Deltarune is Toby Fox's followup to Undertale, released in episodic chapters starting in 2018. It blends a fixed party RPG with bullet hell dodging in battle, and your choice to fight or spare shapes the tone of each encounter.
This guide covers everything you need: core mechanics, the best builds, equipment worth investing in, location progression, and the tips that actually make a difference.
Core Mechanics
Bullet dodging battles
Defending means steering a heart through bullet patterns, so dodging skill protects the whole party each turn.
ACT and mercy system
You can ACT on enemies to calm them and then spare instead of killing, opening a pacifist route.
Tension Point magic
Grazing bullets and defending build TP, the resource that powers healing and attack spells.
Party of three combat
Unlike Undertale's solo battles, you command a three character party each with distinct spells and roles.
Branching route choices
Decisions and an optional hidden route change events, dialogue and the darker Weird Route outcomes.
For a deeper dive into how these systems interact, see our Deltarune combat guide.
Builds Overview
| Build | Tier | Playstyle | Key Stats |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kris the silent vessel | A | Versatile approach | Balanced stats |
| Susie the reckless bruiser | A | Versatile approach | Balanced stats |
| Ralsei the healer prince | A | Versatile approach | Balanced stats |
| Noelle the ice mage | A | Versatile approach | Balanced stats |
| Berdly support | A | Versatile approach | Balanced stats |
For full build breakdowns with gear and stat priorities, see our Deltarune builds guide. For rankings, check the tier list.
Equipment Guide
| Equipment | Why It Matters | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Kris's various swords | Strong option for most content. | Multiple builds |
| Susie's axes | Strong option for most content. | Multiple builds |
| Ralsei's ribbons | Strong option for most content. | Multiple builds |
| Noelle's snowring | Strong option for most content. | Multiple builds |
| Hammer of Justice | A hidden powerful weapon tied to the Weird Route in Chapter 2. | Players pursuing the secret route |
Hammer of Justice: A hidden powerful weapon tied to the Weird Route in Chapter 2.
Full breakdowns in our Deltarune weapons guide.
Location Progression
| Location | Level Range | Key Rewards |
|---|---|---|
| Hometown | Story hub | Character moments, side quests, shops |
| Field of Hopes and Dreams | Chapter 1 | Party members, first puzzles, tutorial fights |
| Cyber World | Chapter 2 | Noelle ally, mech battles, new spells |
| Card Kingdom | Chapter 1 | King boss fight, story resolution |
| The Dark Fountains | All chapters | Story progression, lore, central mystery |
Hometown: The cozy overworld where Kris lives, connecting the chapters and townsfolk.
Field of Hopes and Dreams: The opening Dark World area of Chapter 1 where Susie and Ralsei join.
Cyber World: The neon Chapter 2 Dark World built around Queen and Noelle's arc.
Card Kingdom: The card themed kingdom ruled by King, the heart of Chapter 1's climax.
The Dark Fountains: The mysterious fountains whose spread drives the overarching plot.
See our maps & locations guide for detailed area breakdowns and our walkthrough for the optimal progression path.
Tips That Actually Matter
- Spare enemies after ACTing them down if you want the intended pacifist route and its lighter tone.
- Build TP by grazing bullets close and defending, then spend it on healing and key spells.
- Use Ralsei's Pacify and heal spells to clear fights without killing and to keep the party alive.
- Defend on turns when patterns look dangerous, since survival builds TP for the next attack.
- Explore every Dark World room, since hidden chests and secrets reward thorough searching.
- In Chapter 2 lean on Noelle's IceShock for tough fights once you have enough TP saved.
- Talk to townsfolk between chapters, since their dialogue changes with your choices and progress.
- Manage your item inventory before bosses so you carry enough healing into long battles.
- Watch enemy bullet patterns for a beat before reacting rather than panicking into hits.
- Save before major decisions if you want to see how different choices change events.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Attacking every enemy out of habit and missing the recruitable pacifist outcomes.
- Spending TP carelessly so you lack the resource for healing in a long boss fight.
- Ignoring defense turns and taking avoidable damage instead of building tension.
- Rushing past Dark World rooms and missing chests, items and secrets.
- Entering bosses with an empty item inventory and no healing buffer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to play Undertale first?
No, Deltarune stands on its own, though Undertale fans will catch returning characters and references that add extra meaning.
How many chapters are there?
Toby Fox is releasing Deltarune in chapters over time, with the early chapters available and more in development as a full multi chapter game.
Can I get a no kill route?
Yes, you can ACT enemies down and spare them for a pacifist style path, which is the intended way to play most encounters.
What is the Weird Route?
It is a hidden darker path triggered by specific choices, especially involving Noelle in Chapter 2, that changes events significantly.
Is it free?
Early chapters have been released free, with the project planned as a paid full release once more chapters are complete.
More Deltarune Guides
- Deltarune Best Builds
- Deltarune Tier List
- Deltarune Walkthrough
- Deltarune Beginner's Guide
- Deltarune Tips & Tricks
- Deltarune Weapons Guide
- Deltarune Combat Guide
- Deltarune Boss Guide
- Deltarune Maps & Locations
- Deltarune Crafting Guide
- Deltarune Classes & Characters
Similar Games
If you enjoy Deltarune, check out these related guides:
- Elden Ring Guide: rpg game with similar mechanics
- Baldur's Gate 3 Guide: rpg game with similar mechanics
- Cyberpunk 2077 Guide: rpg game with similar mechanics
