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Does Undertale Really Only Have Two Endings? A Deep Dive

The short answer? No, Undertale does not have just two endings. While you might initially hear about a “good” and “bad” ending, the reality is far more nuanced. Undertale boasts a complex branching narrative with multiple outcomes influenced by your every choice. Calling it a mere two-ending game is a gross oversimplification. There are a few main paths, but they offer a significant variance.

Unpacking the Endings: More Than Meets the Eye

Undertale expertly uses player agency to craft a personalized story. Your decisions, particularly regarding sparing or killing monsters, fundamentally alter the narrative’s trajectory. While it is true that there are a couple of primary endings, and many minor endings that are simply different variations on those primary themes. Here’s a closer look:

The Core Routes

Pacifist Route: Often considered the “true” ending, this requires completing the entire game without killing a single monster. This path emphasizes solving encounters through dialogue and non-violent actions. Achieving the “True Pacifist” ending involves additional steps like befriending specific characters. Undertale’s True Pacifist ending is regarded as the best conclusion to the game by many fans.
Neutral Route: This is the default ending you’ll get if you don’t meet the specific conditions for the Pacifist or Genocide routes. The Neutral Route is more varied than the other routes. It is greatly impacted by the bosses and other monsters you killed. In a Neutral Route it is possible to kill no one except for one boss.
Genocide Route: This is the “bad” ending, involving the systematic slaughter of every monster in every area. The Genocide Route completely changes the game’s tone and offers a disturbing and thought-provoking experience. The Genocide Route can be considered one of the saddest endings in the game because the game is self aware of your role as the killer.

The Nuances Within

While those are the broad strokes, the magic of Undertale lies in the details.

Neutral Ending Variations: The Neutral Route has dozens of variations depending on which monsters you killed and spared. Who becomes ruler of the Underground, for example, shifts based on your actions.
Pacifist Ending: The Pacifist route has two endings. The Pacifist and True Pacifist endings. Players generally want the True Pacifist run to be their first ending because it gives the game the best experience.
Genocide Ending: There are also two endings for Genocide. One where you go through a Genocide Run, and one where you proceed to do a Pacifist run after doing Genocide. The latter is called Soulless Pacifist route, as the actions of your previous playthrough will affect the Pacifist ending.

The Illusion of Choice?

Some might argue that these variations don’t constitute truly separate endings. After all, the core narrative structure remains the same. However, the emotional impact and consequences of your actions are profoundly different. Undertale excels at making you feel the weight of your choices, blurring the lines between player and character.

The variety of endings gives the game a replayability value. Most players will want to see the effects of a few runs. Undertale is a game that wants you to finish it because there is a whole conclusion, not matter what choices you make along the way.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Undertale Endings

Here are 15 frequently asked questions to help you understand the complexities of Undertale‘s ending system:

How many actual distinct endings does Undertale have?

It’s difficult to put an exact number on it. There are three primary routes, each branching into multiple variations depending on your actions. Many consider there to be 93 total ending variations. Some variations are too minor to truly consider them distinct.
What determines which ending I get?

Your ending is primarily determined by your actions throughout the game, especially regarding whether you choose to spare or kill monsters. Key decisions about befriending certain characters also play a role.
What is the “True Pacifist” ending, and how do I get it?

The True Pacifist ending requires completing a Pacifist run (sparing everyone) and then fulfilling specific side quests involving befriending Papyrus, Undyne, and Alphys. You also need to explore the True Lab.
Can I get the True Pacifist ending on my first playthrough?

Yes, it is recommended by many players to do a blind pacifist run. However, you need to have not killed anyone in a previous run.
What happens if I kill just one monster?

Killing even one monster (besides Flowey at the end of a Neutral run) will prevent you from achieving the True Pacifist ending. You’ll be locked into a Neutral ending.
What are the conditions for the Genocide Route?

To trigger the Genocide Route, you must intentionally kill every monster in each area before fighting the boss. This requires grinding encounters until no more monsters appear.
Is the Genocide Route harder than the Pacifist Route?

The Genocide Route is generally considered much harder due to the challenging battles, particularly against Sans. The emotional toll of the route is also significant.
Does fleeing from battles ruin a Pacifist run?

No, fleeing from battles does not ruin a Pacifist run. You only need to avoid killing monsters and gaining EXP.
What happens if I name myself “Chara”?

Naming yourself “Chara” doesn’t significantly affect the gameplay. It adds a layer of meta-commentary and references the character’s role in the story.
Is there a “true” Neutral ending?

Not really. There are many variations, and it depends on the actions you took to get there. Some players are attached to a neutral run though because it can be significantly easier to beat than a Pacifist or Genocide run.
Does killing Flowey at the end affect anything?

Killing Flowey at the end of a Neutral run doesn’t prevent you from achieving the True Pacifist ending in a subsequent playthrough. You need to spare Flowey to progress towards True Pacifist.
What is the “Soulless Pacifist” ending?

The “Soulless Pacifist” ending occurs if you complete a Genocide Route and then attempt a True Pacifist run. The final scene is altered, suggesting a lingering influence from your previous actions.
Why is Chara considered evil in the Genocide Route?

The game suggests that Chara’s actions are influenced by the player’s own choices. The player is ultimately responsible for the Genocide Route.
What happens if I spare Monster Kid during a Genocide Route?

Sparing Monster Kid will only delay his death. They will eventually be killed.
How does Undertale use player choice to teach players about decision making?

Undertale is an excellent example of how games can encourage prosocial behavior. GamesLearningSociety.org examines how player choices in games can influence decision-making skills and foster empathy.

Beyond the Binary: A Game of Consequences

Undertale isn’t about simply choosing between “good” and “bad” endings. It’s about understanding the consequences of your actions and grappling with the complex moral landscape. The game demonstrates that, by the variety of endings. Each route gives the player a new perspective on the story and its characters. Undertale makes a statement on the nature of choice and the responsibility that comes with it. The different endings help to emphasize this message.

Does Undertale have 2 endings?