The highly anticipated Chapters 3 and 4 of Deltarune, the multi-chapter successor to the indie smash hit Undertale (2015), have officially launched. Released this morning after years of eager anticipation, these new chapters are already causing a massive surge on Steam.
Gamers are advised to beware of spoilers as the game’s community rapidly dives into the fresh content and unravels new mysteries.
The Genesis of Deltarune: From Cryptic Tweets to New Worlds
Deltarune’s journey began long before its recent expansion.
A Mysterious Beginning in 2018
The game first appeared in a playable format back in 2018. Its creator, Toby Fox, initiated the release with a series of cryptic tweets. These were followed by an unassuming download titled “SURVEY PROGRAM.” This download, to the surprise of many, turned out to be the first chapter of an entirely new game: Deltarune.
The title itself is a clever anagram of Undertale, immediately hinting at its connection to Fox’s previous work. The initial chapter introduced players to Kris, a teenager who, alongside their school bully Susie, is mysteriously transported to a place called the Dark World. Here, they are tasked by a goat-child named Ralsei with saving its unique citizens.
Expanding the Adventure: Chapter 2 and Beyond
Deltarune’s second chapter was released in 2021. It established a recurring narrative structure, resembling an adventure-of-the-week format. In each chapter, Kris and Susie embark on new journeys into the Dark World. They encounter and defeat new villains alongside Ralsei before returning to their home. The game is expected to comprise at least seven chapters in total.
Toby Fox officially announced the simultaneous release of Chapters 3 and 4 in April, building immense excitement for this momentous launch.
Gameplay and Lore: Familiar Yet Mysterious Connections
Deltarune retains key elements from its predecessor while forging its own enigmatic path.
Turn-Based Combat with Bullet-Hell Mechanics
Like Undertale, Deltarune is a turn-based RPG that incorporates engaging bullet-hell mechanics into its combat system. This unique blend offers both strategic depth and fast-paced action. The game features a diverse cast, including both brand-new characters and familiar faces returning from Undertale.
The Enduring Mystery of its Connection to Undertale
A significant aspect fueling Deltarune’s nearly rabid online interest is the profound mystery surrounding its precise connection to Undertale. Despite obvious parallels, there are key differences. Characters in Deltarune possess distinct traits compared to their Undertale counterparts. Moreover, the characters within Deltarune’s universe seem completely unaware of the events that transpired in Undertale.
Yet, the game frequently includes subtle “winks and nods” to Undertale’s narrative, creating an intriguing enigma that players of both games will recognize, even if the in-universe cast does not. This mysterious lore, combined with the game’s zany humor, lovable characters, unique combat, and fantastic soundtrack, forms the core of its deep appeal. Many fans are driven by the desire to uncover what Deltarune truly is and how it will ultimately connect with or resolve some of Undertale’s lingering mysteries.
Commercial Success and Widespread Availability
The launch of Deltarune Chapters 3 and 4 has seen immediate and substantial commercial success across multiple platforms.
Dominating Steam Charts
At the time of writing, Deltarune has already amassed over 100,000 concurrent players on Steam, cementing its position as the 10th most-played game on Valve’s platform. This achievement is particularly notable as it has already surpassed the peak player count of the free Deltarune Chapter 1 and 2 demo, despite the new chapters costing $25. Currently, Deltarune is the top-selling game on Steam by revenue, outpacing major titles such as Counter-Strike 2, Elden Ring: Nightreign, and Dune: Awakening.
Multi-Platform Release
The game’s true popularity is expected to be even greater, given its broad multi-platform release. Deltarune is now available on PlayStation 4 and 5, as well as Xbox Series consoles. Furthermore, its highly anticipated Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 versions are scheduled to launch tonight at midnight (June 5, 2025) as the Switch 2 officially releases.
This widespread availability ensures that a vast audience of gamers can experience Toby Fox’s latest creation.