Undertale’s Dark Side: Can You Commit Genocide on Your First Playthrough?
Yes, absolutely, you can embark on a Genocide Route right from your very first playthrough of Undertale. The game doesn’t impose any prerequisites or require prior completion of a Pacifist or Neutral Route before allowing you to tread this darker path. However, the question isn’t can you, but should you? Let’s delve into why, and explore the complexities of choosing this path from the outset.
The Mechanics of Mayhem: Starting a Genocide Run
The Genocide Route is triggered by a simple, albeit morally questionable, action: killing every single monster you encounter in each area of the Underground. This isn’t just a matter of fighting bosses; you need to actively hunt down random encounters until the area is effectively devoid of life. Here’s how it unfolds:
- Relentless Slaughter: Begin by battling every monster in the Ruins. Don’t spare anyone.
- Quota Fulfillment: Each area has a specific kill quota you must meet before progressing. You’ll know you’re on the right track when the battle music changes to a slower, more unsettling tune. The save points will also start displaying how many monsters are left to kill.
- “But Nobody Came”: Once you’ve met the quota, random encounters will cease, and the battle text will read “But nobody came.” This chilling message signifies you’ve emptied the area of its inhabitants.
- Boss Battles Evolve: Even boss battles become distorted. You’ll face modified encounters, often with altered dialogue and far more challenging fights.
The Consequences of Choice: Why First-Run Genocide Might Not Be Ideal
While technically feasible, starting with a Genocide Route can diminish the overall Undertale experience. Here’s why:
- Spoilers Abound: The Genocide Route spoils significant plot points and character reveals that are best experienced during a Pacifist or Neutral Route. You’ll be encountering characters and situations without the context needed to fully appreciate their impact.
- Missed Nuance: Undertale is renowned for its complex characters and morally ambiguous choices. A Genocide Route strips away much of this nuance, reducing characters to mere obstacles to be overcome.
- Gameplay Assumptions: The game assumes you possess knowledge gained from previous playthroughs. Certain gameplay mechanics and puzzles won’t be explicitly explained, leaving you to figure things out on your own.
- Permanent Alterations: Completing a Genocide Route has lasting consequences on your save file. Subsequent Pacifist endings will be permanently altered, adding a layer of melancholic darkness to what is otherwise a heartwarming conclusion.
- Lost Appreciation: The emotional weight of the Genocide Route is amplified when contrasted with the compassion and forgiveness offered in the Pacifist Route. Experiencing the latter first allows you to fully grasp the gravity of your actions in the former.
The Allure of Completionism: Understanding the Draw
Despite the potential drawbacks, some players are drawn to the Genocide Route out of a sense of completionism or a desire to see all the game has to offer. They might be curious about the challenging boss fights, the altered story, or the dark secrets hidden within the game’s code. This is perfectly valid, but it’s important to be aware of the sacrifices involved.
Ultimately, the decision of whether to pursue a Genocide Route on your first playthrough is a personal one. Consider what you hope to gain from the experience and weigh it against the potential loss of the game’s emotional impact and narrative surprises.
Games Learning Society and Ethical Considerations
Exploring game narratives such as Undertale through ethical lenses offers unique opportunities for understanding moral decision-making. Societies like the Games Learning Society champion the use of video games for educational purposes, allowing players to delve into complex moral dilemmas within the safety of a virtual environment. Visit GamesLearningSociety.org to learn more about the intersection of games and education. Undertale can be used to teach decision making, critical thinking, and problem solving skills.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Undertale’s Genocide Route
1. What exactly defines a Genocide Route in Undertale?
A Genocide Route is achieved by systematically killing every monster in each area of the Underground until no more random encounters occur. This requires exceeding a specific kill quota for each region.
2. How many kills are required for a Genocide Route in each area?
The kill quotas vary by location:
- Ruins: 20 kills
- Snowdin: 16 kills
- Waterfall: 18 kills
- Hotland/CORE: 40 kills
3. What happens if I accidentally spare a monster on a Genocide Route?
If you spare a monster, you’ll have to continue fighting random encounters until you meet the kill quota for that area. The game will not allow you to progress until the area is “cleared.”
4. Can I still get a True Pacifist ending after completing a Genocide Route?
No, completing a Genocide Route permanently taints your save file. Subsequent Pacifist endings will feature a disturbing twist at the very end, implying that Chara will ultimately destroy the world despite your efforts.
5. Is the Sans fight the hardest in Undertale?
For many players, yes. Sans is considered one of the most challenging boss fights in the game due to his unique attack patterns, ability to inflict Karma (a damage-over-time effect), and general disregard for the player’s invincibility frames.
6. Does naming myself “Frisk” affect the Genocide Route?
Naming yourself Frisk activates Hard Mode, which is a separate challenge and does not directly impact the Genocide Route. Hard Mode ends after the Ruins.
7. What is a Soulless Pacifist ending?
A Soulless Pacifist ending occurs when you attempt a True Pacifist Route after having already completed a Genocide Route. The final scene is altered, revealing Chara’s influence and the player’s lack of control.
8. How does the game change after a Genocide Route?
Besides the altered Pacifist ending, the game’s dialogue, character interactions, and overall atmosphere can feel different on subsequent playthroughs, carrying the weight of your previous actions.
9. Can I reset the game to undo the effects of a Genocide Route?
Deleting your save files is the only way to truly “reset” the game and remove the taint of the Genocide Route. Simply resetting within the game will not fully erase the consequences.
10. Is there any benefit to doing a Genocide Route?
The main “benefit” is experiencing a different side of the story, unlocking challenging boss fights (like the Sans battle), and gaining a deeper understanding of the game’s lore and characters. Some players might find the difficulty curve appealing.
11. Are there any glitches or exploits that can affect the Genocide Route?
While some glitches may exist, it’s generally best to avoid them for a genuine experience. Using exploits can diminish the challenge and emotional impact of the Genocide Route.
12. Is the Genocide Route morally wrong within the context of the game?
Undertale actively encourages players to consider the consequences of their actions. The Genocide Route is presented as a morally reprehensible choice, and the game does not shy away from highlighting the player’s culpability.
13. Can I skip any areas on a Genocide Route?
No, you must complete the kill quota in each area to progress. Skipping areas will prevent you from achieving the Genocide ending.
14. What happens after the Genocide Route is complete?
After the final boss battle, Chara appears and destroys the world. The screen goes black, and you must wait ten minutes before Chara offers you the choice to restore the world in exchange for your SOUL.
15. Does the Genocide Route affect Deltarune?
While Undertale and Deltarune are related, the completion of a Genocide Route in Undertale does not directly affect the gameplay or story of Deltarune. They are separate games with their own independent narratives.