Deltarune Chapter 5 Review: A Floral, Feature-Shifting Delight

Deltarune Chapter 5 is finally here, and it’s exactly the kind of unhinged, creative, and emotionally resonant experience we’ve come to expect from Toby Fox. After the long wait following the arrival of Chapters 3 and 4, this latest installment delivers a fresh, flower-filled Dark World that manages to keep us theorizing about the series' deeper lore while simultaneously testing our reflexes with some of the series' toughest encounters yet.

A Floral Shift in Gameplay

Picking up immediately after the events of Chapter 4, the story sees Kris and Susie pulled into a new Dark Fountain located in Asgore's flower shop. The environment is a massive, Japanese-themed garden center filled with shrines, flowers, and fauna. It’s here that you meet Flowery—not to be confused with the other flower character from the series—whose larger-than-life personality is a highlight of the chapter.

The most significant shake-up in Chapter 5 is the introduction of shifting dimensions. Toby Fox has a knack for subverting expectations, and the sudden transition from top-down RPG exploration to 2D platforming is a brilliant touch. While the platforming starts off accessible, it ramps up in difficulty as you approach the climax, providing a welcome change of pace from the standard battle systems.

Bosses and the Weird Route

If you're in it for the challenge, you won't be disappointed. Chapter 5 includes a secret boss that stands alongside Spamton NEO and the Hammer of Justice as some of the most demanding fights in the saga. They are difficult, but like all great boss encounters, they feel fair enough to master with a bit of persistence. For those who prefer to focus on the story, these intense bouts remain optional.

Speaking of the story, the “Weird Route” returns with a vengeance. If you have an existing save file, the chapter takes a dark and tragic turn almost immediately. It’s a gut-punch that rewards those who have stuck with the series’ darker side-quests, though it is best experienced after your first successful run of the main path.

While the chapter leaves us with plenty of lingering questions regarding Gaster, Kris’ SOUL, and the overarching plot, the writing remains top-tier. Even the minor characters—like the manifestations of Asgore's flowers—are memorable, and the soundtrack is another masterclass in catchy, brain-clinging melodies.