Does Deltarune Happen Before or After Undertale? The Truth Unveiled
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The question of whether Deltarune takes place before or after Undertale is a common one among fans, and the answer is definitively: neither. Deltarune is not a sequel, prequel, or alternate timeline within the same universe as Undertale. Instead, Toby Fox, the creator, has explicitly stated that they are separate worlds with different characters living different lives. This means that Deltarune is its own distinct entity, existing in a parallel universe to Undertale.
This distinction is crucial to understanding the narrative and themes of both games. While there are familiar faces and similar concepts, these are presented with a new context, history, and purpose. The connection between the two is thematic rather than chronological, allowing both to explore different facets of the worlds and characters. It’s a tale of parallel stories, not one that proceeds from the other.
Why the Confusion?
The confusion often arises from the presence of returning characters like Sans, Asgore, and Toriel, as well as similar monster types and even the presence of a character that resembles Chara. However, these characters have undergone significant changes or are in entirely different situations in Deltarune. For instance, Asriel is alive and attending college, while Alphys and Undyne don’t seem to know each other – events that are impossible within the timeline of Undertale. These are not the same characters you meet in Undertale but rather parallel versions of them.
The presence of these familiar faces in a different setting has led many fans to speculate about timelines and alternate universes, but the intention is clear: they are not the same characters or the same world. This separation allows Toby Fox to tell different stories, explore different themes, and experiment with gameplay mechanics without the constraints of the existing Undertale narrative.
Examining the Differences
The differences between the two games go beyond just the character’s situations. Deltarune features a Light World and Dark Worlds, a mechanic completely absent from Undertale. The core gameplay is also different, with a greater emphasis on party mechanics and turn-based combat that is different than Undertale’s more bullet-hell focused system. These mechanics contribute to the distinct identities of each game.
The underlying theme also shifts. Undertale is focused on pacifism versus violence and the consequences of choices. In Deltarune, the theme focuses on fate vs. free will and is explored through the player’s role in controlling the character, Kris, and the presence of the player’s “soul” being ripped out by Kris at the end of each chapter. These differences highlight that Deltarune is not merely an expansion of Undertale; it’s an entirely new narrative experience.
Gaster’s Possible Role
A further complicating factor is the presence of elements connected to W.D. Gaster, a mysterious figure within the Undertale lore. Gaster also seems to have a presence in Deltarune, and it’s theorized that he’s working to create a world that he deems better than the world of Undertale. This is supported by the fact that Asriel is alive and well, Undyne has two eyes, and other positive changes to the lives of characters. Even with his presence, it doesn’t mean that the games are in the same timeline, instead, it solidifies the idea of Deltarune being a parallel universe where Gaster may be experimenting.
Conclusion: Parallel Narratives, Not Sequels or Prequels
In summary, Deltarune does not happen before or after Undertale. They exist as separate entities in different worlds and should be treated as such. The connections between the two games are thematic and character-based rather than a chronological progression. It’s better to think of them as parallel stories that offer new ways of thinking about the narrative themes and character archetypes present in both. The lack of a linear connection allows both games to be appreciated on their own merits and for their unique gameplay.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is Deltarune an Alternate Universe of Undertale?
Yes, Deltarune is best described as an Alternate Universe (AU) to Undertale. This means it exists outside the linear continuity of Undertale, featuring familiar characters in entirely different circumstances.
2. When Does Deltarune Take Place?
There’s strong evidence within the game that Deltarune takes place in 1997. This is referenced by several in-game events and is not linked to any temporal placement in relation to Undertale.
3. Does Deltarune Have a Genocide Route?
While not referred to as such by the game, Deltarune Chapter 2 features a “Weird Route,” also known as the Snowgrave Route. This route is triggered by specific actions and leads to a darker story within the game. This is not to be mistaken for a traditional Genocide route seen in Undertale.
4. Is the Player Controlling Chara in Deltarune?
No, the player in Deltarune controls Kris, who is a distinct character. Kris does have their own pre-determined personality and memories. Kris is the Deltarune version of Chara but should not be thought of as the exact same character.
5. Why Is Asriel Alive in Deltarune?
Asriel’s existence in Deltarune, alive and attending college, is a clear indication that it’s not a direct continuation of Undertale. It’s part of the changes within this different world.
6. Is Sans the Same in Deltarune?
Sans is a recurring character in Deltarune but is not the same character from Undertale. He runs a shop in Hometown as the “janitor” but lives a different life and has a different role in the world of Deltarune.
7. What is Kris’ Race in Deltarune?
Kris is a human Lightner and the main protagonist of Deltarune. This is explicitly stated when inspecting a mirror in Chapter 2.
8. Who is Jevil in Deltarune?
Jevil is a Darkner from the Card Kingdom and is the bonus boss for Chapter 1. He holds a Shadow Crystal and can be encountered by going through a secret passage in the castle.
9. Can You Spare Jevil?
Yes, you can spare Jevil by increasing his tiredness level, which can be done by utilizing the “Hypnosis” and “Pirouette” battle commands.
10. Is Spamton Harder Than Jevil?
Many players find Jevil to be more challenging than Spamton. Jevil’s attacks are more random and unpredictable, whereas Spamton’s attacks are more patterned and straightforward to learn.
11. Why Does Kris Remove Their Soul?
At the end of each chapter, Kris removes their soul. This is seemingly a symbol of breaking free from the control of the player and is an act that begins to perpetuate the cycle of violence that exists between humans and monsters in Deltarune’s universe.
12. Why is Gaster in Deltarune?
While his presence is not fully clear, it’s theorized that Gaster is working to create a “better” world than the one seen in Undertale, which is one of the reasons many characters are happier or have better circumstances in Deltarune.
13. Why is Deltarune Set in 1997?
The year 1997 is significant in Deltarune because it’s the year a Lightner downloaded Spamton, who is a spam program that sent out viruses to the city. These viruses then get personified as the Virovirokun characters.
14. Is Deltarune a Pacifist or Genocide Game?
While there are elements of both in Deltarune, such as the option to spare and fight, the game does not contain a traditional Pacifist or Genocide route like Undertale. Player actions can affect the ending you receive, but it does not shift the core story like it does in Undertale.
15. Is Frisk in Deltarune?
No, Frisk does not appear in Deltarune, just as Kris does not appear in Undertale. These characters exist in separate universes and are not counterparts of one another, and are instead considered entirely different characters with different lives.