Unlocking True Happiness: Can You Achieve True Pacifist in Undertale Without a Neutral Run First?

The burning question on every newcomer’s mind when venturing into the quirky world of Undertale is, “Can I skip the sad bits and go straight for the True Pacifist ending?” The answer, my friends, is a nuanced one. Technically, no, you cannot achieve the True Pacifist ending without first completing a Neutral Run. Think of the Neutral Run as a necessary stepping stone, the foundation upon which your path to ultimate forgiveness and friendship is built.

The game’s narrative is cleverly structured so that certain events, specifically those that trigger the True Pacifist route, are simply unavailable until you’ve seen at least one of the Neutral endings. It’s like baking a cake – you need to mix the ingredients (complete the initial pacifist run) before you can put it in the oven (unlock the True Pacifist events). So, while you can absolutely play through the game with the purest of intentions – sparing every monster and spreading kindness throughout the Underground – you’ll still be directed toward a Neutral ending on your first playthrough.

But don’t despair! This doesn’t mean you need to replay the entire game. If your first run was indeed a pacifist one (aside from the mandatory encounter with Asgore), the game cleverly allows you to reload your save file after seeing the Neutral ending. This allows you to backtrack, complete the specific actions required to trigger the True Pacifist route, and then proceed to the “true” final boss and ending. It’s a brilliant piece of game design that respects your pacifist choices while still maintaining the integrity of the story’s progression.

The beauty of Undertale lies in its choices and consequences, and the True Pacifist ending is the ultimate reward for players who choose compassion and understanding. Embracing the Neutral Run as a necessary hurdle only makes the True Pacifist ending that much more satisfying.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Undertale’s True Pacifist Route

Here are some common questions I’ve encountered throughout my extensive exploration of Undertale.

Is it possible to mess up the True Pacifist run?

Absolutely. The True Pacifist route demands strict adherence to several conditions. Killing any enemy will immediately disqualify you. Missing crucial friendship opportunities with key characters like Papyrus, Undyne, and Alphys will also prevent you from triggering the necessary events. So, tread carefully and choose kindness!

What are the absolute requirements for triggering the True Pacifist route after a Neutral ending?

After completing a Neutral ending, assuming you haven’t killed anyone, reload your save file. Then, you must:

• Have befriended Papyrus: This involves going on a date with him after your initial encounter.
• Have befriended Undyne: After your fight with Undyne, give her water and then visit her house to befriend her.
• Complete Undyne’s letter delivery to Alphys and go on a date with Alphys in the True Lab.

Do I have to fight Asgore in a True Pacifist run?

Yes, you do need to “fight” Asgore, but not necessarily defeat him. The story requires you to reach him, but the events that follow prevent a traditional battle. This is part of what locks the True Pacifist Ending.

Does fleeing from battles affect my chances of getting the True Pacifist ending?

No, fleeing from battles is perfectly acceptable and won’t ruin your chances of achieving the True Pacifist ending. As long as you don’t gain any EXP (Experience Points), you’re on the right track.

What happens if I accidentally kill an enemy?

If you accidentally kill an enemy, your chances of achieving the True Pacifist ending are gone for that playthrough. You’ll need to reset your game and start from the beginning to attempt the route again.

Can I still get the True Pacifist ending if I’ve done a Genocide run before?

This is where things get complicated. Completing a Genocide run leaves a lasting impact on your game. Even if you reset, the True Pacifist ending will be altered. It will become the Soulless Pacifist ending, resulting in a slightly different and unsettling final scene.

What’s the True Lab and why is it important?

The True Lab is a hidden area that can only be accessed after completing a Neutral Run. It’s crucial for unlocking the True Pacifist ending. Inside, you’ll uncover the dark secrets of Alphys’ experiments and learn more about the game’s lore, helping you connect with the characters.

Is it possible to do a “flawed pacifist” run?

Yes, a Flawed Pacifist is where you spare every monster but don’t go on to befriend the special characters needed for the True Pacifist route. This results in a different type of Neutral Ending.

Do I need to spare Flowey at the end of a Neutral Run to get True Pacifist?

It is recommended to spare Flowey at the end of the Neutral Run. Although sparing or killing him doesn’t necessarily influence reaching the True Pacifist Route, it is recommended for story completion to get a better experience of the game.

How many endings are there in Undertale?

Undertale has three main endings: Neutral, Pacifist, and Genocide. The Neutral ending has many variants based on specific choices, while Pacifist and Genocide have their own unique conclusions.

Does attacking the training dummy at the beginning ruin a pacifist run?

No, attacking the training dummy does not ruin a pacifist run. It is an exception to the “no killing” rule.

What’s the hardest fight in Undertale?

Many players consider the Sans fight to be the hardest due to his unique combat style, which relies on dodging and Karma damage. Asriel Dreemurr has stronger stats than Sans, but because he heals you throughout the fight, Sans is considered the hardest boss.

What is Love and EXP in Undertale?

EXP (Execution Points) and LOVE (Level of Violence) are statistics in Undertale that represent your willingness to harm others. Gaining EXP indicates you’ve killed enemies, making it impossible to achieve the True Pacifist ending.

Is Undertale good for learning?

Absolutely! Undertale has tons of opportunities to learn. To learn more about Undertale’s application in learning, visit the Games Learning Society website: https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/. GamesLearningSociety.org is a fantastic resource for exploring the educational potential of video games.

What do you need to do to befriend Alphys?

To befriend Alphys, you will first need to befriend Papyrus and Undyne, which involves dating both of them. Next, take the ferry from Hotlands to Snowdin Village and go to Papyrus’s house. Undyne will then give you a letter to deliver to Alphys. Finally, take the ferry back to Hotlands and slide the note under the door, which will start the date with Alphys.