Who is the True Villain in Deltarune? A Deep Dive

The question of who the true villain is in Deltarune is complex and doesn’t have a simple answer. While characters like King, Queen, and Spamton GIGA serve as antagonists in specific chapters, a deeper analysis suggests the true villain might be more abstract, multifaceted, or even within the player themselves. The most compelling candidates are: The Knight, Kris (potentially under external influence), and the Narrator/Player themselves. The game deliberately blurs the lines between control, destiny, and free will, making a definitive answer elusive and sparking endless debate within the Deltarune community.

Examining Potential Candidates

The Knight: Architect of Chaos

The Knight is presented as the primary instigator of the chaos unfolding in Deltarune. They are responsible for creating the Dark Fountains that threaten to engulf both the Light and Dark Worlds. This act of creation positions them as a clear antagonist, driving the main conflict and forcing Kris, Susie, and Ralsei into action.

• Evidence Against: While the Knight’s actions are undeniably villainous, their motives remain shrouded in mystery. We don’t know why they seek to create these fountains or what their ultimate goal is beyond the implied destruction. This lack of clear motivation makes them feel more like a force of nature than a fully realized villain with a complex agenda.

Kris: Puppet or Mastermind?

Kris, the player-controlled protagonist, presents the most intriguing and unsettling possibility for the true villain. The game heavily implies that Kris is not always in control of their actions. The soul, typically controlled by the player, is periodically ripped from Kris’s body, and they perform actions that seem out of character, such as opening new Dark Fountains.

• Evidence For: The unsettling nature of Kris’s behavior, coupled with the emphasis on the player’s lack of control, suggests a darker side to the protagonist. Are they being manipulated by an external force, or is there a part of Kris that desires the chaos that the Dark Fountains bring? Some theories propose that Kris may be connected to Chara from Undertale, adding another layer of complexity to their character.
• Evidence Against: Kris is also portrayed as someone who cares deeply for their friends and wants to protect them. Their actions in the Dark World often reflect a desire to do good and help others. If Kris is indeed a villain, they are a deeply conflicted one, making it difficult to fully condemn them.

The Narrator/Player: Unseen Manipulator

Deltarune frequently challenges the player’s agency, suggesting that their choices may not matter as much as they think. This raises the possibility that the true villain isn’t a character within the game, but rather the player themselves or the unseen narrator guiding their actions.

• Evidence For: The game’s constant reminders that the player is controlling Kris’s soul and influencing their decisions imply a level of manipulation. Are we forcing Kris to act in ways they wouldn’t otherwise? Are we responsible for the choices that lead to destruction or salvation? This meta-narrative element blurs the lines between player and character, making us complicit in the unfolding events.
• Evidence Against: Ultimately, the player’s power is limited. The game suggests that certain events are predetermined, regardless of player input. This raises the question of how much real influence we truly have and whether we can truly be considered the villain if our choices are ultimately inconsequential.

The Ambiguity as a Feature

Deltarune’s brilliance lies in its ambiguity. It doesn’t provide easy answers or clear-cut villains. Instead, it encourages players to question the nature of free will, control, and the consequences of their actions. The true villain may not be a single entity, but rather a combination of factors, including the Knight’s actions, Kris’s inner turmoil, and the player’s influence. This ambiguity creates a rich and thought-provoking narrative that continues to resonate with players long after they’ve finished the game. The study of games and their impact on learning is fascinating and you can learn more at GamesLearningSociety.org.

Deltarune Villain FAQs

Who is the main antagonist in Deltarune Chapter 2?

Queen, full name Serial Number Q5U4EX7YY2E9N, is the main antagonist and final boss of Chapter 2. She rules Cyber World and seeks to create a new world order.

Is Spamton a villain in Deltarune?

Spamton, particularly in the Snowgrave Route and in fan-made extensions like A Different Snowgrave, is portrayed as a villain. He is driven by a desire for power and control, leading him to commit harmful actions.

What is the role of Flowey in Deltarune?

Flowey is a character from Undertale, not Deltarune. There is no confirmed connection or appearance of Flowey in the currently released chapters of Deltarune.

How does Deltarune differ from Undertale in terms of villainy?

Undertale often presents its villains with more nuanced motivations, leading to opportunities for redemption or understanding. Deltarune, while still exploring complex themes, features villains whose motivations are more obscure, and whose roles might evolve as the story progresses.

Is Jevil a villain in Deltarune?

Jevil is a powerful secret boss in Chapter 1 of Deltarune. While chaotic and dangerous, it’s debatable whether he is truly a villain. His actions stem from a perceived understanding of the world’s true nature, driven by a loss of sanity. You can spare Jevil by using Ralsei’s Pacify.

Why is Kris ripping out their soul?

Kris rips out their soul to temporarily break free from the player’s control and possibly exert their own agency. The exact reasons are still ambiguous, but it seems to be connected to a desire for autonomy and perhaps a darker purpose.

Does Deltarune have a pacifist route?

While Deltarune allows for both pacifist and violent approaches, the game emphasizes that your choices don’t necessarily alter the ending, making the impact of pacifism less clear than in Undertale.

Who is the strongest enemy in Deltarune?

Based on difficulty, enemies such as Jevil and Spamton GIGA are considered among the strongest in Deltarune. The difficulty may also depend on the player’s strategy.

Is Ralsei evil in Deltarune?

There is ongoing speculation within the Deltarune community about Ralsei’s true intentions. However, as of the released chapters, there is no concrete evidence that he is evil. He primarily acts as a supportive and helpful character.

What happens if you name yourself Gaster in Deltarune?

Naming yourself Gaster results in the game immediately restarting and resetting the name entry screen.

Who is the blue guy in Deltarune?

The “blue guy” likely refers to Rouxls Kaard, a character known for his elaborate puzzles and dramatic personality.

Is Kris a boy or a girl?

Kris is often considered a gender-neutral character. The game uses they/them pronouns for Kris, and their gender is never explicitly stated.

Does killing matter in Deltarune?

Deltarune is a game that is described by Toby Fox himself as the choices you make don’t matter. Deltarune has pacifist and violent ways to beat the game.

Who created Flowey?

Flowey was created by Dr. Alphys in the Undertale universe. Alphys was experimenting with determination and infused it into a golden flower that grew where Asriel’s ashes were.

Why does Spamton hate Jevil?

Spamton hates Jevil because he is all about fun and games while Spamton is doing something in his life.

This article explores the complexities of identifying the true villain in Deltarune, highlighting the ambiguity and thought-provoking nature of the game’s narrative. The potential candidates, the Knight, Kris, and even the player, all contribute to the game’s overarching themes of control, free will, and the consequences of choices. You can learn more about gaming and its effects at the Games Learning Society website.