Does Killing in Deltarune Matter? Unraveling Morality in Toby Fox’s World
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The simple answer is: it’s complicated. Unlike its predecessor, Undertale, where your choices regarding violence had profound, visible consequences on the game’s ending and world state, Deltarune appears to play with the illusion of choice. While it might feel like killing doesn’t matter on a macro level – the overarching narrative seems intent on reaching a predetermined conclusion – the micro consequences, the ripples caused by your actions, are where the true impact lies. The game subtly suggests that these choices, while not derailing the main story, still shape the kind of story you experience and potentially inform future chapters.
The Illusion of Choice vs. Meaningful Impact
Deltarune masterfully toys with the concept of player agency. In Undertale, a Pacifist Run resulted in a heartwarming, optimistic ending, while a Genocide Run transformed the game into a chilling, self-aware deconstruction of RPG tropes. Deltarune initially presents itself as a stark contrast. Ralsei explicitly states that your choices ultimately won’t change the ending. This statement leads many to believe that engaging in violence or adhering to pacifism is irrelevant. However, dismissing the impact of your actions entirely is a mistake.
The “choices don’t matter” mantra can be interpreted in several ways. It could mean the core narrative remains fixed, a predestined path Kris, Susie, and Ralsei are destined to follow. But it doesn’t preclude the possibility of character development, altered relationships, or even unforeseen circumstances arising from your decisions. The game seems to prioritize emotional impact over branching narrative paths. The way characters react to your choices, the subtle changes in dialogue, and the lingering feelings associated with those decisions are crucial.
The Snowgrave Route: A Dark Exception
The most obvious counterpoint to the “choices don’t matter” narrative is the Snowgrave Route (also known as the Weird Route) in Chapter 2. This route, triggered by manipulating Noelle into using her ice magic in increasingly harmful ways, showcases a significant deviation from the standard gameplay. This deviation is achieved by leading her to attack and ultimately “freeze” enemies, in particular, Berdly.
While the ultimate fate of the world might remain the same, the Snowgrave Route has profound consequences for Noelle’s character, her relationship with Kris, and the overall tone of the chapter. It demonstrates that extreme choices, while potentially not altering the grand scheme, can create a distinctly different and disturbing gameplay experience. This is a critical piece of the puzzle: even within a seemingly fixed narrative, your actions can still have devastating effects on individuals.
Nuances and Subtle Consequences
Beyond the Snowgrave Route, even seemingly minor choices can have subtle repercussions. Sparing or fighting enemies, befriending certain characters, and completing optional side quests can all lead to unique dialogue, altered character interactions, and potential foreshadowing for future chapters. For example, if you don’t recruit all the possible enemies in Cyber World, Nubert won’t come to Castle Town, which Queen notices, indicating that these seemingly inconsequential decisions do matter to some extent.
These consequences may not drastically alter the game’s ending, but they contribute to a richer, more personalized experience. They suggest that while the destination might be fixed, the journey is shaped by your actions. This approach to storytelling emphasizes character-driven narrative over pure player-driven narrative, highlighting the idea that even within predetermined circumstances, individuals can still make choices that influence their personal narratives and relationships.
Implications for Future Chapters
The ongoing nature of Deltarune as a multi-chapter release further complicates the question of whether killing matters. While the first two chapters suggest limited overall impact, future chapters could reveal the long-term consequences of choices made earlier in the game. The Snowgrave Route, in particular, leaves many questions unanswered and raises the possibility of lasting repercussions for Noelle and the party.
It’s possible that seemingly minor choices made in the first two chapters could have unforeseen consequences in later installments, creating a more complex and nuanced understanding of player agency within the overall narrative. This approach aligns with the philosophy found at Games Learning Society, which champions using games to explore complex topics and engage players in meaningful learning experiences. It fosters critical thinking about choices and their short and long-term effects. You can read more at GamesLearningSociety.org.
In conclusion, while Deltarune might initially seem to downplay the significance of killing, a closer examination reveals a more complex picture. The core narrative might remain fixed, but the way you experience that narrative, the relationships you forge, and the consequences those actions carry may be far from irrelevant. And the true weight of your choices may not be fully revealed until future chapters unfold. The game’s brilliance lies in forcing players to confront the illusion of control while still grappling with the moral implications of their actions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is it possible to do a Genocide run in Deltarune?
While the Snowgrave Route is often referred to as a “Genocide route” due to its dark nature and the manipulation of Noelle, it’s not a true Genocide route in the Undertale sense. It doesn’t involve systematically eliminating all monsters in the game. Instead, it focuses on a specific set of actions within Chapter 2 that lead to a drastically different and morally questionable outcome.
How many kills do you need for genocide in Undertale?
In Undertale, to trigger the Genocide Route in a specific area, you must exhaust the monster population before facing the area’s boss. For example, in the Ruins, you need to kill 20 monsters before fighting Toriel. Once you’ve met your quota, you’ll encounter the message “But nobody came.”
What choices matter in DeltaRune?
Most choices in Deltarune don’t seem to drastically alter the main plotline, but they do affect character relationships, dialogue, and access to certain events. The Snowgrave Route is the biggest exception, creating a drastically different experience. Minor choices, like sparing enemies or completing side quests, contribute to a more personalized and potentially foreshadowing-filled experience.
Are we controlling Kris in Deltarune?
Yes, for the vast majority of the game, the player controls Kris. However, there are moments, particularly at the end of each chapter, where Kris acts independently, ripping out their SOUL. These moments suggest a struggle for control and raise questions about Kris’s agency.
Can you stop Susie from attacking Deltarune?
Early in the game, Susie is initially aggressive and prone to attacking without your command. The only way to prevent this is to repeatedly use the ACT command to warn enemies about her incoming attacks, causing them to miss and allowing you to spare them.
Can you reason with the king in Deltarune?
No, King in Chapter 1 cannot be reasoned with. The only ways to “defeat” him are to either fight him or survive his attacks for 15 turns.
What happens if you don’t recruit everyone Deltarune?
If you don’t recruit all possible enemies in the Cyber World, Nubert won’t appear in Castle Town. This lack of recruitment is also acknowledged by Queen in her dialogue, and prevents a specific scene between King and Queen in the Castle Town basement from occurring.
Is Ralsei a pacifist?
Ralsei is generally portrayed as a pacifist, encouraging Kris and Susie to spare enemies rather than fight them. However, he demonstrates a deep trust in Kris’s decisions and will attack if commanded.
Is Ralsei just Asriel?
While Ralsei and Asriel share some physical similarities (both being goat-like creatures), they are likely distinct characters. Ralsei is a Darkner, while Asriel is Kris’s older brother, away at university.
Why does Kris rip out his soul?
Kris removes their SOUL in moments where they appear to be reclaiming control over their actions. It’s speculated that they are resisting an external influence or struggling with their own identity.
Is Chara possessing Kris?
The game suggests that Kris isn’t necessarily being possessed by Chara, but rather ceasing to be possessed. Their actions at the end of the game, while unsettling, might be an assertion of their own will rather than the influence of another entity.
Why does Ralsei turn black?
Ralsei doesn’t actually “turn” black. He’s always been white-furred. The initial appearance of black fur was simply due to the shadows cast by his hat and tunic.
Is Susie non binary?
While Susie’s gender is traditionally considered female, there has been much discussion within the fanbase and no explicit statement from the developer about her gender identity.
Who does Ralsei have a crush on?
It is heavily implied that Ralsei has a crush on Kris, adding a layer of complexity to their relationship.
Will we see Asriel in Deltarune?
Asriel, Kris’s older brother, is frequently mentioned throughout the first two chapters of Deltarune, but he is away at university. It is highly likely that he will make an appearance in future chapters.