Undertale

Undertale

31 ratings
Neutral Route Guide
By saint.soft
A simple and straightfoward guide to the 10 endings of Undertale's Neutral Route. Reworked as of 12/4/2024.
   
Award
Favorite
Favorited
Unfavorite
Neutral Route
The Neutral Route is the first and most important route in the game. It’s the default path, where the you neither fully befriend nor fully harm anyone. The Neutral Route is triggered when the conditions for the other two routes are not met, or if you on your first playthrough did not kill anyone as access to one of them.

The final boss of the Neutral Route is Flowey. After the battle with Flowey, Sans will call your cell phone and leave a message detailing the fate of the Underground in all versions of this ending. The content of his message will vary depending on your actions throughout the game. Whether you befriended certain characters, showed mercy, or caused harm will influence what Sans (or other characters) says.

Note: As this is the most important part of the game and has a lot of impact, ending cutscenes will be spoiler-texted.

Toriel Ending Tree
Main Requirement: Spare Toriel.

Spoiler Cutscene: Toriel returns to her throne and resumes ruling over the Underground. She enforces a policy of non-hostility toward future humans who fall into the Underground.

This ending can branch into one of three variations: the "Family Ending," the "Betrayed Undyne Ending," or the "Exiled Queen Ending."


Family Ending
First branch requirements: Befriend Papyrus, Undyne and don't kill any monsters.
Second branch requirements: Befriend Papyrus, Undyne, Alphys and don't kill any monsters.

This is the ending that most players will get during their first Neutral playthrough when not killing any monsters.

Spoiler Cutscene: After Sans' dialogue, the call switches to Papyrus, who proclaims himself "CAPTAIN OF THE ROYAL GUARD." However, this position is a figurehead since the Royal Guard has been disbanded. His primary duty is tending to the garden at the New Home castle. Undyne then joins the conversation, explaining she has taken a new role as Alphys's lab assistant. She expresses grief over the loss of Asgore but reassures that you're not to blame because you just did what was necessary. The next part of the call varies based on whether you have dated Alphys.
  • If you have not dated Alphys: Undyne mentions that Alphys has become more reclusive, and she also reminds you that the monsters sacrificed a great deal to help you return to the human world. She urges you to appreciate life on the Surface and honor that sacrifice.

  • If you have dated Alphys: Alphys joins the call and reveals she is working tirelessly to find a way to free the monsters from the Underground. Toriel is a much stricter supervisor than Asgore ever was, making Alphys work harder than before.
The call ends with Sans mentioning that the phone is low on battery, and everyone says their goodbyes.


Betrayed Undyne Ending
First branch requirements: Befriend Papyrus and spare Mettaton.
Second branch requirements: Befriend Papyrus and kill Mettaton.
Third branch requirements: After befriending Papyrus and Undyne, kill at least one monster.
Fourth branch requirements: After befriending Papyrus and Undyne, kill Mettaton and at least one monster.

Spoiler Cutscene: The call starts like the Family Ending, but soon after, Sans hands the phone to Papyrus, who takes over the conversation. The next part branches based on your actions:

If you have not befriended Undyne but spared Mettaton: Papyrus informs you that Undyne holds a grudge against you for Asgore's death. Papyrus mentions that Undyne is planning to cross the barrier to beat you up. He urges you to keep in touch to make their plans easier.

If you have not befriended Undyne and killed Mettaton: Undyne is devastated by the loss of both Asgore and Alphys. Papyrus is unaware of what happened to Asgore or Alphys and asks you to "BRING HER FRIENDS BACK," as she's not doing so well without them.

If you befriended Undyne but killed monsters afterward: Papyrus can't understate how much Undyne now hates you and expresses regret for becoming friends with you, as you soon killed someone after she made friends with you. Papyrus expresses how hurt and betrayed she feels and suggests that you should "PROBABLY NEVER COME BACK HERE", and warns that Undyne would definitely destroy you if you do and not even Toriel could stop her.

If you befriended Undyne but killed Mettaton and monsters afterward: Undyne hates herself and expresses regret for becoming friends with you, as you soon killed someone, as well as making both Asgore and Alphys disappear after she trusted you. The rest of the scene plays out the same as the second branch.

The call ends with Papyrus saying goodbye (forever, if in the third branch).


Exiled Queen Ending
First branch requirements: Kill Undyne and spare Papyrus.
Second branch requirements: Kill Papyrus and spare Undyne.

If Papyrus is alive and Undyne is dead: Toriel peacefully resigns and returns to the Ruins after hearing about the rebellion. This leaves the Underground in a state of an uneasy anarchy. Sans and Papyrus stay with Toriel and express how much they enjoy bringing books and playing games with her. Papyrus states how he loves "STANDING IN FOR THE QUEEN" and practices becoming a "GREAT MOM" for when you return someday. The call ends with Sans expressing hope that things are better where you are.

If Undyne is alive and Papyrus is dead: Undyne is enraged about what happened to Asgore (and Alphys, if Mettaton was killed), and leads a revolution. She exiles Toriel back into the Ruins and assumes the role as empress of the Underground. Sans stays with Toriel in the Ruins and says she’s a good roommate. He mentions that Toriel sometimes talks about how she wishes to see you again, but he doesn’t have the heart to tell her that you went on to kill Papyrus because she protected you. The call ends with Sans telling you to "never come back here. you are not welcome."

Undyne Ending
First branch requirements: Kill Toriel and spare Undyne.
Second branch requirements: Kill Toriel, Papyrus and spare Undyne.

If Papyrus is alive:Sans answers the phone and mentions that Toriel might not be feeling well. Then, Papyrus interrupts the call and enthusiastically informs you that Undyne has appointed him to "THE MOST IMPORTANT ROYAL POSITION." (which is literally just the title to which he just stands around and looks cute) He invites you to visit, but he warns you that Undyne will likely try to kill you if you do. Papyrus still encourages you to risk it and come anyway.

If Papyrus is dead:Undyne becomes the ruler of the Underground, enforcing a strict policy of destroying all humans who enter. She's expanded the Royal Guard massively in preparation for a war against humanity and plans to personally destroy you. Sans then mentions that he’s unable to reach Toriel and implies that he's aware you’re responsible for her death. He then suggests you "better watch yourself" and that things are "lookin' real bad for you."

Mettaton Ending
First branch requirements: Kill Toriel, Undyne, Papyrus and spare Mettaton.
Second branch requirements: Kill Toriel, Undyne and spare Mettaton.

Spoiler Cutscene: Mettaton takes control of the Underground after Undyne disappears. He establishes a dystopian society, using his television show to brainwash the entire population. Sans mentions that he now works as Mettaton's agent before handing the phone over to Mettaton himself.

Mettaton introduces a new policy: any human that falls into the Underground is welcomed to join his fan club for free. He reflects on his past with Alphys, admitting that he was not the best to her. He mentions his intention to apologize and ask for her help in ruling, but he couldn’t find her, stressing, "TRUST ME. I LOOKED." He then asks you to consider whether your life after meeting him "HAS BEEN WORTH LIVING" and encourages you to always think of him.

If Papyrus is dead:The phone call ends there.

If Papyrus is alive:Papyrus joins the call and informs you that he's become Mettaton's second agent. He shares that things have improved since you left (except for the fact everything sucks for anyone who doesn’t worship Mettaton, as they then mysteriously "go missing"). He expresses missing Undyne and asks you to say "hi" if you ever see her again.

Papyrus Ending
Requirements: Kill Toriel, Undyne, Mettaton and spare Papyrus.

Spoiler Cutscene: Of course, Papyrus becomes the ruler of the Underground, though Sans handles the paperwork. Papyrus is unaware of what happened to Asgore, Alphys, Mettaton, and Undyne as Sans informed him that they're are all on "vacation." Papyrus is distressed about his new role due to how people "WANT TO GIVE UP" after his best encouragements and is determined to "MAKE EVERYONE GIVE UP GIVING UP." He talks about how much he misses his friends and insists that he will work hard to bring hope to the Underground. He then expresses his hope to eventually leave the Underground so he can hang out with you again.

Dog Ending
Requirements: Kill Toriel, Papyrus, Undyne, Mettaton and spare every non-boss monster.

Spoiler Cutscene: Sans says that a small, white dog came along and became the president of the Underground after a bunch of important people disappeared overnight. The dog spends its time sleeping on the throne and does absolutely nothing. Strangely, this seems to be the best possible outcome for everyone. Sans does not mention you killing Papyrus or Toriel and instead thanks you for the results.

No King Ending
First branch requirements: Kill Toriel, Papyrus, Undyne, Mettaton, and at least one monster.
Second branch requirements: Kill Toriel, Papyrus, Undyne, Mettaton, and at least 20 monsters.

Spoiler Cutscene: Everyone who would be considered a leader is gone, and the Underground is left less populated with no direction. The monsters all feel hopeless and trapped in the dark, feeling as if they're all just going to inevitably die without hope. Sans acknowledges that he's not the ruler of the Underground because he isn't cut out for such a responsibility and prefers to take it easy. (Which is a joke. This is what happens when people like him "take it easy.").

If you have killed every major character and 1-19 monsters:Sans hatefully says "see ya” and hangs up.

If you have killed every major character and at least 20 monsters:Sans remarks on how the Underground is at least less crowded because of all the monsters you killed. He (jokingly) hopes you're satisfied with what you've done and tells you to “go to hell”.

Alphys Ending
Requirements: Follow the Genocide Route requirements but abort the route during Hotland.

Spoiler Cutscne: Alphys has now become the new ruler of the Underground. She establishes her hatred towards you and explains that after hearing Undyne's last words, her resolve was strengthened and proceeded to evacuate the remaining monsters to a safe location, where the survivors hailed her as a hero and elected her as the new ruler. She mourns the loss of her friends, expressing how clear it is what she should've done. She then ends the call saying "I really should have killed you when I had the chance".

Impossible Ending
Requirements: Somehow meet none of the above requirements or hack the game.

Spoiler Cutscene: Sans states that he has no idea what you've done to trigger this ending. He explains that the call is an error-handling message, and suggests contacting the developer to fix it. He then sarcastically adds that you're probably just a "dirty hacker" and tells you to go away.

Special Sans Comments
Sans can start the call before the ending dialogue with a special comment, but only if certain requirements are met. He only makes one comment per ending, and the table below lists them in order of ascending precedence.

▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬
  • Did not meet any of the special requirements listed below or has killed Papyrus.
Sans simply leaves you a message.

▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬
  • Has the Snowman Piece.
  • Never killed Papyrus.
Sans mentions that you made a certain snowman really happy.

▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬
  • Wearing the Bandage.
  • Never killed Papyrus.
Sans asks if you're still wearing the bandage you started with.

▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬
  • Never used consumables.
  • Never killed Papyrus.
Sans asks if you ever had something to eat.

▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬
  • Never SAVE.
  • Never killed Papyrus.
Sans suggests that you SAVE your game.

▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬
  • Never used consumables.
  • Never SAVE.
  • Never killed Papyrus.
  • Never removed the Bandage.
  • Is at LV 1.
Sans comments on your ability to challenge yourself, but advises you not to brag about it.

▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬
  • Got the Alphys Ending.
Sans immediately hands the phone to Alphys.

Flowey's Parting Words
After the phone call, if you spared Flowey, he appears to talk to you. His dialogue depends on your actions during the Neutral Route.

  • If you killed no one:Flowey wonders why you let him go and questions your kindness, especially since the monsters are still in despair. He then offers advice on how to achieve a better ending by befriending Papyrus, Undyne, and/or Alphys.

  • If you befriended all the key characters without exploring the True Lab:Flowey tells you to see Alphys.

  • If you reset your game and reach the neutral ending again without kills:Flowey notes that the ending remains the same and suggests that your choices mean nothing. He tells you how to get a real happy ending: befriend Papyrus, Undyne, and Alphys.

  • If you reset your game, reach Asgore without kills, then kill Asgore at the end of the fight:Flowey scolds you for playing yourself because all you need to do is befriend Papyrus, Undyne, and Alphys.

  • If you had killed some monsters:Flowey questions whether killing was really necessary and asks if you can reach the ending again without doing so. He suggests that maybe you’ll have a “happy ending” if you try again.

  • If you reset your game and reach the neutral ending again with kills:Flowey agrees that killing is fine but scolds you for only going halfway. (This dialogue is also possible if the pacifistic ending was the first time.)

  • If you reload your SAVE and trigger any neutral ending a second time:Flowey assumes you want to be friends with him. He insults you, claiming he only cares about one person but ultimately doesn’t care about you.

  • If you reset your game and reach the neutral ending a third time:Flowey jokes about starting a "Flowey Fan Club." He then tells you to talk to Papyrus about it, as Papyrus “started” one multiple times.

  • If you reset your game and reach the neutral ending a fourth time:Flowey jokes again about the "Flowey Fan Club." He warns you not to let Sans know about it, as Sans "caused Flowey's fair share of resets."

  • If you reset your game and reach the neutral ending a fifth time:Flowey notes that you're just bored and want to see what he has to say. He then refuses to talk with you any further.

  • If you reset your game and reach the neutral ending a sixth time and onwards:Flowey simply asks if you have anything better to do.

  • If you abort the Genocide Route:Flowey complains that you and him were so close to "real victory", but asks why you had to "screw it up." He begins to wonder if you wanted revenge against him but quickly insinuates that you wanted to show the monsters what happiness is like before tearing it away. He then says that he will be "waiting for you."

Conclusion
The Neutral Route is a middleground where your actions shape the Underground’s future. Depending on whether you kill or spare certain characters, you’ll get different endings, some dark and chaotic, others more peaceful but strange. Sans and Flowey's commentary on your choices give you a sense of how the world responds to your decisions. The route emphasizes the complexity of your choices and their consequences.

And that's it!
Check out my other guides: https://steamproxy.net/profiles/76561198369951417/myworkshopfiles/?section=guides

Goodbye!



1 Comments
dino 26 Dec, 2024 @ 12:14pm 
very good guide :tobdog: