How Is DELTARUNE Connected to UNDERTALE?

Updated

DELTARUNE is not a sequel to UNDERTALE — it's a parallel story set in a different world, made by the same creator, Toby Fox. That means you don't need to finish UNDERTALE first to follow it, but you'll recognize several characters who return in new roles. The official site describes it as "the next adventure in the UNDERTALE series" and "a parallel story to UNDERTALE," with a cast that mixes new main characters and familiar faces.

Parallel story, not a continuation

The distinction matters if you're deciding whether to play them in order:

  • Same creator, same series umbrella. DELTARUNE is written by Toby Fox, the creator of UNDERTALE, and the site credits him with "a massive soundtrack and story."
  • Different world and premise. It's framed as a parallel story rather than a direct follow-up, so events in UNDERTALE don't function as required backstory.
  • Chapter-based structure. The story is told in chapters rather than one continuous game, and the site describes it as "a linear, chapter-based system that you can pick up from anywhere."

Which UNDERTALE characters appear

The site confirms returning characters by name while keeping the focus on a new main cast:

Element What the site says
New main characters "Meet new and endearing main characters"
Returning faces "familiar faces like Toriel, Sans, and more"
One notable absence Papyrus — "No, he's busy. Sorry"
Tone and style Pixel animation by Temmie, bullet-dodging battles, hidden bosses

So if your interest in DELTARUNE comes from UNDERTALE, Toriel and Sans are the clearest confirmed hooks. Papyrus is explicitly addressed as not appearing, which the site plays as a joke rather than a story detail.

What carries over in gameplay feel

The connection is also stylistic. The site describes:

  • Nonviolent RPG battles where you "fight or spare your way" through encounters.
  • Bullet-dodging combat inspired by the Touhou series and Chrono Trigger.
  • "Jevilishly difficult hidden bosses" for players who seek out optional challenges.
  • A soundtrack and story by Toby Fox, matching the creative identity of UNDERTALE.

If you liked UNDERTALE's battle system and music more than its specific plot, that's the part of the connection most likely to matter to you.

What's available now

The site's current status line is "Chapters 1-5 Available Now," with "more planned as free updates." A demo covering Chapters 1 and 2 is listed as available for free on PC / Mac. Platforms named on the page are Nintendo Switch, PC / Mac, and PlayStation.

One detail worth noting for expectations: the site teases "...only 1 ending...?" — phrased as a question, so treat it as an open hook rather than a confirmed fact about how the story resolves.

Bottom line

DELTARUNE shares a creator, a series label, a visual style, and some characters with UNDERTALE, but it stands on its own as a parallel story told in chapters. You can start with the free Chapter 1 & 2 demo on PC / Mac if you want to test whether the connection lands for you before committing to the full Chapters 1-5 release.