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Should I Spare Flowey in Undertale? A Comprehensive Guide

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The question of whether to spare or kill Flowey at the end of a Neutral Route in Undertale is a common one, filled with implications for future playthroughs. The straightforward answer is: it depends on your goals. If you are aiming for the True Pacifist Ending, sparing Flowey offers a small advantage: he’ll provide a hint about what steps to take next. However, killing him doesn’t lock you out of that ending, it simply means you’ll have to figure out the next steps on your own or consult a guide. Ultimately, the decision is yours, but let’s delve deeper into the considerations.

Understanding Flowey’s Role

Flowey is, without a doubt, one of the most fascinating and complex characters in Undertale. Depicted as a seemingly innocent flower, he quickly reveals himself to be a sadistic and manipulative being. His lack of a soul prevents him from feeling empathy, leading him to experiment with the timeline and engage in cruel behavior. Understanding his nature is crucial when deciding his fate.

The Argument for Sparing Flowey

A Hint for the True Pacifist Ending: This is the most practical reason to spare Flowey. After a Neutral Route, if spared, he will appear at the beginning of the Ruins and suggest befriending Papyrus, Undyne, and Alphys to unlock the True Pacifist Ending.
Moral Consideration: While Flowey is undeniably evil, some players might argue that sparing him is the “right” thing to do, especially considering his past identity as Asriel.
Completing the Narrative: Some believe that sparing Flowey allows for a more complete understanding of his character and motivations, adding depth to the overall story.

The Argument for Killing Flowey

Justice and Closure: Given Flowey’s past actions, many players feel justified in killing him, viewing it as a form of justice for his cruelty.
Preventing Future Harm: Killing Flowey eliminates the possibility of him causing further harm in future timelines.
Satisfying the Urge: Let’s be honest, after everything he puts you through, the option to finally take him down can be incredibly appealing.

Impact on Future Playthroughs

Your choice regarding Flowey primarily affects the immediate aftermath of the Neutral Ending and your path towards the True Pacifist Ending. Killing him doesn’t permanently alter the game world. He will return in subsequent playthroughs, even if you defeated him previously.

Neutral Route Consequences

If you kill Flowey, you will simply be returned to your last save point after the credits roll. The game will save, indicating that you’ve completed a Neutral Route. You’ll need to figure out the steps to the True Pacifist Ending on your own.

If you spare Flowey, he’ll offer guidance as mentioned before, reappearing at the beginning of the game to point you in the right direction.

True Pacifist Route Considerations

Whether you spared or killed Flowey in a previous Neutral Route, you can still achieve the True Pacifist Ending. The key to unlocking this ending lies in your actions throughout the game, particularly your choices regarding befriending other characters. Remember, understanding the game’s mechanics and exploring different choices can enhance your learning experience, aligning with principles championed by the Games Learning Society. You can learn more about the intersection of games and education at GamesLearningSociety.org.

FAQs: Deep Dive into Flowey’s Fate

Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the decision of whether to spare or kill Flowey:

What happens if I kill Flowey in the Neutral Ending?

You’re still eligible for the Pacifist ending. The only difference is that Flowey will not tell you what to do to get it. You’ll need to figure out the remaining steps yourself, or consult a guide.
Does Flowey come back if I kill him?

Yes. Regardless of whether you spare or kill Flowey in a Neutral Route, he will reappear in subsequent playthroughs. He’s a persistent little flower!
Do I need to spare Flowey for the True Pacifist Route?

No, you can still complete the True Pacifist Route even if you killed Flowey in your Neutral Run. The important factors for unlocking the True Pacifist Ending are your actions before the final battle with Asgore.
What happens if I reset before killing Flowey?

Nothing specific happens if you reset right at that point. It’s effectively the same as resetting at any other point in New Home. However, if you reset after beating Sans but before meeting Asgore, Flowey will express his frustration.
What does Flowey say if you spare him?

If spared after his boss battle, Flowey may say things like, “I’ll kill everyone. I’ll kill everyone you love.” This highlights his twisted nature, even after being shown mercy.
Can you befriend Flowey?

Flowey is unable to form genuine friendships due to his lack of a soul. However, in the True Pacifist ending, he briefly returns to his original form as Asriel, during which he is capable of positive emotions.
If I did a Genocide Run, then a Pacifist Run, is that the Soulless Pacifist Ending?

Yes. The Soulless Pacifist Ending occurs if you attempt a True Pacifist Run after completing a Genocide Run. The ending scene will be slightly altered, with a disturbing implication about Chara’s influence.
Why is Flowey scared of Frisk in the Genocide Route?

In the Genocide Route, Flowey initially enjoys Frisk’s destructive behavior. However, as Frisk’s power grows, Flowey realizes that he is no longer in control and becomes terrified of Frisk/Chara.
Is Flowey the final boss in Undertale?

Flowey is the final boss of a Neutral Route, in the form of Omega Flowey after absorbing the human souls. However, he is not the final boss of the True Pacifist Route.
Does Flowey remember True Resets?

Yes, initially, but only to a certain point. If you achieve a True Pacifist Ending, a True Reset becomes available. Flowey laments that even his memories will be wiped if a True Reset is performed.
How many times can you fight Flowey?

You can only fight Photoshop Flowey once per save file, unless you delete the save data or achieve a True Pacifist or Genocide ending. Subsequent playthroughs will skip the battle and go straight to the ending.
Why did Chara kill Flowey?

After a Genocide Route, Chara (influenced by the player) might appear to kill Flowey in the post-credits scene. This is interpreted as Chara eliminating the only being who could potentially threaten their control.
Can you fight Asriel after killing Flowey in a Neutral Route?

Yes. Killing Flowey doesn’t prevent you from fighting Asriel in the True Pacifist Route.
Does sparing everyone except Papyrus lead to a special ending?

No, that will lead to a neutral ending. However, if you kill everything except Papyrus, you get a special Neutral ending.
Is there a true neutral ending in Undertale?

Yes, the Neutral Ending is achieved by not befriending Papyrus, Undyne, and Alphys, and not exploring the True Lab. You also must kill some, but not all, enemies.

Ultimately, the choice of whether to spare or kill Flowey is a personal one. Consider the implications for your desired ending, your moral stance, and your enjoyment of the game. Undertale encourages exploration and experimentation, so don’t be afraid to try different approaches and discover the story’s depth for yourself.