# Undertale story: what is the plot of Undertale?

> The story of Undertale: a human child falls into the Underground, where monsters were sealed after a war with humans, and chooses to spare or kill them.

The story of Undertale: long ago, humans and monsters went to war, and the humans won and sealed the monsters underground behind a magical barrier created by seven human mages. Much later, a human child falls into the Underground, and the plot follows the child's journey back to the surface. How the story unfolds and ends depends almost entirely on whether you fight, spare or kill the monsters you meet.

## The main story

You arrive in the Ruins and are taken in by Toriel, a kind caretaker monster. From there you travel through Snowdin, Waterfall, Hotland and the CORE toward New Home, the capital ruled by King Asgore. Along the way you meet characters like the skeleton brothers Sans and Papyrus, the royal guard captain Undyne and the scientist Alphys.

The central conflict is the barrier. Breaking it requires seven human souls, and Asgore has been collecting the souls of humans who fell before you. Your soul would be the last one he needs to free the monsters.

## Three main routes

- **Neutral:** you finish the game without fully committing either way. There are many variations of this ending, depending on who you spared or killed.
- **True Pacifist:** you spare everyone, befriend key characters and finish a Neutral run first. This unlocks the full story, including the history of Asriel, Chara and Flowey, and ends with the barrier broken and monsters returning to the surface.
- **Genocide:** you kill every monster you can. The world empties out, the tone turns dark, and the game remembers this choice even after you reset.

## What the game is about

Undertale questions why players fight in RPGs at all. Every battle can be resolved without violence, and the game comments on your choices, including saving and reloading. Its themes are mercy, determination and the consequences of your actions.

## FAQ

**What gender is the protagonist of Undertale?**
The human child, Frisk, is never given a gender. The game refers to them with neutral terms.

**What does "Undertale" mean?**
It's an invented word. It suggests a "tale" set underground, which matches the story of monsters sealed beneath the surface.

**Can you undo a Genocide run?**
Not fully. After a Genocide ending, later Pacifist endings are permanently altered unless you delete hidden save data from the game's files.

**What happens if you spare Sans in the Genocide route?**
Sans pretends to accept it, then attacks you instantly if you accept his offer. You still have to defeat him to continue.

**What is the lore behind Chara, Asriel and Flowey?**
Chara was the first human to fall into the Underground and was adopted by Asgore and Toriel. After Chara died, their son Asriel crossed the barrier with Chara's soul, was attacked by humans and died too. Alphys later brought a golden flower to life with "determination," and it became Flowey, Asriel without a soul.

**Who made Undertale?**
Toby Fox, who released it in 2015. He also wrote its soundtrack.

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https://gamevoyages.com/what-is-the-plot-of-undertale/ · Game Voyage · Checked 2026-10-31