Which Comes First: Undertale or Deltarune? Unraveling Toby Fox’s Connected Universes
The short answer is: Undertale comes first. It was released in 2015, while the first chapter of Deltarune was released in 2018. However, the relationship between these two games is far more complex than a simple chronological release order. While Deltarune is not a direct sequel, prequel, or even necessarily set in the same universe as Undertale, understanding Undertale’s lore and characters significantly enriches the Deltarune experience.
The Nuances of Narrative Order
While Undertale’s release predates Deltarune, the question of “which comes first” is less about a linear storyline and more about understanding the context. Deltarune presents familiar characters in altered roles and settings. Thematic elements, musical cues, and even subtle references tie the two games together, creating a complex web of potential connections and divergences.
To fully appreciate Deltarune’s mysteries and understand the narrative choices made by Toby Fox, playing Undertale first is highly recommended. This provides the necessary background knowledge of characters like Sans, Papyrus, Toriel, and Asgore, allowing players to recognize their altered roles and ponder the implications of these changes.
Undertale’s Impact and Legacy
Undertale achieved widespread critical acclaim for its innovative gameplay mechanics, memorable characters, and poignant storyline. Its success established Toby Fox as a prominent figure in the indie game development scene and paved the way for the creation of Deltarune. Undertale’s themes of choice, consequence, and pacifism resonated deeply with players, and these themes, albeit often twisted or recontextualized, are also present in Deltarune.
Understanding the emotional weight and narrative complexities of Undertale enhances the experience of playing Deltarune. The player comes to Deltarune with pre-conceived notions based on their Undertale experiences, creating a meta-narrative where the player’s expectations are challenged and subverted. This is part of what makes Deltarune so intriguing.
Deltarune’s Unique Identity
Despite its connections to Undertale, Deltarune carves out its own unique identity. The gameplay mechanics are different, with a traditional party-based battle system replacing Undertale’s bullet-hell encounters. The narrative also takes a different direction, focusing on themes of fate, free will, and the power of choice in a world that might already be predetermined.
While Undertale emphasizes player agency and the ability to choose between pacifism and violence, Deltarune explores the idea that some things may be unavoidable, regardless of player actions. This contrast creates a fascinating dialogue between the two games and encourages players to question their assumptions about the nature of choice and consequence in video games.
Playing Order: A Recommendation
While it’s technically possible to play Deltarune without playing Undertale, doing so means missing out on a deeper understanding of the characters, themes, and meta-narrative elements that connect the two games. Therefore, the recommended playing order is:
- Undertale
- Deltarune (Chapters 1 and 2) (More chapters are currently in development)
This order allows players to fully appreciate the evolution of Toby Fox’s storytelling and the complex relationship between these two interconnected universes. It also enhances the emotional impact of Deltarune by providing the necessary context for understanding the altered roles and relationships of familiar characters.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further clarify the relationship between Undertale and Deltarune:
Is Deltarune a Sequel to Undertale?
No, Deltarune is not a direct sequel to Undertale. While it features familiar characters and themes, it presents them in a different context, suggesting a parallel universe or an alternate timeline. Toby Fox himself has stated that Deltarune is “not the next chapter” of Undertale.
Is Deltarune a Prequel to Undertale?
Similarly, Deltarune is not a prequel to Undertale. The altered roles and relationships of the characters, along with the distinct narrative direction, rule out the possibility of it being a direct lead-up to the events of Undertale.
Are Undertale and Deltarune in the Same Universe?
This is a complex question with no definitive answer. While there are clear connections between the two games, there are also significant differences that suggest they may exist in separate, albeit related, universes. The concept of multiverses could possibly explain why same characters are present in both universes.
Do I Need to Play Undertale Before Deltarune?
It is highly recommended to play Undertale before Deltarune. Understanding Undertale’s characters, themes, and lore enhances the experience of playing Deltarune and allows players to appreciate the nuances of its narrative.
Will My Choices from Undertale Affect Deltarune?
No, your choices from Undertale will not directly affect Deltarune. Deltarune starts with a clean slate, regardless of your previous Undertale playthroughs. Each game stands on its own.
Who is Toby Fox?
Toby Fox is the creator, composer, and primary developer of both Undertale and Deltarune. He is known for his unique storytelling style, innovative gameplay mechanics, and memorable musical scores.
What is the Release Date of Deltarune Chapter 3?
As of October 26, 2023, the release date for Deltarune Chapter 3 has not been officially announced. Toby Fox has stated that he is working on Chapters 3, 4, and 5 simultaneously, with the intention of releasing them together.
How Many Chapters Will Deltarune Have?
Deltarune is planned to have seven chapters in total. Chapters 1 and 2 are currently available, and Chapters 3-5 are in development.
Is Deltarune Free?
Chapters 1 and 2 of Deltarune were released as free downloads. It is currently unknown whether the remaining chapters will be free or paid.
What Platforms are Undertale and Deltarune Available On?
Undertale is available on PC, Mac, Linux, PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita, Nintendo Switch, and Xbox One. Deltarune Chapters 1 and 2 are available on PC, Mac, PlayStation 4, and Nintendo Switch.
What are the Key Themes of Undertale?
The key themes of Undertale include choice, consequence, pacifism, friendship, and forgiveness.
What are the Key Themes of Deltarune?
The key themes of Deltarune include fate, free will, predetermined destinies, and the power of unity.
Are Sans and Papyrus the Same in Undertale and Deltarune?
While Sans and Papyrus appear in both games, their roles and personalities are slightly different. The implications of these differences are a key source of speculation among fans.
What is the Significance of the “Knight” in Deltarune?
The “Knight” is a mysterious figure in Deltarune who is responsible for creating the Dark Fountains. Their identity and motives are central to the game’s overarching plot.
What is the Relationship Between Kris and Frisk?
Kris is the player character in Deltarune, while Frisk is the player character in Undertale. The relationship between these two characters, if any, is currently unknown and remains a popular topic of fan speculation. Many believe that Kris is possessed by the player throughout Deltarune, with the mysterious soul ejection being a sign of Kris’s own will manifesting.