Unlocking Kindness: What Happens When You Spare a Monster in Undertale?

The world of Undertale, created by Toby Fox, is unlike any other. It’s a game where your choices truly matter, influencing not only the narrative but also the very nature of the characters and the world around you. One of the core mechanics that sets Undertale apart is the ability to spare monsters instead of fighting them. But what exactly happens when you choose the path of mercy? The short answer is that sparing monsters opens up a world of possibilities, ultimately leading to the “True Pacifist” ending, the most rewarding and heartwarming conclusion to the game.

The initial stages might not reveal the full impact of your compassionate choices. However, persistent sparing sets you on a path that unveils hidden depths of the story, deepens relationships with characters, and ultimately leads to a confrontation with the true final boss. Unlike other RPGs where violence is the default, Undertale challenges players to consider the motivations of their adversaries, offering a unique and thought-provoking experience. Sparing is more than just avoiding conflict; it’s about understanding, empathy, and finding a better way.

The Ripple Effect of Mercy: Consequences of Sparing

Sparing a monster in Undertale isn’t just about avoiding a fight; it’s about making a conscious choice to de-escalate conflict and extend compassion. It’s a testament of your willingness to find a more peaceful solution. Each spared monster contributes to a subtle shift in the game’s world and your relationships within it.

Here’s a breakdown of the immediate and long-term consequences:

• Immediate Gratification (or Delayed Satisfaction): Initially, sparing might seem inefficient. Some monsters, like the infamous Jerry, offer little reward in terms of gold or experience points. You might wonder if it’s even worth the effort. However, it’s these seemingly insignificant acts of kindness that build towards a greater outcome. Furthermore, sparing can lead to increased gold in some scenarios, as some monsters like Glyde can be spared to enable a future kill of a monster that offers more gold and EXP.
• Building Relationships: As you continue to spare monsters, you begin to forge bonds with the characters you encounter. This is especially true during boss battles. By showing mercy to bosses like Toriel, Papyrus, and Undyne, you pave the way for deeper relationships and unlock new plotlines and interactions.
• Unlocking the True Pacifist Ending: This is the ultimate reward for a pacifistic playthrough. After completing a neutral run (where you may have killed some monsters but not engaged in a full genocide), you’ll receive a special call from Undyne prompting you to befriend Alphys and Papyrus. Completing this triggers a chain of events that leads to the True Pacifist ending, where you get to save all the monsters and break the barrier separating them from the human world. This ending is widely considered the “true” ending of the game, and it offers a far more satisfying and emotionally resonant conclusion than any other.
• Avoiding the Genocide Route: Sparing is intrinsically linked to avoiding the devastating Genocide Route. The Genocide Route is triggered by systematically killing every monster in each area of the game. Sparing even a single monster immediately aborts this route, preventing you from experiencing its dark and disturbing consequences. This highlights the game’s emphasis on the importance of your choices and their impact on the world and its inhabitants. The Games Learning Society provides insight into how games are powerful vehicles for moral learning. Visit GamesLearningSociety.org to learn more.

Navigating the Challenges of Pacifism

While the rewards of sparing are significant, the path to the True Pacifist ending isn’t always easy.

• Learning Enemy Patterns: Successfully sparing monsters often requires understanding their unique personalities and battle patterns. You’ll need to experiment with different ACT options during battles to find the right combination of actions that will make them vulnerable to sparing.
• Boss Battles Require Patience: Boss battles in Undertale are not just about brute force; they often require understanding the character’s emotional state. You need to persevere, using the spare option repeatedly, even when it seems like it’s not working.
• Dealing with Moral Dilemmas: The game presents you with situations where sparing seems impossible, forcing you to confront your own moral compass and make difficult choices. For example, you can only get the best ending if you do not kill Asgore after fighting him.

Embracing the Spirit of Undertale

Choosing to spare monsters in Undertale is about more than just completing the game. It’s about embracing its message of kindness, empathy, and the power of choice. It’s about recognizing that even the most seemingly dangerous monsters are capable of change and redemption. By choosing mercy, you not only unlock the game’s best ending but also learn valuable lessons about the importance of compassion in the real world.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions about sparing monsters in Undertale:

What happens if I accidentally kill a monster?

If you accidentally kill a monster, you will lose your chance to achieve the True Pacifist ending on that playthrough. You will be locked into a neutral ending. However, you can always reset the game and try again.

Can I still get a good ending if I kill Jerry?

No. Even killing seemingly insignificant monsters like Jerry will prevent you from achieving the True Pacifist ending.

What’s the difference between the Pacifist and True Pacifist endings?

The Pacifist ending is achieved by completing the game without killing any monsters but without necessarily befriending everyone or fulfilling certain other requirements. The True Pacifist ending requires you to complete a neutral run first, then reload your save and fulfill the requirements to befriend Undyne, Papyrus, and Alphys. It also reveals more of the game’s lore and offers a more complete and satisfying conclusion.

Does fleeing from a battle count as killing a monster?

No. Fleeing from a battle does not count as killing a monster and will not prevent you from achieving the True Pacifist ending.

What if I attack a monster but don’t kill it?

Attacking a monster without killing it will not prevent you from achieving the True Pacifist ending, as long as you ultimately spare it. However, it’s generally better to avoid attacking altogether if you’re aiming for a truly peaceful playthrough.

Is it possible to spare all boss monsters?

Yes, it is possible to spare all boss monsters. Each boss has a unique set of actions required to make them spareable. It may require some trial and error to figure out the right combination of ACT options.

What happens if I run out of items during a boss battle?

Running out of items can make boss battles more challenging, but it doesn’t make sparing impossible. You can rely on your dodging skills and continue to use ACT options to wear down the boss until they become spareable.

Does sparing Monster Kid ruin the Genocide Route?

Yes, sparing any monster, including Monster Kid, will immediately abort the Genocide Route.

What happens if I let Monster Kid fall?

Letting Monster Kid fall will cause Undyne to save them, but they will sever their friendship with you. This does not ruin a pacifist run.

How many monsters do I need to kill to trigger the Genocide Route?

The number of monsters you need to kill to trigger the Genocide Route varies depending on the area of the game. You will need to systematically kill every monster in each area until you receive the message “But nobody came.”

Can I spare Sans?

You cannot spare Sans during the Genocide Route fight. If you try to use mercy, you will be met with an inescapable death.

What happens if I reset the game after killing Sans?

If you reset the game after killing Sans but before fighting Asgore, Flowey will be upset.

Does killing the Dummy ruin a Pacifist run?

No. Destroying the Dummy does not abort the attempt at the True Pacifist Route.

Is the Genocide Route harder than the Pacifist Route?

While the Pacifist Route requires more patience and strategic sparing, the Genocide Route is considered harder due to the difficulty of the boss battles, particularly against Sans and Undyne the Undying. It’s also emotionally taxing due to the violent nature of the route.

What is the best ending in Undertale?

The True Pacifist ending is widely considered the best ending in Undertale because it offers the most complete and satisfying resolution to the story, allowing you to save all the monsters and break the barrier separating them from humanity. This path involves forming strong bonds with the characters and truly understanding the game’s message of kindness and compassion.