Decoding the Enigmatic Ending of Deltarune: A Deep Dive
The ending of Deltarune is, to put it mildly, unsettling. After the final boss of each chapter is defeated, the player, controlling Kris, is returned to their home. Here, things take a dark turn. Kris rips their SOUL out of their body and either walks around with it detached, or in some cases, brandishes a knife while staring directly at the player, the screen going dark. The core meaning behind this ending, and indeed the entire game, revolves around themes of control, free will, and the cyclical nature of conflict. Kris’s act of detaching their SOUL is a powerful symbol of their desperate struggle against external manipulation, while simultaneously suggesting a dark undercurrent of resentment towards the player’s control. It’s an open-ended cliffhanger designed to prompt questions, not provide easy answers, forcing players to grapple with the unsettling implications. The cycle of violence referenced in the text suggests that regardless of the players’ actions, the underlying conflict and power dynamics remain, leading to repeated cycles in potentially various “formats” as the article states.
Understanding Kris’s Actions
The SOUL as a Symbol of Control
In the Undertale universe, the SOUL has consistently represented the player’s connection to the game world and their avatar. Kris’s SOUL, like Frisk’s before them, is the conduit through which we, the players, interact with the game. Kris is essentially being controlled by the player through the SOUL. When Kris rips out their SOUL, it is a blatant act of defiance against this control. This is further solidified by the recurring theme of choices not mattering much. This makes the ending even more impactful, as it highlights the lack of agency the player actually has and questions the power that they have. It brings into question why the player has power, and why the player is even needed.
The Quest for Agency
Kris, feeling like a puppet on a string, seeks to reclaim their autonomy. Their frustration with the player’s control is palpable. This frustration can be seen in minor ways, like Kris eating the pie, despite your controls, but most directly in the final cutscene. The act of ripping out their SOUL is their attempt to exert agency, to break free from the predetermined path. It is also a demonstration of how much the character wants to be free, no matter the cost. The final moments, with them clutching a knife in the dark, suggest a potentially violent attempt to reassert control.
The Cycle of Violence and Manipulation
The article references a “cycle of inevitable violence” that exists between Humans and Monsters. This ties into the larger themes of Deltarune and Undertale. This cycle is not only seen between the monsters and the humans, but also between the player and the characters. By ripping out their SOUL, Kris is perhaps trying to disrupt this cycle. Or, perhaps they are now an active part of the cycle. It is unclear at this moment in the story. But, what is clear is that their actions seem to have far-reaching implications on how the story will continue to unfold. This implies that the player is in a cycle with Kris as well, making them no more free than Kris in this cycle.
Different Interpretations
A Cry for Help
Some fans theorize that Kris’s behavior is a cry for help. They may be feeling trapped, isolated, and unable to express their genuine feelings. The SOUL removal could be seen as a desperate attempt to communicate this distress. However, their actions could also be interpreted as the opposite. It is left to the player to interpret, which makes it so effective.
The Rise of a Villain?
Another interpretation suggests that Kris may be becoming the very villain they are struggling against. This does not mean they are a “bad” person. But, they are now actively removing the player and attempting to take charge. Their actions, particularly the knife wielding, hint at a potential dark path. This is further supported by the removal of their SOUL, and being separate from the player, now has implications to the future of the story. Are they becoming the “villain” because of the player? Are they trying to take back control, but are doing so in the wrong way?
Metanarrative Commentary
The ending also serves as a metanarrative commentary on player agency in video games. The game seemingly has a very linear path and the choices the player makes have little impact. Is this perhaps making fun of the player? Or is it making fun of typical video games? It highlights that the player’s choices are not always as impactful as they may seem, and that external forces may have more control than we realize.
Implications for the Future
The open-ended nature of the ending makes it challenging to predict how the story will progress. The player is now completely on the outside of the game, which may have vast implications to the future of Deltarune. However, the game does highlight some possible future outcomes:
- Kris’s evolving relationship with the player: Will they eventually reconcile or become antagonists?
- The nature of the Dark Fountains: Will they be destroyed or will they persist?
- The true nature of the prophecy: Will it be fulfilled, or will it be subverted?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about Deltarune, as well as many from the provided text, to help you better understand the game:
Is Kris the villain of Deltarune?
Kris is a complex character that is controlled by the player for most of the game. They are the main protagonist, and seemingly the hero of light. However, their actions at the end of the chapters suggest a potential darker path, due to the manipulation from the player.
What is Kris doing at the end of Deltarune?
At the end of each chapter, Kris rips out their SOUL after being at their home, and walks around, staring straight at the player. This act is likely them attempting to gain control, as the SOUL is seen as the way the player controls Kris.
Does killing matter in Deltarune?
Deltarune seems to emphasize that your choices do not change the ending, especially when comparing it to Undertale. While there is a hidden “Snowgrave route,” the ending remains largely unchanged. Meaning the player’s actions are somewhat meaningless.
How many endings does Deltarune have?
According to Toby Fox, there is only one ending to Deltarune. Despite the multiple routes, the core ending remains the same. This could be part of the meaning of Deltarune, in regards to having no control or choice.
What year is Deltarune set?
There is a lot of evidence that suggests Deltarune takes place in 1997. This can be seen in VVkun’s and Spamington’s dialogue. This is potentially a reference to the early days of the internet.
Why is Frisk not in Deltarune?
Deltarune is a separate story from Undertale; therefore, Frisk does not exist within the Deltarune universe. They are completely different characters.
Who does Kris love in Deltarune?
There is strong evidence to suggest that Kris is particularly fond of Susie. They share a bond that evolves throughout the game and are seemingly the main relationship in Deltarune.
Is Chara possessing Kris?
At the end of the game, Kris is not possessed by Chara or any other entity. Their actions are their own, and the removal of their SOUL is an act of gaining control.
What does 1997 mean in Deltarune?
1997 is significant because it is the year that a Lightner downloaded Spamton (a spam program). This also links to the creation of the Virovirokun.
Why is Papyrus not in Deltarune?
While Papyrus has not been directly mentioned in Deltarune, it is unknown if he does not exist in this universe. Only Sans talks about his “brother”.
Is Ralsei actually Asriel?
Ralsei appears to be a projection of Kris, and not Asriel. Noelle does not recognize Ralsei as Asriel, further supporting this claim.
What is the true ending of Undertale?
There are multiple “proper” endings in Undertale, including the True Pacifist ending and the Genocide ending, as well as various neutral endings.
Is Susie a female in Deltarune?
Susie is a female character in Deltarune, who acts as a Dark Knight that uses Dark Energy to deal damage.
What is Ralsei’s canon age?
Ralsei’s real age has not been revealed. It is purely speculation from fans.
Can you see Sans in Deltarune?
Sans does appear in Deltarune and is found outside of his shop, which is a remodeled version of Grillby’s.
In conclusion, the ending of Deltarune is a complex tapestry of themes and ideas. It challenges the notion of player control, explores the desperation for free will, and touches on the cyclical nature of conflict. The meaning of Deltarune is left open to interpretation, and it is clear that its ambiguity is its main strength. The final image of Kris, having removed their SOUL, will leave players theorizing and contemplating the future of the game for a long time to come.