Unlocking Nirvana: A Comprehensive Guide to Undertale’s True Pacifist Ending

So, you’re yearning for the purest, most heartwarming ending in Undertale? You want to experience the bittersweet symphony of friendship and understanding that defines the True Pacifist Route? Well, buckle up, buttercup, because achieving this ending requires dedication, a kind heart, and a touch of strategic thinking.

The requirements for the True Pacifist ending can be broken down into four key pillars:

1. Complete a Neutral Route First: Think of this as a practice run. You need to beat the game once, obtaining a Neutral ending, before the True Pacifist questline unlocks. This initial playthrough establishes your save file with the necessary flags for the subsequent steps.
2. Absolute Mercy: Zero EXP/LV: This is the golden rule. You cannot kill any monster throughout your entire playthrough. That means finding alternative solutions to every battle, using the ACT menu to understand your opponent, and ultimately, SPARING them. Your character’s EXP (Experience Points) and LV (Level) must remain at zero. The only exception to this rule is the dummy in the Ruins, as attacking it doesn’t grant EXP.
3. Friendship Quests: After completing the Neutral Route and reloading your save, you’ll receive a call from Undyne. This call initiates a series of quests centered around strengthening your relationships with key characters:
   • Papyrus’s Date: After your battle (or rather, “friendly spar”) with Papyrus, visit his house and complete the date/hangout with him.
   • Undyne’s Hospitality: After attempting to fight Undyne, run away from her. In Hotland, pour water on her when she collapses. This will initiate a chain of events leading to befriending her.
   • Alphys’s Date: After completing Undyne’s initial quest, she will give you a letter to deliver to Alphys. Deliver the letter to Alphys at her lab. After a brief and awkward conversation, you’ll end up on a date with Alphys at the MTT Resort.
4. The True Lab Revelation: After the date with Alphys, return to her lab. You’ll now be able to access the True Lab, a hidden area underneath Alphys’s lab. Explore the True Lab thoroughly, interacting with all the objects and piecing together the unsettling truth within. This is a mandatory step for unlocking the True Pacifist ending.

Once you’ve completed all these steps, return to the barrier. Instead of fighting Asgore, you’ll trigger a different sequence of events, leading to the True Pacifist finale. Remember, patience, compassion, and a curious mind are your greatest allies on this journey. Good luck, and may the power of friendship guide you!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the True Pacifist Route

Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the nuances of achieving the True Pacifist ending:

How do I initiate the True Pacifist questline after completing a Neutral Route?

• After defeating Asgore and Photoshop Flowey in a Neutral Route, simply reload your save file. You’ll receive a mysterious phone call from Undyne. This call kicks off the chain of events needed for the True Pacifist ending. Make sure to answer your phone!

Can I attack at all during a True Pacifist run?

• While technically you can attack (excluding the dummy in the Ruins), doing so risks killing the monster, which will immediately invalidate your True Pacifist attempt. It is far safer and more reliable to always use ACT and SPARE.

What ACT options should I use for specific monsters?

• Each monster has unique ACT requirements to make them spareable. Experiment with different ACT options! Some examples include:
  • Froggit: Compliment.
  • Vegetoid: Pick on “Dinner.”
  • Loox: Don’t pick on.
  • Snowdrake: Laugh.
  • Chilldrake: Insult.
  • Gyftrot: Remove all of the decorations.
  • Doggo: Pet.
  • Dogamy and Dogaressa: Re-smell.
  • Lesser Dog: Pet.
  • Greater Dog: Pet, then play fetch.
  • Aaron: Flex.
  • Woshua: Clean.
  • Moldbygg: Whisper.
  • Shyren: Hum.
  • Temmie: Flex
  • Pyrope: Extinguish
  • So Sorry: Apologize
  • Mettaton: Pose, turn switch to Live
  • Mad Dummy: Try to talk to him
  • Glad Dummy: Hug him

Does running away from a fight affect my chances of getting True Pacifist?

• No, fleeing from battle is perfectly acceptable on a True Pacifist run. In fact, it’s often necessary, especially when you haven’t yet figured out how to spare a particular monster.

Do I need to complete every single side quest for True Pacifist?

• No, but the core friendship quests with Papyrus, Undyne, and Alphys are absolutely mandatory. Side quests can enhance your experience, but they are not directly tied to unlocking the True Pacifist ending.

What happens if I accidentally kill a monster?

• If you accidentally kill a monster, your run is no longer eligible for the True Pacifist ending. You’ll need to reset your game and start over from the beginning.

Is it okay to use healing items during battles?

• Yes, using healing items is perfectly fine and often necessary to survive encounters while you’re figuring out how to spare your enemies. Prioritize defense items to avoid getting knocked out.

Do I have to fight Asgore again in the True Pacifist run?

• No. If you’ve met all the True Pacifist requirements after completing a Neutral run, the encounter with Asgore will be interrupted, leading to a different series of events.

What is the significance of the True Lab?

• The True Lab is a critical location that reveals the backstory of Alphys’s experiments and provides context for the final events of the game. Exploring it is essential for triggering the final scenes of the True Pacifist ending.

Does killing Flowey at the end of a Neutral run affect my ability to get True Pacifist later?

• No, killing Flowey at the end of a Neutral run does not impact your ability to achieve the True Pacifist ending in a subsequent playthrough. Killing Flowey is not counted as killing a monster.

How do I know if I’m on the right track for the True Pacifist ending?

• Keep your EXP/LV at zero. After completing a Neutral run and loading your save, receiving the phone call from Undyne is a major indicator that you’re on the correct path. Also, closely follow the instructions given during the friendship quests.

Can I still get the True Pacifist ending if I completed the Genocide Route before?

• Yes, but doing a Genocide Route will “taint” your save file. Completing a Pacifist Route afterward will result in a slightly altered ending, hinting at the lingering effects of your past actions. It’s a poignant reminder that your choices have consequences.

Are there any missable elements in the True Pacifist route?

• While there are no strictly missable elements that permanently lock you out of the ending, failing to complete the friendship quests with Papyrus, Undyne, and Alphys correctly will prevent you from progressing. Be sure to follow their instructions carefully.

What is the significance of names in Undertale?

• The topic of names and identity in Undertale is complex and woven deeply into the narrative, including character arcs. Delving into this topic can enhance your understanding of the game’s themes and character relationships, as explained by the Games Learning Society and many academic resources. Undertale’s exploration of choice and consequence offers valuable insights into complex social dynamics, a topic often explored by the GamesLearningSociety.org.

What should I do after completing the True Pacifist ending?

• Congratulations! You’ve experienced the most fulfilling ending Undertale has to offer. You can continue to explore the world and interact with the characters in the post-game. You can also reflect on the journey you’ve undertaken and the powerful message of compassion and forgiveness that the game conveys.