In Undertale, the gameplay experience is uniquely shaped by the player’s interactions with the various characters, leading to three main types of endings: Pacifist, Neutral, and Genocide. Each ending not only reflects the choices made throughout the game but also significantly influences the narrative and the fates of the characters encountered. Here’s a detailed look at each ending type:

Ending Types Overview

| Ending Type | How to Achieve | Key Characteristics |
|——————|——————–|————————-|
| Pacifist | Spare all monsters and engage in special story events such as dating certain characters and completing the True Lab. | This ending allows you to save both the monsters and humanity, unlocking additional content and a fuller story progression. You also get to witness the characters’ true hopes and dreams and restore peace in the Underground. |
| Neutral | Kill some monsters while sparing others, leading to a variety of outcomes based on specific choices made during encounters. | Neutral endings are diverse, with many variations that depend on which characters were spared or defeated. This results in alternate realities where certain characters thrive or fall based on the player’s actions. Each ending can highlight different characters or groups assuming leadership roles. |
| Genocide | Methodically kill every monster in the game, including all bosses, fulfilling the designated kill counts for each area. | This ending is characterized by a dark transformation of the game’s narrative. It permanently alters the save file and the way the game portrays dialogue and scenes. It culminates in a somber conclusion where the player, having obliterated all inhabitants, faces dire consequences and reflections from surviving characters like Flowey. |

In-Depth Analysis

1. Pacifist Ending (True Pacifist)
To achieve the Pacifist Ending, players must choose mercy consistently, sparing all encounters and completing side quests, such as dating elements with different characters. The culmination of this route offers a sense of resolution and harmony within the Underground, showcasing the player’s ability to foster friendship and understanding rather than conflict. It is marked by the overall theme of redemption and hope, providing a broader narrative arc compared to other endings.

2. Neutral Endings
Neutral endings present a wide array of possibilities based on the player’s specific choices regarding which monsters to kill or spare. These endings can range significantly, leading to unique scenarios where different characters either triumph or succumb to the player’s decisions. Players can experience outcomes such as characters like Undyne or Mettaton stepping into leadership roles if they survive certain encounters. The variability of neutral endings emphasizes Undertale’s focus on the moral ambiguity of choices and their direct consequences on the narrative landscape.

3. Genocide Ending
In stark contrast, the Genocide Ending requires a complete and ruthless approach, where the player must annihilate every single monster within the game world. This pathway leads to a dark transformation of the player character and the game itself, permanently changing the perception of their actions within the world. The narrative that unfolds in this ending highlights themes of loss, destruction, and the ramifications of unchecked violence. The game critiques the player’s choices, as illustrated by the poignant remarks from characters like Flowey, who reflect on the darkness that the player has embraced.

Conclusion
Ultimately, Undertale invites players to engage with its world through meaningful choice, where every act of mercy or violence carries weight. The three ending types—Pacifist, Neutral, and Genocide—serve not just as divergent paths for the player but also as a commentary on the nature of those choices and their lasting effects on the characters and the world around them. The game masterfully captures how individual actions can reshape one’s relationships and the overarching narrative, proving that every decision, no matter how small, can have profound implications.