Can You Spare Jerry in Genocide? A Deep Dive into Undertale’s Quirks
Yes, you absolutely can spare Jerry during a Genocide Run in Undertale, and he’s the only monster you can spare without immediately aborting your quest for world-ending consequences. This seemingly minor detail is a fascinating oddity, a glitch in the matrix of Undertale’s otherwise strict moral code, and a testament to the game’s intricate and sometimes unpredictable design. It begs the question: why Jerry? And what does this exception tell us about the mechanics and philosophy behind Undertale’s routes? Let’s delve into the strange case of Jerry and his peculiar immunity to the consequences of a player’s genocidal ambitions.
Why Jerry’s Spared Status Matters
The core mechanic of the Genocide Route is that every monster in each area must be eradicated before facing the area boss. Once the kill quota for a specific area is met, all encounters will result in the text “But nobody came.” meaning no monsters remain to fight. Sparing any other monster at any point in a Genocide Run will immediately divert you to a Neutral Route, effectively ending the Genocide Route as the kill counter is never satisfied. Jerry, however, defies this rule.
Sparing Jerry does not abort the Genocide Route. This exception is not just a minor oversight; it is a programmed exception that is designed into the game. You can, in essence, show mercy (or more likely, utter indifference) to Jerry and still proceed with your mission to eliminate every other living thing in the Underground. This makes Jerry a unique case in the game’s coding.
The reasons for this exception are debated amongst fans. Some believe it to be a simple programming oversight, while others suspect it’s a deliberate commentary on the nature of mercy, forgiveness, and even hatred. The most common explanation is that Jerry is a glitch in the game code, inadvertently spared from the genocide requirements. However, given Undertale creator Toby Fox’s attention to detail, it’s more likely a deliberate design choice that enhances the complexity of the game.
The Significance of Choice in the Face of Genocide
Undertale is fundamentally about choice. The game constantly throws moral dilemmas at the player, forcing them to confront the consequences of their actions. Even in the most brutal route, the game subtly reminds you of the power you possess to choose a different path.
Jerry’s existence as an exception to the Genocide Route reinforces this concept. He is a reminder that even when committed to a path of utter destruction, you still have the ability to choose mercy, even if it’s only towards the most annoying character in the game. This exception doesn’t excuse your actions, nor does it redeem them. Instead, it emphasizes the weight of the choices you do make.
The Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/ often explores how games offer spaces for complex moral and ethical decisions, allowing players to explore ramifications in a safe environment. Undertale’s unique approach can be viewed as an educational tool that exposes gamers to complex moral and social situations.
Why Spare Jerry? The Player’s Motivation
The question then becomes: why would anyone spare Jerry on a Genocide Route? Here are a few possible explanations:
- Curiosity: Players might be curious to see what happens if they spare Jerry, testing the boundaries of the game’s mechanics.
- Completionism: Even on a Genocide Route, some players may feel compelled to explore every possible interaction with every character.
- Irony: The inherent humor in sparing the single most despised character in the game during a run designed to kill everyone is not lost on some players.
- Moral Conflict: Even on a Genocide Route, some players may experience a flicker of remorse or moral conflict, leading them to spare Jerry as a way of justifying their actions or proving their independence.
- Exploiting the Glitch/Feature: Players may be aware of Jerry’s exemption and deliberately spare him to test and demonstrate their knowledge of the game.
Whatever the reason, the act of sparing Jerry remains a strangely significant moment in an otherwise bleak playthrough. It’s a glitch in the system, a reminder that choice, even seemingly trivial ones, still matters.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Does sparing any other monster ruin the Genocide Route besides Jerry?
Yes. Sparing any monster other than Jerry will immediately abort the Genocide Route and transition you into a Neutral Route. You must kill all other monsters within the designated areas to proceed.
2. What happens if I try to spare other monsters during the Genocide Route?
If you attempt to spare another monster, the battle will end normally. However, if you do not meet the kill quota and instead fight the boss of the area, you will proceed to a Neutral Route instead.
3. How many kills are required for the Genocide Route in each area?
The number of required kills varies per area. For example, in the Ruins, you need to kill 20 monsters; in Snowdin, you need to kill 16 monsters; and in Waterfall, you need to kill 18 monsters.
4. How do I know if I’ve met the kill quota for an area?
Once you’ve met the kill quota, encounters will cease to appear as the game will show the text “But nobody came.” This indicates that there are no more monsters left to fight in that area.
5. Does killing Jerry make the Genocide Route easier?
No. Killing Jerry or sparing Jerry has no impact on the difficulty of the Genocide Route. As long as you meet the kill quota in each area, you can continue on the Genocide Route.
6. Does Jerry have any unique dialogue in the Genocide Route?
Jerry has no unique dialogue specific to the Genocide Route. He behaves the same way regardless of the route you’re on, which is generally annoying to his teammates.
7. Is there any benefit to sparing Jerry in the Genocide Route?
No, there are no tangible benefits to sparing Jerry on the Genocide Route. It doesn’t affect your stats, equipment, or ending. It’s merely an interesting quirk of the game’s design.
8. Does sparing Jerry affect the ending of the Genocide Route?
No, sparing Jerry has no impact on the Genocide Route ending. As long as you meet the kill quota, you will still get the Genocide ending regardless.
9. What is the purpose of the Genocide Route in Undertale?
The Genocide Route explores the darker side of choice, and the consequences of a complete lack of empathy or compassion. It also examines the power of determination and the corrupting influence it can have.
10. How does the Genocide Route affect future playthroughs?
Completing the Genocide Route will permanently taint your save file. Even if you reset, future Pacifist Route endings will be altered with a sinister cutscene at the end.
11. Is the Genocide Route considered the “canon” ending?
No. Undertale has no single canon ending. The game implies that all endings are equally valid and exist within the multiverse.
12. Can I do a Pacifist Route after completing a Genocide Route?
Yes, you can still do a Pacifist Route after completing a Genocide Route, but the ending will be permanently altered.
13. Does sparing Temmie ruin genocide?
Sparing Temmie will not end your Genocide route.
14. Does Glyde appear in the Genocide Route?
Yes, Glyde can appear in the Genocide Route.
15. What are the penalties for sparing a Boss in Genocide Undertale?
Sparing any main boss in Undertale will end your Genocide route.
In conclusion, the ability to spare Jerry in the Genocide Route is a fascinating anomaly in Undertale’s design. It serves as a reminder of the player’s capacity for choice, even within the constraints of a predetermined path of destruction. It’s a testament to Undertale’s complexity and the subtle ways it encourages reflection on morality and the power of decision-making.