Unlocking True Happiness: A Guide to Undertale’s True Pacifist Ending

So, you’re ready to embark on the most heartwarming journey Undertale has to offer? The True Pacifist ending isn’t just another finish line; it’s the culmination of kindness, empathy, and a genuine desire to connect with the quirky inhabitants of the Underground. Forget combat prowess; this path requires a generous heart and a dedication to sparing every soul you encounter. In short, to achieve the True Pacifist ending, you must complete a Pacifist Route (avoiding all kills), befriend Papyrus and Undyne, and then undertake an additional quest triggered after the initial ending to save your new friends from a looming threat. It’s a little more involved than simply not fighting, so let’s break it down.

Embracing the Path of Mercy

The foundation of the True Pacifist ending is, unsurprisingly, the Pacifist Route. This means from the very first encounter with Toriel to your final standoff with Asgore, you must never kill a single monster.

The Core Principles of a Pacifist Run

• Spare, Don’t Slay: Your primary action in every battle should be to spare your opponent. This sometimes requires specific actions beyond simply choosing the “Spare” option. Observe enemy behavior, use ACT options to meet their needs or desires, and be patient.
• No EXP or LOVE: These stats track your violent tendencies. Achieving the True Pacifist ending necessitates keeping both at zero. If you accidentally kill a monster, you’ll need to reset your game and start again from the beginning to maintain a clean run.
• Boss Battles – Act, Don’t Attack (Usually): While you won’t directly attack, most boss fights have specific requirements to successfully “spare” them. Pay close attention to the dialogue and hints provided during these encounters. For example, you must talk to Toriel multiple times until she gives in.
• Escape as an Alternative: If you’re struggling to spare an enemy, running away is a valid, and sometimes necessary, option. Use it judiciously if you’re in danger.

Befriending Your Fellow Monsters

Simply sparing monsters isn’t enough; you need to forge genuine friendships. This is where the “True” part of the True Pacifist ending comes into play.

The Friendship Quests: Papyrus and Undyne

• Papyrus’s Date: After your initial encounter with Papyrus in Snowdin, accept his “date” request. Flirt outrageously, humor his ego, and navigate the hilariously awkward situations with grace.
• Undyne’s Tea Party: Following your encounter with Papyrus, Undyne will leave a letter outside his house. Deliver this letter to Undyne. Be prepared for a fiery “friendship” lesson, a messy cooking demonstration, and an unexpected bonding experience. Make sure to give Undyne water after she collapses from the heat.

The Epilogue: Unveiling the Truth

After completing a Pacifist Route and the friendship quests, you’ll reach a seemingly happy ending. However, don’t be fooled! This isn’t quite the True Pacifist ending yet.

Loading Back into the World

Once the credits roll, reload your save file. You’ll find yourself back in the CORE, ready to complete the True Pacifist quest.

Alphys’s Request: A Journey to the True Lab

Undyne will call you with a mysterious request to visit Alphys. Head to Alphys’s lab in Hotland, and you’ll discover a hidden elevator leading to the True Lab.

Confronting the Past: The True Lab

The True Lab is a dark and unsettling area filled with amalgamated monsters and chilling experiments. You must navigate this area, solving puzzles and learning about Alphys’s past. Sparing the amalgamations by using the “ACT” option until they want to return to their families is crucial.

The Final Confrontation: Saving Asriel

After exploring the True Lab, you’ll return to Asgore’s castle, where a final confrontation awaits. This culminates in a battle against Asriel Dreemurr, a being of immense power fueled by the souls of your friends. This battle cannot be won by attack. You must save your friends by using the “ACT” option to connect with their lost souls and remind them of their bonds.

The Sweetest Ending: A World of Happiness

Successfully saving Asriel will trigger the True Pacifist ending. You’ll witness a heartwarming scene of friendship, forgiveness, and the breaking of the barrier between humans and monsters. Everyone gets a happy ending!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some common questions to help you navigate the True Pacifist Route:

1. What happens if I accidentally kill a monster?

If you accidentally kill a monster, you’ve broken the Pacifist Route. You must reset your game and start again from the beginning to achieve the True Pacifist ending. There is no way around it!

2. Can I use healing items during battles?

Yes, using healing items is perfectly acceptable. They don’t contribute to EXP or LOVE. Feel free to stock up.

3. Do I have to complete the Neutral ending first?

While not strictly required, completing a Neutral ending first is highly recommended. It provides valuable context and makes the True Pacifist ending even more impactful.

4. Can I kill Flowey after the Asgore fight in the Neutral Route?

No. While killing Flowey at the end of a neutral run won’t affect your ability to do the True Pacifist run later, sparing him allows you to later get advice from him to unlock the True Pacifist ending.

5. What if I can’t figure out how to spare a specific monster?

Experiment with the “ACT” options. Observe the monster’s behavior and dialogue for clues. Many online guides and communities offer assistance.

6. Is it okay to run away from battles?

Yes, running away is a valid strategy, especially if you’re struggling to spare a particular enemy. It doesn’t affect your Pacifist status.

7. How do I trigger the friendship quests with Papyrus and Undyne?

Successfully completing your first encounter with Papyrus will automatically trigger the friendship quest. For Undyne, make sure you delivered the letter that Undyne left outside Papyrus’s house to her.

8. What’s so special about the True Lab?

The True Lab reveals the unsettling experiments conducted by Alphys and provides crucial context for the final events of the game. It also adds depth to Alphys’s character.

9. Are there any missable elements in the True Pacifist Route?

While there are no permanently missable elements, certain dialogue and interactions become unavailable if you progress too far without triggering them. Explore thoroughly and talk to everyone!

10. Is the battle against Asriel difficult?

The Asriel battle is emotionally challenging but mechanically forgiving. You cannot die, and the souls of your friends provide assistance. It’s more about empathy than strategic combat.

11. Does the Genocide Route affect my ability to achieve the True Pacifist ending?

Yes, completing the Genocide Route permanently alters your save file, making the True Pacifist ending unattainable in subsequent playthroughs. The Genocide Route is also known to taint future Pacifist runs, resulting in the “Soulless Pacifist” ending.

12. How long does it take to complete the True Pacifist Route?

The True Pacifist Route generally takes longer than other endings due to the extra quests and exploration required. Expect to spend around 8-10 hours, potentially more depending on your playstyle. For some, 100% completion of Undertale can take approximately 20 1/2 hours.

13. What is “LOVE” and “EXP” in Undertale?

In the world of Undertale, LOVE stands for Level of Violence, and EXP is the Execution Points. To successfully execute a Pacifist Run, a player must make sure to maintain both at a zero level. This is obtained by being kind and sparing your opponents, and never killing them.

14. How do I beat Flowey?

Once all six souls have been dealt with Flowey’s DEF will drop to zero and your HP will be fully restored. He’ll fall back on his all out attacks but the souls will continue to throw out healing items, so providing you hit the Fight button every time it appears the fight should be over fairly quickly from here.

15. Where can I learn more about games and education?

The Games Learning Society is a great resource for understanding the educational potential of games. You can visit their website at GamesLearningSociety.org to learn more about their research and initiatives.

Achieving the True Pacifist ending in Undertale is more than just completing a game; it’s a rewarding experience that reinforces the values of kindness, forgiveness, and the power of friendship. Embrace the challenge, open your heart, and prepare to be moved by this unforgettable journey. Good luck, and have fun exploring the world of Undertale!