Who Kills Berdly? A Deep Dive into Deltarune’s Most Controversial Route

The question of who kills Berdly in Deltarune Chapter 2 doesn’t have a simple black-and-white answer. Technically, Noelle Holiday is the character who performs the SnowGrave spell, resulting in Berdly’s incapacitation within a massive ice prism. However, the circumstances surrounding this event are complex, implicating other characters and player agency in Berdly’s ultimate fate. The “SnowGrave Route” or “Weird Route” is intentionally designed to blur the lines of responsibility, making the question of culpability a central theme. It’s not simply about who casts the spell, but why and under whose influence.

The Mechanics of the SnowGrave Route

The SnowGrave route is a hidden path within Deltarune Chapter 2. To initiate it, the player, acting through Kris, must manipulate Noelle into performing specific actions that are uncharacteristic of her. This involves consistently using “IceShock” during battles, a spell that Noelle is hesitant to use. Through persistent coercion and carefully worded commands, Kris gradually erodes Noelle’s resistance.

The Climax: Casting SnowGrave

The pivotal moment arrives during the second fight with Berdly. Kris forces Noelle to use the SnowGrave spell, a command she initially refuses multiple times. Eventually, pushed to her breaking point, she snaps and unleashes the devastating attack, encasing Berdly in ice. He is then absent for the remaining segments of the chapter within the Cyber World.

Responsibility and Complicity: Who’s Really to Blame?

While Noelle casts the SnowGrave spell, pinning the direct action on her, it is crucial to consider the factors that led to this point.

• Kris’s Manipulation: The player, controlling Kris, is the primary instigator. The entire SnowGrave route depends on Kris’s deliberate and calculated manipulation of Noelle.
• The Player’s Agency: The player’s decision to pursue this route is a critical element. By choosing specific dialogue options and actions, the player actively participates in Noelle’s descent and Berdly’s potential demise.
• Noelle’s Vulnerability: Noelle’s inherent kindness, coupled with her crush on Susie and her desire to help, makes her susceptible to manipulation. Kris exploits these traits to achieve their goals.

Therefore, while Noelle performs the action, the responsibility is shared between her, Kris, and ultimately, the player. The game intentionally questions the player’s role and the ethics of manipulating characters within a game world. Are we merely observers, or are we complicit in the consequences of our actions?

The Ambiguity of Berdly’s Fate

The article text presents an interesting question about whether Berdly is actually dead after being encased in ice.

The immediate aftermath of SnowGrave leaves Berdly’s fate ambiguous. He disappears from the Cyber World, and there is no explicit confirmation of his death within Chapter 2. The lack of a definitive answer fuels speculation and discussion within the Deltarune community.

Is Berdly Dead? The Community Debate

The question of whether Berdly is truly dead is a hotly debated topic among Deltarune fans. There are several arguments supporting both sides:

Arguments for Berdly’s Death:

• The “Fatal” Description: The game describes SnowGrave as a “fatal” attack, suggesting a potentially lethal outcome.
• His Absence: Berdly’s complete absence from the remainder of the Cyber World could indicate that he is no longer alive.
• Thematic Resonance: Berdly’s death would reinforce the dark and unsettling nature of the SnowGrave route, highlighting the consequences of player choice and manipulation.

Arguments Against Berdly’s Death:

• Toby Fox’s History: Toby Fox, the creator of Deltarune, is known for subverting expectations and employing misdirection. A character’s apparent death may not always be permanent.
• Resurrection Possibilities: The Deltarune world features magical healing and potentially resurrection. It’s possible that Berdly could be revived in a future chapter.
• Story Implications: Berdly’s death could have significant repercussions on the overall narrative. Keeping him alive opens up more possibilities for character development and plot advancement.

Ultimately, Berdly’s fate remains unresolved. Future chapters of Deltarune will likely provide a definitive answer, confirming or denying his demise and exploring the long-term consequences of the SnowGrave route.

The Broader Implications

The SnowGrave route and the question of Berdly’s fate highlight several important themes within Deltarune:

• Player Agency: The game challenges the player’s role and the ethical implications of their choices within a virtual world.
• Manipulation and Control: The route explores the dangers of manipulation and the consequences of eroding another person’s autonomy.
• Moral Ambiguity: Deltarune often blurs the lines between good and evil, forcing players to confront difficult moral dilemmas.
• Trauma and its Impact: The impact of being forced to do actions that violate Noelle’s moral code has a tremendous effect on her. It also potentially leaves her with trauma that could affect future experiences.

These themes contribute to Deltarune’s depth and complexity, elevating it beyond a simple RPG and transforming it into a thought-provoking exploration of human nature and the nature of choice.
The study of games, their impact, and learning through game-based methods is of great importance. Groups like the Games Learning Society continue to lead the way in helping understand these topics. You can find more information at GamesLearningSociety.org.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 frequently asked questions about Berdly and the SnowGrave route:

1. What exactly is the SnowGrave spell?

The SnowGrave spell is a powerful ice-based attack that Noelle is capable of using. In the SnowGrave Route, it’s described as “fatal”. It is the ultimate consequence of Noelle’s increased magical capabilities, forced into use through Kris’s manipulation.

2. Is the SnowGrave Route the “canon” ending for Chapter 2?

No. The SnowGrave route is an optional, hidden route. It’s not considered the standard or “canon” path through the game.

3. Why does Kris force Noelle to use SnowGrave?

Kris’s motives are not explicitly stated. Theories range from a desire for power, a need to control the narrative, or even a misguided attempt to protect Noelle. The underlying reasons remain open to interpretation.

4. Does Susie know about the SnowGrave Route?

Susie is completely unaware of the SnowGrave route and Noelle’s actions during it. This ignorance adds to the tragic nature of the situation.

5. What happens to Noelle after using SnowGrave?

Noelle is visibly traumatized by her actions. She becomes more subdued and withdrawn, grappling with the guilt and the implications of what she has done. Her character arc takes a drastically different turn compared to the normal route.

6. Does Berdly have any redeeming qualities?

Despite his arrogance and boastfulness, Berdly demonstrates moments of genuine intelligence and even concern for others. He shows concern for Noelle, even confronting Kris about how they are treating her. He is not purely a villainous character.

7. What is Berdly’s relationship with Queen?

Berdly is initially manipulated by Queen, who uses him as a pawn in her schemes. After being defeated, Queen seemingly abandons him. In the normal route, this leads to Noelle saving him.

8. Is Berdly inspired by any specific tropes or characters?

Berdly is often compared to the “nerd” or “genius” archetype, often portrayed as socially awkward but intellectually gifted.

9. How does the SnowGrave route affect future chapters of Deltarune?

The long-term consequences are unknown, but the events of the SnowGrave route could significantly impact Noelle’s character development, her relationships with other characters, and the overall plot of the game.

10. Can you avoid the SnowGrave route?

Yes. By not following specific instructions and dialogue choices, the player can avoid triggering the SnowGrave route. Choosing to be kind and supportive to Noelle will prevent it.

11. Is there a “good” ending to Chapter 2?

The definition of “good” is subjective. The normal route, where Noelle helps save Berdly, is generally considered a more positive outcome than the SnowGrave route.

12. What is the significance of the name “SnowGrave”?

The name “SnowGrave” evokes a sense of coldness, finality, and burial, foreshadowing the potential death or incapacitation of Berdly.

13. How does the SnowGrave Route relate to Undertale?

The SnowGrave route echoes themes of player choice and consequence found in Undertale, further blurring the lines between player and character agency.

14. What other dark secrets are hidden in Deltarune?

Deltarune is full of hidden secrets and unsettling implications, hinting at a deeper, more complex narrative than initially apparent.

15. Will Berdly return in future chapters?

His return is unknown. Whether he’s alive or returns in future chapters is up to the game creator Toby Fox.