DELTARUNE is a single-player RPG developed by Toby Fox that follows a parallel narrative to his earlier work Undertale. The game places players in control of Kris, a human living in a quiet town, who ventures into mysterious Dark Worlds alongside companions. Released as a launch title for the Nintendo Switch 2 in June 2025, it combines top-down exploration with distinctive combat mechanics across multiple chapters. Chapters 1 through 5 are currently available, delivered in a linear episodic format that allows players to begin or resume at any point in the sequence.
Gameplay
The core loop alternates between overworld navigation and turn-based encounters. In the field, players move freely through environments, interact with objects and residents, and solve light environmental challenges that advance the narrative. Party members accompany the protagonist and contribute to both exploration and combat decisions. Battles shift perspective to a contained arena where the player maneuvers a heart-shaped soul to evade patterned attacks. Choices during encounters include standard attacks, defensive actions, item use, and ACT commands that alter enemy behavior or open paths to non-violent resolutions. Each chapter introduces new locations and enemy types that refresh the dodging sequences and puzzle elements without altering the fundamental structure.
Progression remains strictly story-driven, with save points scattered throughout areas and automatic chapter checkpoints that preserve overall advancement. Hidden encounters exist for players seeking additional challenge, though they remain optional. The system emphasizes timing and pattern recognition over grinding or resource management typical of many RPGs.
Game Modes
DELTARUNE operates as a single continuous experience divided into chapters rather than offering separate game modes. The chapter-based structure functions as the primary organizational system, with each installment presenting a self-contained segment of the larger plot while carrying forward character development and certain mechanics. Players select a chapter from the main menu to load directly into that portion of the story. No competitive, cooperative, or alternate difficulty variants appear in the current release. The design keeps focus on sequential narrative delivery and repeated playthroughs to observe different outcomes from combat choices.
Story and Characters
The narrative centers on Kris and a growing group of allies who navigate between the ordinary Light World and surreal Dark Worlds created by fountains. Familiar figures from the broader universe appear alongside entirely new personalities, each with distinct dialogue and motivations. Chapters build upon one another through recurring locations and escalating stakes, though each segment maintains its own tone and set of conflicts. The writing blends humor, tension, and quiet character moments without relying on extensive voice acting.
Audio and Presentation
A large original soundtrack composed by Toby Fox accompanies every area and encounter, shifting in style to match the chapter's setting. Pixel art remains consistent across environments, with expressive animations for characters during dialogue and combat. The presentation supports both handheld and docked play on the Nintendo Switch 2, maintaining clear visuals and responsive controls in either configuration. Chapter transitions include brief recaps to help players reorient after breaks between sessions.
Is It Worth Playing?
DELTARUNE delivers a focused single-player RPG experience centered on deliberate combat choices and episodic storytelling. The current five chapters provide substantial content for those who enjoy pattern-based battles and character-driven progression. Support continues with additional chapters planned as free updates. The game suits players who prefer narrative emphasis and unique mechanics over open-world freedom or multiplayer features. Those who appreciate the developer's previous titles will find familiar strengths in pacing and enemy design, while newcomers can start with the initial chapters to determine fit. Availability on the Nintendo Switch 2 makes it accessible for portable sessions or television play without additional purchases required for the existing chapters.