Are there two pacifist endings in Undertale?

Are There Two Pacifist Endings in Undertale?

The question that has been lingering in the minds of many Undertale enthusiasts: Are there two pacifist endings in Undertale? The short answer is no, there is only one true pacifist ending in Undertale. However, it’s essential to understand the nuances of Undertale’s pacifist and neutral endings to clarify this assertion.

The True Pacifist Ending

A true pacifist run in Undertale involves sparing every monster and enemy that you encounter, without harming or killing any of them. This ending is marked by a dramatic change in the game’s tone, as the narrative shifts towards a hopeful and positive note. The true pacifist ending is the ultimate goal of many players, as it requires patience, skill, and emotional investment.

The Pacifist Run

If you kill or harm at least one monster, you can still achieve a pacifist-ish run by avoiding any further killings and focusing on sparing as many monsters as possible. This run still has a negative impact on the world and its characters, but it’s more forgiving than a genocide run. The pacifist run is not the true pacifist ending, as it does not meet the criteria of sparing every single monster.

The Differences Between Pacifist Runs

Here are some essential differences between true pacifist runs and pacifist-ish runs:

• Monster kills: You must spare every monster and enemy in a true pacifist run. In contrast, pacifist-ish runs allow you to harm or kill at least one monster.
• Narrative impact: A true pacifist ending has a profound impact on the game’s narrative, leading to a hopeful conclusion. Pacifist-ish runs, on the other hand, still result in a negative outcome.
• Gameplay approach: A true pacifist run requires careful strategy and problem-solving to spare every monster. Pacifist-ish runs can be more focused on exploiting enemies’ weaknesses and avoiding damage.

The Consequences of Pacifist-ish Runs

While pacifist-ish runs may seem like an easier alternative to true pacifist runs, it’s essential to understand their consequences:

• Characters’ reactions: Characters’ reactions to your actions during a pacifist-ish run will still be unfavorable, reflecting the negative consequences of your actions.
• Gameplay limitations: Pacifist-ish runs may limit your access to certain areas or characters, as you won’t have the necessary abilities or strengths to overcome obstacles.
• Loss of narrative connections: Pacifist-ish runs can disconnect you from the narrative and characters, making it difficult to build meaningful connections.

Genocide Run

A genocide run is the opposite of a true pacifist run, where you kill every monster and enemy you encounter. The consequences of a genocide run are devastating, leading to a dark and bleak narrative conclusion.

The Bottom Line

To summarize: there is only one true pacifist ending in Undertale, achieved by sparing every monster and enemy without harming or killing any. Pacifist-ish runs, while seemingly easier, still have negative consequences for the game’s narrative, characters, and gameplay.

Table: Pacifist and Pacifist-ish Runs Comparison

By understanding the differences between true pacifist and pacifist-ish runs, you can make informed decisions about your gameplay approach and optimize your experience in Undertale.