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July 26, 2026Sources cited
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Entertainment • Video Game

Undertale

Undertale is an indie role-playing video game created by Toby Fox and released in 2015.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Undertale is an indie role-playing video game created by Toby Fox and released in 2015. It follows a human child who falls into the Underground, a hidden world inhabited by monsters, and is known for its choice-driven combat, humour, and multiple endings. The game is notable for allowing players to spare enemies rather than defeat them.

Gameplay

Undertale combines role-playing, puzzle-solving, and turn-based combat. Battles use a bullet-hell-style dodging system, and players can choose non-violent actions that affect relationships and story outcomes.

Setting and story

The game is set in the Underground, a sealed realm where monsters were banished after a war with humans. The player character’s journey through this world drives the story.

Development and release

Undertale was developed by Toby Fox and first released for Windows and macOS in September 2015. Later versions expanded availability to additional platforms.

Reception

The game was widely praised for its writing, characters, music, and originality, and it received multiple Game of the Year recognitions from gaming outlets.

Key facts

  • The player controls a human child who falls into the Underground and tries to escape.
  • Undertale is an indie RPG with bullet-hell elements in its battle system.
  • Combat can be resolved through violence or by sparing monsters and using non-violent actions.
  • The game features multiple narrative routes and endings based on player choices.
  • It was created by Toby Fox, who is credited as the developer.
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Canadian context

Undertale has no specific Canadian setting or Canada-focused theme, but it is widely available to Canadian players on PC and major console platforms.

Frequently asked questions

Who created Undertale?
Undertale was created by Toby Fox.
What kind of game is Undertale?
It is an indie role-playing video game with turn-based combat and bullet-hell elements.
What is Undertale about?
It follows a human child who falls into the Underground, a monster-inhabited world, and tries to return to the surface.
Can players avoid killing enemies in Undertale?
Yes. The game allows players to spare enemies and resolve many encounters non-violently.
When was Undertale released?
It was released on September 15, 2015.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Undertale
    Supports: Basic description, setting, perspective, and core premise.
  2. Steam — https://store.steampowered.com/app/391540/Undertale/
    Supports: Developer, genre, release date, and game description.
  3. Undertale Wiki — https://undertale.wiki/
    Supports: Creator, release information, and gameplay overview.
  4. GameLabWiki (University of Konstanz) — https://wiki.uni-konstanz.de/gamelab/index.php/Undertale
    Supports: Indie origin, story premise, and turn-based RPG with danmaku elements.
  5. IGN — https://www.ign.com/articles/2018/09/18/undertale-review
    Supports: Console availability and comparison with earlier releases.
  6. Gamepressure — https://www.gamepressure.com/games/undertale/z738ff
    Supports: Developer, release date, and platform information.