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.
If you're just starting, check our beginner's guide first.
Essential Tips
1. Spare enemies after ACTing them down if you want the intended pacifist
Route and its lighter tone.
2. Build TP by grazing bullets close and defending
Then spend it on healing and key spells.
3. Use Ralsei's Pacify and heal spells to clear fights without killing and to keep the party alive
4. Defend on turns when patterns look dangerous
Since survival builds TP for the next attack.
5. Explore every Dark World room
Since hidden chests and secrets reward thorough searching.
6. In Chapter 2 lean on Noelle's IceShock for tough fights once you have enough TP saved
7. Talk to townsfolk between chapters
Since their dialogue changes with your choices and progress.
8. Manage your item inventory before bosses so you carry enough healing into long battles
9. Watch enemy bullet patterns for a beat before reacting rather than panicking into hits
10. Save before major decisions if you want to see how different choices change events
Advanced Strategies
Build Optimization
The difference between an average build and an optimized one is massive. See our builds guide for full breakdowns.
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Focus on Bullet dodging battles combinations for maximum output.
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Core gear: Kris's various swords
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Stat priority: Offensive stats first
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Versatile approach that handles any situation.
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Core gear: Susie's axes
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Stat priority: Balanced stats
Mechanic Interactions
Understanding how Deltarune's systems interact is where the real optimization lives. Our combat guide covers this in detail.
Bullet dodging battles + ACT and mercy system: Defending means steering a heart through bullet patterns, so dodging skill protects the whole party each turn. Combined with 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 + Party of three combat: Grazing bullets and defending build TP, the resource that powers healing and attack spells. When paired with Party of three combat, unlike undertale's solo battles, you command a three character party each with distinct spells and roles.
Branching route choices scaling: Decisions and an optional hidden route change events, dialogue and the darker Weird Route outcomes.
Equipment Efficiency
| Equipment | Best Use Case | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Kris's various swords | General use | Strong option. |
| Susie's axes | General use | Strong option. |
| Ralsei's ribbons | General use | Strong option. |
| Noelle's snowring | General use | Strong option. |
| Hammer of Justice | Players pursuing the secret route | A hidden powerful weapon tied to the Weird Route in Chapter 2. |
Location Efficiency
Hometown (Story hub): The cozy overworld where Kris lives, connecting the chapters and townsfolk.
Field of Hopes and Dreams (Chapter 1): The opening Dark World area of Chapter 1 where Susie and Ralsei join.
Cyber World (Chapter 2): The neon Chapter 2 Dark World built around Queen and Noelle's arc.
Card Kingdom (Chapter 1): The card themed kingdom ruled by King, the heart of Chapter 1's climax.
The Dark Fountains (All chapters): The mysterious fountains whose spread drives the overarching plot.
Pro Quick Tips
- 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.
- Start with Susie the reckless bruiser, switch to Kris the silent vessel when ready
- Invest in Kris's various swords above everything else
- Clear areas in order: Hometown → Field of Hopes and Dreams → Cyber World → Card Kingdom → The Dark Fountains. See our maps guide
- Bullet dodging battles + ACT and mercy system together are stronger than either alone
Similar Games
If you enjoy Deltarune, check out these related guides:
- Elden Ring Tips & Tricks: rpg game with similar mechanics
- Baldur's Gate 3 Tips & Tricks: rpg game with similar mechanics
- Cyberpunk 2077 Tips & Tricks: rpg game with similar mechanics
