What Happens If You Name Your Character Gaster in Deltarune?
If you attempt to name your vessel or creator “GASTER” in Deltarune, the game will immediately return to the Chapter Select screen as soon as the last letter is typed. This is a direct callback to a similar mechanic found in Undertale, where naming your character “Gaster” would also force a reset. This seemingly simple action reveals a significant connection to the enigmatic figure of W.D. Gaster, a character shrouded in mystery and intrigue within the Toby Fox universe. Unlike other names that trigger unique dialogue or responses, “GASTER” results in an immediate and absolute break, reinforcing his status as an anomaly. This interaction is more than just a game mechanic; it’s a deliberate design choice that underscores the unique nature of Gaster’s presence—or lack thereof—within the game’s narrative. It implies that his existence is fundamentally incompatible with the intended structure and flow of the game, pushing the player back to a point before the attempt was made.
The Enigma of Gaster
The reaction to the name “GASTER” is indicative of the character’s complex and mysterious role. In Undertale, Gaster is a figure mentioned only through cryptic encounters with followers hidden within the game’s code. He was the former royal scientist before Alphys, who met a fragmented end, scattered across space and time. His existence is fragmented and pieced together through theories, and his presence in either game is never explicitly confirmed. The refusal to allow the player to directly engage with his name reinforces this idea: Gaster is a force that exists outside the established rules of the game’s world.
Beyond a Simple Reset
The “GASTER” name reaction is more than a simple reset mechanic. It acts as a powerful symbol for the player. It suggests that Gaster’s influence is not meant to be directly interacted with, emphasizing his elusive nature. It serves as an interactive Easter egg, providing an intriguing element for those familiar with the broader lore. The game does not dismiss the name with a message or a warning— it simply resets, implying a level of unreachability.
Comparison to other name choices
Other names, like Sans, Papyrus, or Susie, result in a special dialogue where Gaster says ” ‘[Name].’ AN INTERESTING COINCIDENCE”. This suggests a level of awareness of the characters existing in different realities. When naming the creation the same as your player, Gaster says “‘[Name].’ OF COURSE OF COURSE.”. This implies that some names might be okay or expected, even if they’re the names of other characters in the game. Names like “Berdly,” “Catti,” “Jockington,” “Rudy,” “Asriel,” “Toriel,” “Asgore,” “Alphys,” “Undyne,” “Bratty,” “Catty,” “Sans,” “Gerson,” “QC,” or “Papyrus,” also trigger the “‘Name’ AN INTERESTING COINCIDENCE.” line. However, the name “GASTER” does not get even a simple dialogue and causes the game to reset. In other words, Gaster’s name is a forbidden name.
The Implications for Deltarune
This mechanic emphasizes that Deltarune, while sharing similarities with Undertale, also has its own unique rules and narrative parameters. The game is not a straightforward continuation, but a separate entity with its own secrets. The response to “GASTER” reaffirms Gaster’s importance across the two games, making him a thread connecting the two distinct stories. It suggests that his influence is present in both, though his role remains unclear, hinting at the possibility of future revelations about him. By refusing to accept his name, the game maintains the mystery while simultaneously reinforcing his significance within the Toby Fox universe.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What happens if I name myself “Chara” in Undertale or Deltarune?
In Undertale, naming yourself “Chara” doesn’t change the gameplay significantly. It is considered the canon name of the first fallen human. In Deltarune, “Chara” as a name triggers the “‘Name’ AN INTERESTING COINCIDENCE.” line from Gaster, but does not break the game.
2. Does naming myself “Frisk” enable Hard Mode in Undertale?
Yes, naming yourself “Frisk” in Undertale does enable Hard Mode. However, this mode is incomplete and ends abruptly after the battle with Toriel.
3. Is Frisk canonically a girl?
Frisk has no canon gender and is referred to with they/them pronouns. However, some game elements, like being called “pumpkin” by the rock, are interpreted by some players as suggesting a possible female gender identity.
4. How do I get a Genocide Run in Undertale?
To get a Genocide Run in Undertale, you must actively seek and kill every monster in every area of the game before moving on. This involves defeating numerous monsters and culminates in a battle with Sans and a dark ending.
5. Why does Kris remove their soul in Deltarune?
Kris removes their soul to temporarily gain control over their actions and resist manipulation by an external force. This is part of Kris’ struggle for autonomy within the narrative. The soul is a form of control by the player.
6. Is Gaster evil?
Gaster’s morality is ambiguous. He is depicted as a darker entity in some AUs, but his true nature remains a mystery. He is considered an anomaly and not necessarily aligned with evil in the canon.
7. Is Gaster really Sans’ dad?
Gaster is not canonically confirmed to be Sans’ father. This theory is popular in the fandom, but it’s not directly stated within either game. His relationship to Sans is another mystery.
8. Why is Flowey evil?
Flowey is evil because he lacks a soul and, consequently, empathy. He cannot experience positive emotions. He operates from a nihilistic point of view, believing in a “kill or be killed” philosophy.
9. Is Killer Sans controlled by Chara?
In some interpretations, Killer Sans is controlled by Chara in dire situations where his life is threatened, resulting in rampages. In such cases, he lacks full control over his actions.
10. Who is the main villain in Undertale?
Flowey is considered the main antagonist of Undertale, although the narrative also explores themes of pacifism and responsibility.
11. Does Sans exist in Deltarune?
Yes, Sans is a recurring character in Deltarune, where he runs a grocery store as a “janitor”. He retains his distinct personality, with his dialogues using the Comic Sans font.
12. Is Kris a boy or a girl in Deltarune?
Kris is primarily referred to with they/them pronouns, making them non-binary. The game avoids explicitly assigning Kris a gender.
13. Is Frisk LGBT?
Frisk, being gender-neutral, is often considered a part of the LGBT community. They are able to flirt with multiple characters, regardless of their gender.
14. Is Frisk blind?
No, Frisk is not blind. Despite their closed-eye design, in-game dialogue suggests that they can see. This is part of their stoic design.
15. Who is Frisk’s biological mother?
The fan theory based on details in the game suggests that Susan Torres is Frisk’s biological mother. She is depicted as abusive, using Frisk to propel her anti-monster agenda.