The Haunting Echoes of Deltarune's Snowgrave Route: Consequences and Character Dynamics in Chapters 3 & 4

In the seemingly cheerful world of Deltarune, there exists a path less traveled—one that reveals the game's darker underbelly. Known as the "Weird" or "Snowgrave" route, this alternative narrative mirrors Undertale's infamous genocide path, presenting players with morally ambiguous choices that ripple through subsequent chapters. While initial consequences might appear subtle, by Chapters 3 and 4, the weight of these decisions becomes overwhelmingly apparent, fundamentally altering character relationships and story outcomes.

❄️ The Chilling Aftermath of Chapter 2

The most immediate consequence of the Snowgrave route manifests in Berdly's absence from his usual library haunt. Players who coerced Noelle into using her ice magic against him discover him hospitalized in a coma-like state, unresponsive and cold to the touch—a direct reflection of his dark world fate. This physical manifestation raises fascinating questions about how dark world events translate to the light world.

Key differences in Berdly's condition:

• Snowgrave Route: Comatose, body temperature abnormally low

• Alternative Injury: Conscious but injured if arm was fried by Queen

• Pacifist Route: Fully healthy and present in library

Interestingly, players can show Berdly mercy by adjusting the heater in his hospital room, making him appear "more comfortable" upon subsequent interactions. This small act of compassion highlights Toby Fox's signature approach to moral complexity.

🎭 Shifting Dynamics: Susie, Noelle, and Kris

The relationship triangle between the main characters undergoes dramatic changes in the Snowgrave route. Where the pacifist path features Susie nervously inviting Noelle to hang out, followed by an adorable high-five with Kris, the darker route subverts these moments:

Scenario	Pacifist Route	Snowgrave Route
Invitation	Susie approaches Noelle	Noelle approaches both
High-five	Kris reciprocates enthusiastically	Kris leaves Susie hanging
Emotional tone	Supportive and celebratory	Possessive and distant

Kris displays unsettling possessiveness over Noelle, likely reflecting the player's influence rather than their true feelings. This dynamic becomes particularly evident during the study group scene, where Berdly's absence means Noelle's mother Carol makes the festival invitation call instead—creating a drastically different atmosphere.

🔮 The Thorn Ring and Hidden Conversations

One of the route's most poignant moments occurs when players discover Kris and Noelle having a private conversation. Noelle vaguely references the Chapter 2 events, describing how Kris apologized for "playing a cruel prank" on her. She notes it felt like "a long time since she's heard Kris' actual voice," suggesting the player's control over Kris creates a separation from their authentic self.

The conversation reveals crucial lore about the Thorn Ring—the item that granted Noelle her ice powers—which manifested from a literal thorn Kris removed from her finger. This moment underscores how much remains unknown about Kris's true nature when free from player control.

💀 The Harrowing Climax

The route's most disturbing sequence occurs when Kris discovers the player eavesdropping. In a panic, they repeatedly cover Noelle's mouth, aware the player can hear everything. The scene descends into chaos as players are forced to:

1. Control Kris against their will

2. Re-force the Thorn Ring onto Noelle

3. Watch as familiar "proceed" options appear ominously

The sequence ends with a black screen featuring an ominous red crack where Noelle stood, leaving her fate terrifyingly ambiguous. The scene cuts to Kris attempting to destroy their soul in a trashcan—a powerful testament to how effectively pixel art can convey horror.

👁️ Subtle Clues and Reactions

Secondary characters display surprising awareness of the changed dynamics. Gerson comments on Kris having "relationship trouble," while Ralsei shows concern and actually discourages Kris from attending the festival with Noelle—contrasting with his encouragement during pacifist runs.

Notable psychological reactions:

• 😱 Choosing to "think about Noelle" makes Kris hear her say "thank you" in a shaky voice

• 🕯️ Praying for Noelle at candles causes Kris to violently destroy the display

• 😶 Kris enters trance-like states when forced to focus on Noelle

🌌 The Ominous Conclusion

The route concludes with a starkly different ending from the pacifist path. Instead of Susie appearing at Kris's window to discuss the prophecy, Kris remains in bed receiving a voicemail from Carol confirming festival plans. The message that Noelle is "really looking forward" to seeing Kris carries chilling implications, given her last terrified interaction with them.

This conclusion sets the stage for potential conflict in Chapter 5, possibly pitting Kris and Susie in "not-so-friendly competition" for Noelle's attention. The unanswered question of what truly happened to Noelle during that black screen moment hangs over the narrative like a specter.

🎮 Narrative Mastery in Pixel Form

Toby Fox demonstrates remarkable storytelling prowess through these subtle yet impactful changes. The Snowgrave route proves that consequences in Deltarune aren't always immediate but accumulate gradually, creating a profoundly different experience that challenges players to reconsider their actions and relationships with these pixelated characters. As development continues toward Chapter 5, the lingering effects of this dark path promise to shape Deltarune's future in unpredictable and potentially terrifying ways.

The above analysis is based on reports from Polygon, a leading source for gaming culture and in-depth commentary. Polygon's coverage of Deltarune's branching narratives and player-driven consequences highlights how the Snowgrave route stands out for its psychological complexity and long-term impact on character relationships, echoing the nuanced storytelling that has become a hallmark of Toby Fox's work.