Does Beating Jevil Do Anything? A Deep Dive into the Mad Jester of Deltarune
Yes, beating Jevil absolutely does do something, and the consequences are significant, particularly in terms of items you receive and your overall experience within Deltarune. Your method of defeating Jevil—whether through violence or pacifism—determines which of two powerful rewards you’ll obtain, adding a layer of strategy and moral consideration to the battle. It’s not just a throwaway fight; it’s a pivotal moment that directly impacts your party’s power. Let’s break down the specifics.
The Tangible Rewards: Weapons and Armor
The Devilsknife: A Path of Aggression
If you choose to defeat Jevil by whittling down his health bar, engaging in a traditional, combat-focused approach, you’ll be rewarded with the Devilsknife. This powerful axe is exclusively equipable by Susie, boasting impressive stat boosts: +5 Attack and +4 Magic. Beyond the raw stats, it provides a significant tactical advantage: the Rude Buster skill cost is reduced by 10 TP, allowing Susie to utilize her most potent attack more often. If you favor an aggressive playstyle, this is the choice for you. It provides Susie with a powerful advantage.
The Jevilstail: A Path of Mercy
Alternatively, you can choose to pacify Jevil by raising his tiredness level to at least 9 and then using Ralsei’s Pacify spell. This is achieved by utilizing Hypnosis and Pirouette, which weaken Jevil through weariness and eventually render him unable to fight. Opting for this merciful route earns you the Jevilstail armor. This armor provides a balanced boost to stats: +2 Attack, +2 Defense, and +2 Magic. The unique aspect of the Jevilstail is that it can be equipped by any party member. This flexibility allows you to augment any character to your specific party strategy or to provide a boost to the character in your party who needs it most.
Beyond the Items: The Intangible Impact
A Matter of Choice
The Jevil fight in Deltarune is deliberately designed to provide the player with a clear choice. You can aggressively pursue victory via brute force, or you can achieve victory through patience, strategy and mercy. Your method of victory directly shapes the kind of items you have access to, and also the play style you will adopt. The choice forces you to consider your values and preferred play style and how they can influence the game moving forward.
Experience and Challenge
Confronting Jevil is not just about the loot. The encounter itself is renowned for its difficulty. Succeeding—by either method—provides a sense of accomplishment and mastery. Jevil is a tough boss to defeat, and completing this challenge is a significant milestone in Deltarune. Beating Jevil, regardless of method, can be a really challenging and engaging experience, so achieving the win is a large payoff by itself.
Jevil’s Significance in the Lore
Jevil is also a character of significance in the lore. By defeating him, you’re engaging with the narrative beyond just a boss battle. His interactions with the characters and references to chaos and freedom add layers to the world. He isn’t just an enemy; he’s a window into the more cryptic and complicated plot elements of the Deltarune universe.
FAQ: Unpacking Jevil and His Impact
Can Jevil be beaten peacefully?
Yes, Jevil can be beaten peacefully by raising his tiredness level to at least 9 using Hypnosis and Pirouette, and then using Ralsei’s Pacify skill.
Does Jevil target Ralsei specifically?
While many jokes suggest Jevil targets Ralsei, this isn’t exactly true. Jevil’s attacks are designed to hit all three party members. Ralsei tends to fall first due to having the lowest health.
Is Sans or Jevil harder to beat?
This is subjective but many consider Jevil to be harder than Sans. Jevil has a more unpredictable and reaction-based combat style, while Sans’ patterns, once learned, become more manageable.
Why is Jevil so powerful?
Jevil’s power is likely a reference to the Joker card in a standard deck, a wildcard that can overpower other cards. This reflects his unpredictable behavior and strength.
How many Hypnosis does it take to tire out Jevil?
If using only Hypnosis, it takes 9 casts to tire out Jevil enough to pacify him.
Why does Lancer call Ralsei “Toothpaste Boy”?
Lancer calls Ralsei various silly names, like “Toothpaste Boy,” as an attempt to make fun of him. He doesn’t take Ralsei seriously, which is why he uses these insulting titles.
Who is Ralsei’s crush?
It’s heavily implied that Ralsei has a crush on Kris. This creates a parallel with the idea of Kris’s brother Asriel, and an added layer of complexity to Ralsei as a character.
Why does Spamton hate Jevil?
Spamton dislikes and envies Jevil because Jevil is focused on “fun and games,” which Spamton despises in contrast to his own more “productive” endeavors.
When should you spare Jevil?
You should spare Jevil when his tiredness is at least 9. This can be achieved before the final phase of the fight.
Who should equip the Jevilstail?
The Jevilstail is versatile as it can be equipped by any party member, so the decision should depend on which party member you want to buff.
Is Spamton harder than Jevil?
No, Spamton is generally considered easier than Jevil. Jevil’s unpredictable attacks are significantly more difficult to contend with than Spamton’s more patterned combat.
Can you beat Jevil without attacking?
Yes, you can beat Jevil without attacking, by using Pacify after raising his tiredness level.
Is Jevil stronger than the King?
Yes, Jevil is intended to be stronger than the King, again mirroring the Joker card’s role as an outlier in a deck of cards.
Can Jevil be pacified?
Yes, Jevil can be pacified once he is tired enough.
Does Ralsei blush if you stand close to him?
Yes, Ralsei will blush if Kris stands very close to him for several seconds. This cute detail adds another layer to his character.
Conclusion: A Significant Encounter
Beating Jevil in Deltarune, whether through violence or pacifism, does more than just clear a difficult boss encounter. It grants powerful, exclusive items tailored to different play styles. It also tests your skills and challenges your choices. The rewards and challenges are important, and the significance of this chaotic character elevates this fight to more than just an arbitrary battle. It’s an experience that is central to the game’s narrative and core mechanics.