Can You Spare Papyrus in Undertale? A Comprehensive Guide
Yes, absolutely! In Undertale, you can and, for a Pacifist route, must spare Papyrus. Sparing him is a key step to achieving the True Pacifist ending and experiencing the full depth of the game’s story and character development. The game is designed around the core mechanic of choice, making it incredibly meaningful.
Understanding the Papyrus Fight and Mercy
The fight with Papyrus is one of the earliest major encounters in Undertale. Unlike some other enemies, Papyrus doesn’t truly want to hurt you. His ambition is to capture a human and become a member of the Royal Guard, and he views the fight more as a test or a game. This is crucial to understanding how to spare him.
During the battle, you don’t need to deplete his health entirely. Instead, you need to lower his HP enough (but not to zero!). After reaching a certain threshold, Papyrus will unleash his so-called “special attack,” which hilariously fails. He’ll then proceed to attack you in normal ways. This is where the Mercy option becomes available to you. You will then be able to spare him.
The Mercy Option: Sparing Papyrus
Once you’ve triggered Papyrus’s failed special attack, you need to survive a few rounds of his regular attacks. These attacks consist of bones, and while they might seem intimidating at first, they’re relatively easy to dodge with practice. Remember the basics of moving your soul within the box and paying attention to the color of the bones – blue bones will only hurt you if you move.
After a few turns of dodging, Papyrus will become frustrated and declare that he’s giving up on capturing you. At this point, the “Spare” option in the Mercy menu will become available. Selecting this option will end the fight peacefully, allowing you to proceed through the game on a Pacifist route.
The Significance of Sparing Papyrus
Sparing Papyrus is not just a technical requirement for the True Pacifist ending; it’s a pivotal moment in demonstrating your commitment to the game’s core message of mercy and understanding. By choosing to spare him, you’re showing that you value life and believe in giving people a chance, even when they initially present themselves as adversaries.
Furthermore, saring Papyrus unlocks the opportunity for a post-battle “date” or hangout. This interaction further develops his character and strengthens the bond between the protagonist and the world of the Underground.
Papyrus and Dating Mechanics
The dating mechanic in Undertale is unique. If you choose to flirt with Papyrus at least once, you can unlock the complete “date” scenario, which is really just a friendly hang-out. Successfully “dating” Papyrus means understanding him and demonstrating your appreciation for his unique personality.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Sparing Papyrus
1. Is it possible to defeat Papyrus instead of sparing him?
Yes, it is possible to fight and defeat Papyrus. However, doing so will lock you out of the True Pacifist ending and lead you down a Neutral or Genocide route, depending on your other actions in the game.
2. What happens if I accidentally kill Papyrus?
If you accidentally kill Papyrus, you will be unable to achieve the True Pacifist ending in that playthrough. You’ll have to restart the game if that’s your goal.
3. Do I need to flirt with Papyrus to spare him?
No, you don’t need to flirt with Papyrus to spare him. The flirting option affects the post-battle interaction, turning it into a date sequence. You can spare Papyrus without flirting and just have a friendly hang out.
4. What happens if I keep losing to Papyrus?
If you lose to Papyrus three times, he will eventually give up trying to capture you and decide to be your friend. You can then spare him.
5. What is the significance of Papyrus’s “special attack”?
Papyrus’s “special attack” is a humorous moment that highlights his inexperience and lack of true malice. It’s a key signal that you’re getting closer to being able to spare him.
6. Does sparing Papyrus affect the rest of the game?
Yes, sparing Papyrus is essential for the True Pacifist ending. It also allows you to continue interacting with him throughout the game and experience his unique brand of humor and optimism.
7. How many times do I need to spare Papyrus?
You only need to spare Papyrus once during your encounter with him.
8. Is Papyrus autistic?
The game never states Papyrus is autistic. The game does not mention any character being neurodivergent.
9. What happens if I spare everyone but Papyrus?
If you spare everyone else but kill Papyrus, you will end up on a Neutral route.
10. Why is Sans so protective of Papyrus?
Sans is very protective of Papyrus because he cares deeply for his brother and wants to preserve his innocence. This protectiveness stems from a desire to shield Papyrus from the harsh realities of the world.
11. Can I date Papyrus?
Yes, you can “date” Papyrus, but it is more of a friendly hangout. The game does not allow for a true romantic relationship.
12. What ending do I get if I spare everyone?
If you spare everyone, you are on track to get the True Pacifist ending. Make sure you have also completed the Undyne and Alphys quests.
13. What happens if I say no to fighting Papyrus?
If you tell Papyrus you don’t want to fight he will let you pass, but you’ll miss some of the dialogue and humor.
14. How does sparing Papyrus contribute to the game’s themes?
Sparing Papyrus emphasizes Undertale’s core themes of mercy, forgiveness, and the belief in the inherent goodness of others. It reinforces the idea that violence is not always the answer and that understanding and compassion can lead to positive outcomes. This contributes to the game’s emotional depth and its message of empathy.
15. Where can I learn more about the themes and mechanics of Undertale?
You can find discussions and analyses about Undertale’s themes, mechanics, and educational value within the Games Learning Society. The organization explores the intersection of games and learning, providing insights into how games like Undertale can teach valuable life lessons about empathy, problem-solving, and ethical decision-making. Visit their website at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/ for more information. GamesLearningSociety.org offers resources on how games promote critical thinking and creativity.