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How to Achieve True Genocide in Undertale: A Comprehensive Guide

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So, you want to embark on the most emotionally challenging and arguably the darkest path in Undertale: the Genocide Route. Buckle up, because this isn’t just about combat prowess; it’s about confronting the consequences of your choices and fundamentally altering the game’s narrative. To achieve a true Genocide run, you must systematically eliminate every monster in each area before triggering the boss fight. This means exhausting random encounters in The Ruins, Snowdin, Waterfall, and Hotland (including the CORE) until you receive specific in-game cues indicating you’ve met your kill quota. Let’s dive into the details, region by region.

Understanding the Genocide Route

The Genocide Route isn’t just about high kill counts; it’s about a deliberate, methodical destruction of the Underground’s inhabitants. It transforms the player-controlled character from a potentially benevolent being into a vessel of destruction. The game subtly shifts its tone, and characters react differently, acknowledging the chilling presence you bring.

The Ruins: A Grim Beginning

To initiate the Genocide Route in The Ruins, you must meet a quota of 20 kills. Instead of progressing through the story naturally, you will deliberately walk around in designated encounter zones to trigger random battles. Fight and do not spare any monster.

Once you’ve reached the kill count, the encounter rate will drop to zero. The save points in the room will say “That’s is someone is still living”. Furthermore, when walking into an encounter the text “But nobody came.” will appear. This signals that you have successfully exterminated all monsters.

Upon progressing through The Ruins, when you encounter Toriel, she will die in a single hit when attacked.

Snowdin: Freezing Over

The next region, Snowdin, requires 16 kills. Follow the same process as in The Ruins: roam the designated encounter areas and eliminate every monster you encounter. This is crucial; if you proceed too quickly, you will be locked into a Neutral Route. The dialogue with NPCs will gradually change, reflecting the growing unease and absence of life.

Once you’ve met the 16-kill quota, Papyrus will be the next battle. However, one attack and he will be defeated.

Waterfall: The Echoes of Silence

In Waterfall, the required kill count jumps to 18. The somber atmosphere of Waterfall intensifies the experience, making each encounter feel more significant. Again, methodically clear each area, triggering random encounters until the “But nobody came.” message appears.

The Undyne boss fight will happen here. She will turn into Undyne The Undying and you need to defeat her.

Hotland and The Core: Reaching the Boiling Point

Hotland and The CORE represent the final stretch, demanding a staggering 40 kills. The increased enemy density in these regions means more encounters and a longer grind. This is the most tedious part of the Genocide Route, requiring patience and a ruthless determination.

Mettaton NEO will be the next battle and it takes one hit to take him down.

New Home: The Final Judgment

New Home is where the consequences of your actions truly come to fruition. The story takes on an even darker tone, revealing the backstory of Asriel and the events that led to the monster’s imprisonment. The final battles are not only tests of strength but also profound moments of narrative significance.

You will encounter Sans and you need to defeat him. After that you encounter Chara and you have completed the Genocide Route.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Undertale Genocide Route

Here are some frequently asked questions about the Genocide Route:

Is there a “true” Genocide Route in Undertale, or just the Genocide Route? There’s only one Genocide Route, but the term “true” emphasizes the necessity of fulfilling all requirements: killing every monster in each area before triggering the boss fight. Failing to meet quotas locks you into a Neutral Route.
How many kills are required for a Genocide Route? The number of kills depends on the area: 20 in the Ruins, 16 in Snowdin, 18 in Waterfall, and 40 in Hotland/The CORE.
What happens if I accidentally spare a monster during a Genocide Route? Sparing a monster, even accidentally, will derail your Genocide Route and shunt you onto a Neutral Route. You must reload a previous save and ensure you eliminate every monster.
Can I still get the Pacifist ending after completing a Genocide Route? Yes, but with a significant caveat. Completing a Genocide Route taints your save file permanently. Even after a True Reset, the consequences of your actions will linger, affecting the True Pacifist ending.
What is the “But nobody came” message? The “But nobody came.” message is a key indicator that you have successfully eliminated all possible monsters in a given area and can proceed to the next. It appears when you attempt to trigger a random encounter after meeting the kill quota.
How does the Genocide Route affect future playthroughs? The Genocide Route fundamentally alters the game. After completion, even a True Reset doesn’t completely erase the changes. The final scene of the True Pacifist ending will be affected by the Genocide Route.
Is the Genocide Route harder than the Pacifist Route? From a gameplay perspective, the Genocide Route can be more challenging, particularly the Sans fight. Emotionally, it’s significantly heavier due to the morally questionable actions the player must undertake.
What is the reward for completing the Genocide Route? There isn’t a traditional “reward.” The Genocide Route is more about experiencing the game’s darkest narrative path and confronting the consequences of your choices. It unlocks some dialogue options for future playthroughs.
Can I skip certain enemies during the Genocide Route? No, you must encounter and defeat every monster within each area to stay on the Genocide Route.
How long does it take to complete a Genocide Route? A Genocide Route typically takes longer than a Pacifist Route due to the repetitive nature of grinding for encounters. Expect to spend around 8-10 hours, depending on your combat efficiency.
Who is the “villain” of the Genocide Route? The “villain” is arguably the player, or the player-controlled Frisk, influenced by Chara. It’s the player’s choices that drive the character to commit these acts of violence.
Can I spare Jerry during the Genocide Route? Yes, you can spare Jerry, and it won’t break the Genocide Route. He’s a bizarre exception to the rule.
Why does my screen turn black after the Genocide Route? The black screen is a symbolic representation of the void left behind after destroying the world of Undertale. It signifies the absence of life and hope, forcing the player to confront the totality of their actions. Wait 10 minutes to continue.
What is the significance of Chara in the Genocide Route? Chara is a pivotal figure in the Genocide Route, acting as a corrupting influence on the player-controlled Frisk. They represent the destructive impulses and the consequences of unchecked power.
How do I deal with the moral implications of the Genocide Route? Undertale is designed to make you question your actions. The Genocide Route is meant to be disturbing and thought-provoking. Engage with the narrative, reflect on your choices, and consider the impact on the game’s characters. Video games can serve as valuable learning and thought-provoking experiences as described in the work of the Games Learning Society. Check out GamesLearningSociety.org to explore more about the intersection of gaming and education.