A new update for Deltarune has arrived on Steam and PlayStation, delivering final adjustments ahead of the release of Chapter 6. The v0.0.253 patch addresses critical bugs, prevents progression softlocks, and introduces adjustable difficulty settings for a notoriously tough optional encounter.
Quick Facts
- Patch Version: v0.0.253
- Release Date: July 31, 2026
- Platforms: PC (Steam) and PlayStation
- Key Additions: Three difficulty settings for the Chapter 5 Shadow Crystal boss
What Changed in the v0.0.253 Patch
The update targets several persistent technical issues reported by players. Chief among them are softlocks triggered by disconnecting headphones during specific game sequences. Additionally, the patch resolves a bug where consumed items failed to replenish properly and fixes unexpected crashes tied to particular player actions.
Beyond bug fixes, the patch introduces a major mechanical adjustment for the hidden Chapter 5 Shadow Crystal boss. Players struggling with the encounter can now alter the challenge after a defeat.
How the Shadow Crystal Boss Difficulty Works
Upon losing to the Chapter 5 boss, a Pink Bomb spawns outside the arena. Interacting with it lets players choose between making the fight easier or harder:
- Nicer: Shows target locations for certain attacks and increases the delay before they land, providing more reaction time.
- Meaner: Increases boss damage output by 25% and makes select attacks slightly faster.
Defeating the boss on different difficulty settings also alters the post-fight cutscene. Choosing the Meaner setting triggers a flurry of kisses rewarded to Kris, while the Nicer option results in the boss poking her tongue out in taunt. These cutscene variations do not affect the broader narrative progression of the playthrough.