How Long Does It Take to Finish Undertale? A Comprehensive Guide
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The charming and quirky world of Undertale has captivated gamers with its unique blend of RPG mechanics, compelling narrative, and memorable characters. One of the most common questions for newcomers and returning players alike is: How long does it take to finish Undertale? The answer, like the game itself, is multifaceted and depends heavily on your playstyle and goals. Let’s dive into a detailed explanation of the various playtime possibilities.
At its core, a playthrough focused solely on main objectives can be completed in approximately 7 hours. However, this is a very streamlined approach that largely ignores the rich side content and narrative depth that make Undertale so beloved. If you’re aiming to experience more of what the game offers, you can expect to invest considerably more time. To achieve 100% completion, encompassing all aspects and secrets, you’re looking at roughly 20½ hours. This includes exploring every nook and cranny, uncovering hidden dialogues, and engaging with the diverse character cast.
Time Based On Different Playstyles and Endings
The time spent in Undertale can significantly vary depending on the specific route you choose to take. Different paths unlock different endings, each influencing how long your adventure lasts.
The Pacifist Route
If you’re aiming for the True Pacifist Ending, the time investment can vary. A dedicated run focused only on progressing without much story immersion can be as short as 6 hours, but for many players this is unrealistic. You’ll naturally want to explore more of the world, talk to the characters, and enjoy the interactions that lead up to the True Pacifist End. For a fulfilling pacifist run, you can expect to spend more time, likely around 10-15 hours, even higher if you’re a completionist.
The Genocide Route
The Genocide Route offers a starkly different experience, both in terms of gameplay and story. A first-time Genocide run is likely to take 5-10 hours, depending on your thoroughness. The need to systematically hunt down every monster in each area adds a unique grind to this path, however grinding isn’t needed for the main requirements of this path. Subsequent playthroughs on the genocide route can be much quicker, taking about 2-5 hours.
Neutral Endings
The Neutral Endings are the most variable and occur if the criteria for the Pacifist or Genocide endings are not met. The time to get a neutral ending sits in the middle, depending on how many optional areas you have explored and how much side content you experienced during your playtime.
The Spectrum of Undertale Playtimes
The variability in playtime comes down to your goals. Some players are content with just reaching the end, while others crave a deep dive into the game’s world and secrets.
- Main Objectives: Around 7 hours
- 100% Completion: Roughly 20½ hours
- True Pacifist: 6 hours (minimal dialogue) to 15+ hours (explorative)
- Genocide: 5-10 hours (first playthrough), 2-5 hours (subsequent playthroughs)
- All Endings and Secrets: 32+ hours
In addition, there is considerable replay value in Undertale. The game encourages multiple playthroughs to see different outcomes. If you are keen on seeing every ending and experiencing all the possible variants, expect to spend well over 32 hours within the underground.
Undertale: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
To further assist your journey through the Underground, we’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions about Undertale:
1. How many endings does Undertale have?
Undertale has three main endings: The Neutral Ending, the True Pacifist Ending, and the Genocide Ending. These can have variations based on your choices in the game. There is a grand total of 93 endings which take into account all variations within the 3 main ending types.
2. Can you finish Undertale in a day?
Yes, you can finish Undertale in a day if you’re focusing solely on the main objectives. A 7-hour playthrough is entirely achievable for an efficient player. However, to see all endings and the full story, you will need multiple days to complete the game fully.
3. How many kills do you need for the Genocide route in Undertale?
The kill quota varies per area. For example, in the Ruins, you need to kill all of the monsters available. Then in Snowdin, you need to eliminate the allocated monsters within that area, and so on. You will need to kill 40 monsters before facing Mettaton in Hotland as this counts as one area for the kill quota.
4. Can you spare Sans in a Genocide run?
No, you cannot spare Sans in a Genocide run. If you choose to “Mercy” him during his boss fight, you will encounter an unavoidable death trap.
5. How do you beat Flowey?
To beat Flowey, you must endure his attacks until the six human souls join your side. These souls will reduce Flowey’s defense to zero and give you healing options. Once they start appearing, attack Flowey each time the “Fight” option is available, and he should go down quickly.
6. Is Sans good or bad?
Sans is not a villain. He only fights the player during a Genocide run when the player has killed all monsters in the Underground. He can be viewed as an antagonist, but only if you are on the no-mercy path.
7. Is Undertale a horror game?
While Undertale isn’t a traditional horror game with jump scares, it contains some frightening moments that may unsettle younger children. Some areas have eerie music, and character designs can be spooky, but it is not considered a horror game.
8. Can you beat Undertale without killing anyone?
Yes, you can beat Undertale without killing anyone. In fact, going this path is the only way to experience the True Pacifist Ending, which is widely considered the optimal path for a first playthrough.
9. How replayable is Undertale?
Undertale is highly replayable, thanks to its multiple endings and unique character interactions. You can only fight Photoshop Flowey once per save unless you manipulate the game files or finish either the Pacifist or Genocide path.
10. How do you spare Toriel?
To spare Toriel, choose the “Spare” option repeatedly. Avoid attacking her, and she will eventually give up the fight.
11. How do you activate the Genocide route?
To activate the Genocide route, you must kill every monster you encounter in each area. Eventually, the music will change, and you’ll be informed how many monsters are left in that area before moving to the next.
12. Why is my screen black after completing the Genocide route?
After completing the Genocide route, the screen turns black due to a lack of anything left in the world. You need to wait 10 minutes or delete your save files to resolve this, allowing you to proceed.
13. What is the age limit for Undertale?
Undertale is rated 10+ by the ESRB (Entertainment Software Rating Board), so it is generally considered appropriate for children aged 10 and up.
14. How do I quit Undertale without losing progress?
Undertale saves automatically at each save point (the yellow star-like icons). To quit, simply press the “Escape” key after your character has saved.
15. Does fleeing ruin a True Pacifist run?
No, fleeing from battles does not ruin a True Pacifist run. The only way to void the True Pacifist ending is to gain EXP (by killing).
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the time it takes to finish Undertale varies greatly based on individual playstyles and goals. Whether you’re aiming for a quick run through the main story, exploring every nook and cranny for 100% completion, or diving deep into multiple playthroughs to experience every ending, Undertale offers a flexible and rewarding experience. The charm of the world and the characters make it a title you’ll want to revisit again and again. Enjoy your journey through the Underground!