Can You Play Undertale Without Killing Anyone? A Comprehensive Guide to Pacifist Runs
Yes, absolutely! Undertale is famous for its unique gameplay mechanic that allows you to complete the entire game without killing a single monster. This is known as a Pacifist Run, and it unlocks the True Pacifist Ending, widely considered the “best” and most rewarding conclusion to the game. It’s an experience that truly sets Undertale apart in the world of video games.
Embracing the Pacifist Path
The core of a Pacifist Run lies in understanding that every monster encounter is a puzzle to be solved, not a threat to be eliminated. Instead of resorting to violence, you must use the “ACT” option in battles. This allows you to perform various actions – talking, joking, flexing, and more – depending on the monster you’re facing. The goal is to figure out which actions will lead the monster to lose interest in fighting, allowing you to use the “SPARE” option and end the encounter peacefully.
It’s important to remember that attacking any enemy will lock you out of the True Pacifist Ending. Therefore, resisting the urge to fight is paramount. While some battles might seem challenging, persistence and careful observation of the monster’s dialogue and actions will always reveal the path to sparing them.
Why Choose Pacifism?
Undertale cleverly subverts traditional RPG tropes, where leveling up and becoming stronger often involves defeating enemies. In this game, EXP (Execution Points) are earned only by killing. Choosing a Pacifist Run means foregoing EXP and levels, relying instead on wit, empathy, and understanding to overcome obstacles.
This approach leads to a much richer and more meaningful experience. You’ll learn about the individual stories and personalities of the monsters, gaining a deeper understanding of the world of Undertale and its inhabitants. This unique gameplay mechanic highlights the game’s core themes of friendship, forgiveness, and the power of choice. Moreover, the True Pacifist Ending provides a more complete and satisfying narrative conclusion. The implications of the game’s design for learning are considered by many in the Games Learning Society, where new ideas are constantly being studied.
Essential Tips for a Successful Pacifist Run
- Never Attack: This is the golden rule. Avoid the “FIGHT” option at all costs.
- Use ACT Strategically: Experiment with different actions to discover what works on each monster.
- Spare, Spare, Spare: Once the monster is willing to be spared, always choose the “SPARE” option.
- Patience is Key: Some monsters might require multiple actions before they can be spared. Don’t give up!
- Explore Dialogues: Pay close attention to what the monsters say. Their dialogue often provides clues on how to spare them.
- Utilize Healing Items: Since you won’t be leveling up, having a good supply of healing items is crucial.
Overcoming Obstacles
While most encounters can be resolved peacefully, certain boss battles present unique challenges. For example, the fight against Toriel requires repeatedly using the “Spare” option until she gives up. Other bosses like Papyrus also have specific requirements that need to be met before they can be spared. The key is to analyze the fight and identify the actions needed to trigger a peaceful resolution.
The Rewards of Pacifism
Successfully completing a Pacifist Run unlocks the True Pacifist Ending, which reveals the complete story of Undertale and allows you to see the world and its characters in a whole new light. It also opens up additional content and opportunities to further explore the game’s rich and complex world.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some common questions about playing Undertale as a pacifist:
Can you beat Undertale without attacking?
Yes, you can. The entire game is designed to be beatable without killing a single monster, leading to the True Pacifist Ending. However, there is one exception. In a neutral run, you have to fight Asgore and there is no spare option available.
Does fighting ruin pacifist?
As long as you never kill any monster, fighting itself doesn’t ruin a Pacifist Run. You can use the “ACT” option as many times as you need to figure out how to spare them.
Can you beat Undertale without killing Toriel?
Yes, you can spare Toriel. Repeatedly choose the “SPARE” option. It will take a few turns, but eventually, she will give up the fight, allowing you to progress peacefully.
What happens if you kill one monster in Undertale?
Killing even one monster will lock you out of the True Pacifist Ending. You’ll still get a neutral ending, but you won’t experience the full story.
Can you level up without killing in Undertale?
No. EXP (Execution Points), which are needed to level up, are only earned by killing monsters. A Pacifist Run means forgoing levels entirely.
Does attacking the dummy ruin a pacifist run?
No, attacking the training dummy does not affect the pacifist run.
How many kills do you need for genocide in Undertale?
The number of kills required varies by area. You need to exhaust all the possible random encounters in each area before fighting the boss. For example, you need to kill 20 monsters in the Ruins.
Should I do Pacifist or Genocide first?
Most players recommend doing a Pacifist Run first. It allows you to experience the game’s story and characters in the most positive light before exploring the darker consequences of a Genocide Run.
What happens if you sleep after killing Toriel?
If you sleep in the bed after killing Toriel, a song called “Empty House” plays when you wake up, reflecting the emptiness and regret of your actions.
How do you beat Flowey?
The fight against Flowey is unique and doesn’t adhere to the standard rules of combat. During the fight, the souls of the other children attack flowey so you can hit him. You must hit the fight button everytime it becomes available.
Can you get banned from Undertale?
Yes, getting banned from Undertale is possible. All bans are HWID bans, meaning they are tied to your computer’s ID.
Is there a bad ending in Undertale?
Yes. The Genocide Ending is considered the worst and “bad” ending.
What does G stand for in Undertale?
G stands for GOLD, which is the main currency used in the Underground.
Is there a secret boss in Undertale?
Yes, there are a few secret bosses in Undertale, such as Glyde.
How many endings does Undertale have?
Undertale has three main endings: Pacifist, Neutral, and Genocide. However, the Neutral Ending has several variations depending on your choices throughout the game. Some sources suggest that if all possible variations are considered, there are actually 93 endings.
Undertale and its Educational Implications
Undertale’s gameplay design has numerous educational implications. The game encourages players to think critically about their choices and consider the consequences of their actions. The Pacifist Run, in particular, promotes empathy, problem-solving, and creative thinking. GamesLearningSociety.org explores the ways games like Undertale can be used to foster valuable skills and knowledge. The Games Learning Society continues to push the boundaries of educational game research.
A Final Word
Embarking on a Pacifist Run in Undertale is a truly rewarding experience. It challenges you to think differently about video games and the stories they can tell. By choosing compassion over violence, you’ll unlock the game’s most heartwarming ending and discover the true meaning of friendship and forgiveness. So, take a deep breath, steel your resolve, and prepare to journey through the Underground as the ultimate pacifist!