What Happens If You Name Yourself Frisk in Undertale? A Deep Dive
The name you choose at the beginning of Undertale is more than just a label; it’s a key that unlocks hidden depths within the game. Most notably, naming yourself “Frisk” activates a special, albeit incomplete, game mode. So, what exactly happens if you name your character Frisk? In short, doing so immediately triggers Hard Mode. This mode is a significantly more challenging version of the game, but with a notable catch. It is restricted to the first area of the game, the Ruins, and ends abruptly after the boss fight with Toriel. This limitation was intentional, as the game’s creator, Toby Fox, never completed the planned content beyond this point. Therefore, while naming yourself Frisk doesn’t unlock the entire game in hard mode, it provides a unique and challenging, albeit short experience.
Understanding Hard Mode
The Increased Challenge
In Hard Mode, the enemies in the Ruins are significantly stronger and use different attacks. Battles become more intricate and require more strategic thought to avoid damage. The familiar patterns that a player might use in a normal run are often rendered ineffective, forcing a player to adapt to the more aggressive opponents. This enhanced difficulty demands precision and a deeper understanding of the battle mechanics. The game is more unforgiving, with mistakes leading to quicker and more impactful damage.
The Incomplete Experience
The abrupt end after the fight with Toriel is a significant caveat. It leaves many players wondering why the mode was not fully developed. The decision not to fully implement Hard Mode is largely due to time constraints during the game’s development. Toby Fox opted to focus on polishing the main routes of the game instead of expanding on this optional mode. This leads to an interesting situation where a player choosing the name Frisk gets to experience a glimpse of what could have been, a harder version of the game, but also to come face to face with an unfinished section of the game.
A Meta-Narrative Element
Choosing the name Frisk has a meta-narrative angle. It acknowledges that “Frisk” is more than just a name, it’s a character with an established presence within the game’s universe. Choosing this name makes the player feel like they are taking on the mantle of a pre-existing being rather than creating a brand new one. This creates a sense of a different kind of adventure which contrasts with the player’s agency when using a different name. This choice highlights the themes of identity and player influence within the world of Undertale.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Naming Yourself Frisk
1. Can I Change My Name Back After Naming Myself Frisk?
No, you cannot change your name back until you either complete the True Pacifist Route or the Genocide Route. This adds a layer of permanence to the choice and underscores the game’s focus on the impact of decisions.
2. Is Frisk an Actual Name Outside of Undertale?
Yes, “Frisk” is a Swedish surname. It was traditionally given to soldiers as a distinguishing name. Notable people with the surname include the Swedish football referee Anders Frisk.
3. What If My Actual Name Is Frisk?
If your actual name is Frisk, you will still trigger Hard Mode in the game. The game does not differentiate between a real-life name and a chosen name in this context.
4. Is the Character “Frisk” in Undertale Non-Binary?
Yes, the character Frisk is intended to be non-binary. This allows players of any gender to project themselves onto the character. The game avoids using pronouns in reference to Frisk to further reinforce this.
5. Is the Character “Frisk” Shy?
The character Frisk as portrayed in the game is typically considered stoic, but their shyness or lack thereof depends on the player’s choices. Different fan creations depict them with varying personalities.
6. Is the Character “Frisk” Considered Good or Bad?
The moral alignment of Frisk is highly dependent on the player’s actions. Frisk can be a hero on the Pacifist Route or a villain on the Genocide Route, illustrating that the player’s choices shape their moral standing.
7. How Old is Frisk?
Frisk is generally thought to be between 9 and 13 years old. This is indicated by their appearance, dialogues from other characters in the game, and their apparent need for schooling.
8. What If I Try to Name Myself “Gaster”?
If you attempt to name your character “Gaster”, the game will not let you. The character will effectively be “erased,” underscoring the mysterious nature and existence of W.D. Gaster in the Undertale lore.
9. What Does Asriel Say If Your Name Is “Frisk”?
During the final battle with Asriel, he acknowledges that he knows your name, but he also states that you aren’t the first person to choose it. This is yet another element of the meta-narrative that links the name to a pre-existing element.
10. How Many Different Endings Does Undertale Have?
Undertale has three base endings: the Pacifist Route, the Genocide Route, and the Neutral Route. However, variants within these endings exist based on your decisions throughout the game.
11. Who Actually Kills Frisk?
In the game, if you follow the Neutral Route, Asgore manages to kill Frisk, with the aid of Flowey, in order to use their SOUL to break the barrier. However, this isn’t an end since the player has the power to reset.
12. Is Frisk Blind?
Despite their closed eyes in the game, Frisk is not blind. The game’s dialogue confirms that they can see. Their closed eyes are part of their stoic visual representation.
13. Does Sans Actually Like Frisk?
Yes, in Undertale, Sans develops a unique relationship with Frisk, acknowledging their choices and actions throughout each timeline. His feelings can range from concern to even a form of respect.
14. Does Frisk Have PTSD?
It is believed, by many in the fan base, that Frisk exhibits symptoms of PTSD, as seen in fan works. This is not overtly represented in the game itself, but this is a frequent headcannon for fans.
15. Is Chara Evil?
Chara is presented as the overarching antagonist in the Genocide Route. Their actions and dialogue suggest a more malevolent character within the game. Asriel states in the game that Chara “wasn’t a good person.” However, the nuances of their character lead to continuous debate within the fanbase.
Choosing the name Frisk in Undertale opens up a unique yet incomplete experience. It highlights the complexity of the game’s design, its focus on player agency, and the importance of even the seemingly smallest decisions. The game’s choice to lock Hard Mode behind a particular name provides players with an additional element to explore within the world, reinforcing that this game contains more than meets the eye.