered the “true” ending, as it represents the most complete and fulfilling resolution to the game’s story. It’s recommended to experience this ending on your first playthrough.

13. Can you avoid killing Toriel in Undertale?

Yes, you can spare Toriel by repeatedly choosing the “Spare” option during the fight. Eventually, she will give up and allow you to pass.

14. Which Undertale fight is hardest?

The fight against Sans in the Genocide run is widely considered the hardest due to his unconventional attack patterns and the Karma mechanic, which drains HP over time.

15. Does killing So Sorry ruin a pacifist run?

Yes, killing So Sorry will ruin a True Pacifist run because it accrues EXP and is considered a kill by the game.

Embark on Your Undertale Adventure

Achieving 100% completion in Undertale is a journey that requires dedication, patience, and a willingness to explore. However, the rewards are well worth the effort. You’ll not only experience all the game has to offer but also gain a deeper understanding of its themes and characters. So, dive in, make your choices, and discover the magic of the Underground!