What is the Best Route to Take in Undertale? A Comprehensive Guide

The “best” route in Undertale isn’t a simple, objective answer; it’s deeply personal and depends on what you’re looking for from the game. However, for a first playthrough, the recommended and arguably most rewarding route is a Neutral Route leaning towards Pacifist. This allows you to experience the core story, get to know the characters, and understand the world without immediately locking yourself into the extreme consequences of the Genocide Route. This approach sets the stage for subsequent runs, providing context and emotional weight to the other paths.

Understanding the Core Routes

Undertale offers three primary routes, each with distinct gameplay experiences and endings:

• Neutral Route: This is the default route, triggered by completing the game without meeting the specific requirements of either the Pacifist or Genocide routes. Outcomes vary based on who you kill or spare.

• Pacifist Route: Achieved by completing the game without killing any monsters and befriending key characters like Papyrus and Undyne. This is often considered the “true ending.”

• Genocide Route: Unlocked by systematically killing every enemy in each area. This leads to a dark and impactful conclusion that permanently alters the game.

Why a Neutral/Pacifist First Run is Recommended

Several factors make a Neutral leaning Pacifist run the ideal starting point:

• Emotional Investment: It allows you to connect with the characters and understand their motivations. This makes the other routes more meaningful.
• Story Comprehension: You’ll grasp the overall narrative arc and the history of the Underground, which is crucial for appreciating the nuances of the other endings.
• Gameplay Introduction: You’ll learn the game mechanics, combat system, and puzzle-solving aspects without the intense pressure of the Genocide Route.
• Preserving Future Endings: Completing the Genocide Route first permanently taints the Pacifist ending, making it less satisfying.
• Moral Choice Exploration: The Neutral route allows you to experiment with sparing and fighting, helping you understand the consequences of your actions.

Beyond the First Run: Exploring the Other Routes

After experiencing a Neutral/Pacifist run, consider exploring the other routes to fully appreciate Undertale’s depth.

The Pacifist Route: A Journey of Friendship

The Pacifist Route offers a heartwarming and optimistic conclusion. It requires careful planning and execution, as even a single kill will prevent you from achieving it. Key steps include:

• Never killing any monsters. Always choose to Spare or use non-lethal methods.
• Befriending Papyrus: After your first encounter, visit his house for a date/hangout.
• Befriending Undyne: After the battle with Undyne, backtrack to her house and deliver the letter from Papyrus. Complete the cooking lesson.
• Completing a Neutral Route first: It’s the most important one to have completed, though there may be some workarounds.

The Genocide Route: A Dark Reflection

The Genocide Route is a stark contrast to the Pacifist Route. It’s a challenging and emotionally draining experience that forces you to confront the consequences of your choices. Key aspects include:

• Systematically killing every monster in each area: Before fighting the boss of each area, you must encounter and kill a specific number of random encounters until the text “But nobody came” appears.
• Fighting unique boss battles: You’ll face formidable foes like Sans, who represents the game’s ultimate challenge.
• Altering the game’s narrative: The Genocide Route fundamentally changes the story and characters, creating a sense of unease and despair.

It’s essential to approach the Genocide Route with caution. It’s not for everyone, and it can significantly impact your overall perception of Undertale.

The Importance of Player Choice

Undertale excels at giving players agency over their experience. There’s no “right” or “wrong” way to play. The game encourages you to explore different paths and discover the consequences of your actions. Whether you choose to be a merciful hero, a neutral traveler, or a ruthless destroyer, Undertale provides a compelling and thought-provoking experience. The journey and the choices you make along the way are what truly define the “best” route for you.

Consider exploring resources like the GamesLearningSociety.org to understand the educational and social implications of games like Undertale. The Games Learning Society fosters research and discussion on how games can be used for learning and social good.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions about the different routes in Undertale:

1. What happens if I accidentally kill a monster on a Pacifist run?

If you accidentally kill a monster, you will be locked out of the True Pacifist ending. You’ll need to reset your game and try again.

2. Is the Genocide Route harder than the Pacifist Route?

Gameplay-wise, the Genocide Route is significantly harder due to the Sans battle, which requires exceptional skill and memorization. Emotionally, it’s also more challenging due to the dark themes and disturbing narrative.

3. Can I switch routes mid-game?

Yes, you can switch between the Neutral and Pacifist routes mid-game, as long as you haven’t killed anyone for Pacifist. However, once you start the Genocide Route by killing every monster in an area, you’re locked into it.

4. Does killing Flowey ruin a Pacifist run?

No, killing Flowey at the end of a Neutral Route doesn’t prevent you from achieving the True Pacifist ending on a subsequent run.

5. What are the requirements for the True Pacifist ending?

The requirements include completing a Neutral Route first, then reloading your save file and befriending Papyrus and Undyne. You must also avoid killing anyone throughout the entire playthrough.

6. How many kills are required for the Genocide Route?

The number of kills varies per area. You must exhaust all random encounters in each location before progressing. The game will indicate that you’ve met the quota when the text “But nobody came” appears.

7. Is Sans the hardest boss in Undertale?

Yes, Sans is widely considered the hardest boss in Undertale due to his unique combat mechanics and relentless attacks.

8. What is Karma in the Sans fight?

Karma is a special effect that bypasses invincibility frames and drains HP slowly over time. It makes the Sans fight particularly challenging.

9. Does the Genocide Route permanently affect the game?

Yes, completing the Genocide Route can permanently alter the game, even after resetting. The Pacifist ending will be tainted with a dark twist.

10. What are the different Neutral Route endings?

The Neutral Route has numerous variations depending on who you kill or spare. The ending you receive will reflect your choices throughout the game.

11. Can you beat Undertale without fighting at all?

While you can Spare most enemies, certain boss battles are unavoidable. However, you can still achieve a Pacifist ending by sparing every monster you encounter.

12. What is the role of Chara in Undertale?

Chara is a complex and controversial character whose role depends on the player’s actions. In the Genocide Route, Chara becomes the driving force behind the destruction.

13. How does Undertale encourage player agency?

Undertale empowers players to make meaningful choices that affect the story, characters, and overall ending. The game rewards exploration and encourages experimentation.

14. Where can I learn more about the educational aspects of Undertale?

Websites like GamesLearningSociety.org provide resources and research on how games like Undertale can be used for learning and social impact.

15. What makes Undertale a unique gaming experience?

Undertale’s unique blend of humor, heart, and challenging moral choices sets it apart from other games. It’s a deeply personal and unforgettable experience that resonates with players long after they finish playing.