DELTARUNE / The Truth of the Shadow Crystals / 30 Theories Analyzed

[@JaruJaruJ]

Seen a lot of people critiquing my "combat effectiveness" sticking point, so I'll go ahead and pin a comment so I can stop repeating myself in the replies. "Seam meant that you have to be powerful to acquire a Shadow Crystal, not that the Crystal makes you powerful." I disagree. Not only did I argue that the Crystals DON'T make you powerful, they just give you an edge in a fight, but also Spamton was a normal, weak Darkner both before and after finding the Crystal. It wasn't until he got the Neo form that he became strong. Also, he just stumbled across the Crystal, so strength wasn't a factor in its acquisition. "Seam speaks in riddles and can't be taken literally." Have you read his dialogue? Seam is one of the straightest shooters in the game. Jevil and Spamton talk in riddles. Seam explains in clear, precise terms what Shadow Crystals are, what happened to Jevil, give specific tips on how to proceed in the plot, and even outright tells you that you can find Jevil's stuff nearby if you beat him. Seam is the backbone of so many theories because he knows lore but also talks clearly and plainly. "The Crystals grant a direct power boost, they don't help you via visions." Then why don't Kris, Susie, or Ralsei get any stat boost after we acquire these Crystals? "Shadow Crystals manifest near powerful Darkners." Spamton stumbled across his Shadow Crystal in the basement. It didn't manifest around him. And Seam, the expert on these Crystals, suggests that he's surprised that Jevil had a Shadow Crystal, which wouldn't make sense if he knew that these things form near powerful Darkners. I might add on to this if I see anymore similar objects, but hopefully this covers most of the common counterarguments. Thanks for the support. x)

[@santapacman]

Ok, you swayed me. I was on the fence, but seeing your counterarguments laid out nice and clean like this I don't really have much room to object further. Nice work :)

[@sunnler9442]

While I totally agree that its likely that the crytals help with combat I dont think its a solid enough fact to be used to debunk theories. Seam knows a lot more than he lets on, so it could be possible that he is eluding to all the darkners with dark crystals having been “helped” by gaster. Therefore making them very powerful foes. Gasters influence is important to keep in mind while talking about the secret bosses, seeing as it is possible gaster is the both the cause of theyre enhanced power and insanity. Gaster being involved in discussions like this sucks because it forces us to keep more options on the table, but it is still important to consider it. Dark crystals helping with combat is not confirmable with the knowledge we have now. It is definitely likely but not a fact. I love your videos and mean no disrespect :)

[@cowclucklater8448]

Perhaps the shadow crystals boost the power of the weopons and equipment if the wielder desire them to? Spamton was weak until he had the suit with a power crystal in it, and jevel damage Stat is way higher than other enemies. Of course jevil killed people so he could have gained exp and stats from that, and the suit could have just been very powerful because it was a lighters dream. Also one thing interesting is Sans (undertale) might have a shadow crystal and is using it for battle. He knows when timelines reset (shadow crystal shows the past) and he knows where you will aim your next attack (shadow crystal shows the future in the past)

[@JaruJaruJ]

@Ralsei Acolyte cause he is God Very cool idea! It would be a nice callback and bittersweet way to end the game. x)

[@sexyshalisa]

Shadow Crystal is attracted to/ found in powerful objects. Darkners are objects that can change into persons and back into objects at will.

[@nuuus_xd8800]

my theory: Jaru tried to know too much about the shadow crystals and fell into the same madness that Jevil and Spamton did

[@JaruJaruJ]

True! xD

[@dustorm5012]

it works in every single way

[@Wololo528]

I was completly insane at birth

[@jamesramsey427]

Not what caused it spamton found the crystal inside neo suit so he never even knew before as he was nutz at the meeting as well

[@honk243]

@@JaruJaruJ You lost it when you tried to see too far. ...You lost it...

[@MorrisMusic]

"Invisible, yet casts a shadow." That sounds like a metaphor for the Knight: We don't see them, but they cast a shadow on the game's story.

[@JaruJaruJ]

Damn. That's pretty cool, not gonna lie. xD

[@theodaltin2614]

Brillant !

[@popdg2412]

I believe dark and light work in opposite ways in the dark world though, right? Weren't there shadow puzzles where darkness functions like light from a light bulb in that Berdly puzzle? Edit:The instructions to that puzzle say: "These Dark bulbs will cast a bright shadow on the ground. Fill in the space with dark to unlock the way." Maybe that means that the crystal is actually a "light source"?

[@Thechaosmaster1997]

The Knight is a living Shadow Crystal.

[@Rowrowfightthepower]

So does papyrus

[@IrynStyl]

One idea It doesn't seem you mentioned is that the hidden bosses don't actually have a shadow crystal, but rather have a pure crystal. When defeated the power is spent leaving behind a shadow crystal. This was just one interpretation I had of the dialogue with Seam on how a darkener stole "its" power.

[@JaruJaruJ]

INTERESTING!

[@cementcitron9428]

@@JaruJaruJ VERY VERY

[@typhondst3363]

Was that about the Shadow Crystal? I had always interpreted that to be referring to the body that Spamton used to become Neo.

[@RobinRhombus2]

@@cementcitron9428 THIS NEXT EXPERIMENT SEEMS

[@slushyface307]

@@RobinRhombus2 *VERY VERY INTERESTING.*

[@ihavenocluehowtochangethen2987]

hold on i think we're thinking about the fear theory different! i think that the crystals show whatever you're LOOKING AT'S fear. Kris, Jevil, and Spamton all using the crystals on themselves still holds as before and would drive those guys insane Susie is afraid Kris will see her as cold and rude because they're friends The dark worlds collective fear is being abandoned by lighteners, so their light world equivlents (not the dark worlds where they're alive and moving) would be frightening. seeing your enemies fears is very helpful for combat! and in reverse, defeating someone who knows YOUR worst fears is a feat

[@NububuChan]

I like this take!

[@i8chocolatecake995]

ooh i like this take on it!!

[@Data-Expungeded]

that makes sense why kris saw through their hand. They’re afraid they’ll stop existing or afraid people will stop seeing them as them

[@patrickserrats6919]

That would algo make sense as to spamton understanding that kris's situation is similar to his

[@johnnodwarf1201]

damn this is a good one imo

[@Scienceboy0]

You had me tearing up over the Ralsei theory. I hope this is true, from the bottom of my heart. Ralsei being the purest, best person in the face of a nihilistic world is such a powerful message. I love Ralsei, and I want nothing more than for him to be the hero of the story, not some twist villain.

[@JaruJaruJ]

I'm very flattered to hear that you felt that way! And I couldn't agree more. I sincerely believe he is nothing more than a really good fluffy boy trying to make the world a sweeter place. x)

[@gloomy491]

If ralsei is evil I will go through the 5 stages of grief multiple times

[@Data-Expungeded]

@@gloomy491 if ralsei is evil i’ll break, go insane, and then join him. No matter what twisted road he goes down, I will folloe

[@gloomy491]

@@Data-Expungeded same

[@Lucat_the_Nerd]

I want him to be good too, but the Homestuck part of my brain says to me: Ralsei is a Prince. A Prince is a Destroyer.

[@OrangeNOrange]

I love the idea of Gaster just giving you Wingdings to decipher as you fight for your life

[@JaruJaruJ]

LMAO. Like Navi pops up, but instead of giving a useful hint, she just gives a series of Wingdings gibberish. Fantastic. xD

[@An_Account1]

Someone should make a mod for Ocarina of Time that replaces Navi with Gaster, all of Navi's voice lines with Entry Number 17, and Navi's text with Wingdings.

[@MAXIMUMPOWER42]

​@@JaruJaruJ the crystals show the light world version

[@MAXIMUMPOWER42]

​@@JaruJaruJ the classroom and computer work, Castle town is because the closet is completely dark, spamton and jevil went insane because they knew they couldn't go to the light world, seeing through the hand is obvious, and Susie almost exclusively smiles in the dark world.

[@MAXIMUMPOWER42]

​@@JaruJaruJ nvm I just realized that's the other world theory lol

[@boredspecter8025]

I find the theory of Ralsai knowing him and his friends are in a time loop and still wanting them to be happy is sad yet happy to me. Despite him knowing they will infinitely fail; he refuses to be sad about it and instead finds and accepts all the good things life offers. It's quite beautiful really, hopefully the real outcome it happier but the story is literally based off of a fever dream so anything's fair game.

[@JaruJaruJ]

I'm glad you liked it! It's a Ralsei theory that I personally find really compelling. x)

[@Reynnan123]

What if the "good" ending aka we defeat the titans of the roaring or simply stop the roaring would require us to do all the weird routes because of how strong they are

[@TSSmith]

So we have go kill Berdly to save the world? Sounds like a win/win

[@rich_gamer0667]

Nope, he addresses that in the video, and YOUR CHOICES DON'T MATTER, IT DOESN'T MATTER HOW EXTREME THEY ARE

[@mochapoke3100]

@@Reynnan123 honestly I thought about this and it makes a ton of sense. We would need to do something unconventional and ( if we can maybe assume kris had free will before the events of deltarune in the last time loop. Honestly this could be true or not) something that kris themselves would not have done ( snowgrave notably kris hated doing) to actually maybe end the time loop and kill the angel. But at that point a lot of bad would have happened so while choices would have mattered, in the end it would have been better to let the angel win.

[@AshenDust_]

One note about the future theory, it could be that there isn’t a vision for Castle Town not because it gets destroyed, but because it never changes. If nothing happened while looking through it, that means that you see whatever is in front of you in it, so maybe castle town stays exactly as it is throughout the whole game, just with people coming and going from it.

[@Cream12345Ice]

That seems incredibly unlikely to be because we already see it changing radically in the game

[@TJ-hg6op]

@@Cream12345Ice Maybe the pure dark fountain affects the crystal. Maybe it’s more physical than other dark worlds? IDK.

[@0rangepel378]

Something I wanna point out Multiple times in this video, you make reference to the potential of Susie and Kris having a "falling out" in the future. You say this isn't very likely, but I think it's actually very likely that Susie would be upset at Kris for creating a dark fountain and knowingly risking causing the end of the world.

[@thesymbiotenation.4552]

So the Susie vision might show the temporary falling out between Kris and Susie in chapter 3

[@thisguyshere6675]

that COULD happen. it is a very real possibility.

[@windego64]

Yeah susie ironically the most sane in the group

[@waffler-yz3gw]

she could also think it was cool because she literally didnt care about the end of the world mentioned in chapter 1

[@0rangepel378]

@@waffler-yz3gw Well, she's had a lot of character development since then, and she's come to really care about the other characters, so her opinion on that has most likely changed.

[@CrazyChan]

A detail that would fit the timeloop theory is that the 'freedom' leitmotif (which plays in both Jevil's and Spamton NEO's themes), starts and ends on the same note, so it loops seamlessly.

[@JaruJaruJ]

True! Good catch!

[@pedroivog.s.6870]

SEAMlessly

[@Th3DankestMemer]

@@pedroivog.s.6870 nicely done

[@foofgam220]

Couldn't you say... SEAM(shawm)lessly?

[@Javy_Chand]

Well, actually 🤓☝️ Its just basic music theory, I know this is more than a year later, however, I still want to clear this point. Most leitmotiffs need to end in two manners: ->Tension, leaves you 'needing' the next note (ie flowey's/asriel theme) ->Resolution, after the tension, you are left satisfied, in this case toby just decided to make this leitmotiff end in resolution.

[@magtea3836]

The truth theory could be corroborated by the fact that spamton seems to know that Kris is a “heart on a chain” which no one else seems to have realized

[@JaruJaruJ]

True, true.

[@YourMomsAltAccount]

He does have a lot of dialog centered around things revolving Kris, despite the fact he shouldn't be able to know such things. Ralsei also says such weird things as well though, so it could or could not relate to the crystals.

[@Your_mom513]

Why did I just realize the “Heart on a chain” thing references to how Kris is under the players influence

[@strangejune]

@@YourMomsAltAccount Is it impossible that Ralsei possesses a crystal too?

[@Data-Expungeded]

@@strangejune no. It’s very possible that he has one

[@pros_0143]

My personal theory is that you can harvest shadow crystals from bosses not because someone gave it to them. Their dark body made it, and as you collect it after defeating them, it's a drop.

[@MercurySteel]

So they they turn into a weapon/armour AND a crystal? That means they splint into two.

[@banann_ducc]

@@MercurySteel it is a *part* of them. Not exactly *them* in their entirety. like a tumor or a limb. Maybe the crystal forms in them like a pearl forming in an oyster

[@pros_0143]

@@banann_ducc yeah, like, if there's too much darkness in them, it's going to form a crystal, and after they're defeated and they become equipment, as there's no more body, the only thing that remains is the dark crystal.

[@poppythedogofwonders]

Hm but in that case why is it only Jevil and Spamton? They wouldn't really qualify as 'Bosses' in-universe would they? Jevil is seemingly just a clown/magician and Spamton is an Addison which are civilians. Plus based on how people talk about the two they seemingly weren't anyone too special before whatever happened, happened. Buuuut, this could still be a possibility, maybe something happened to them that both made them they way they are and also sort of spawned those dark crystals with them. Maybe it's a thing where if a Darkner gets too corrupted/breaks/becomes hella strong/ect, they get these dark crystals, a sign of sorts of them becoming more than what they were, pushing and surviving their boundaries? Hm are 'Boss' monsters still a thing in the Deltarune timeline? If so maybe monsters and darkners can become 'Boss' monsters themselves without having to be born as one. Maybe that's how it worked anyway? Confusing, your idea is a definite possibility but the visions in them aren't really explained via this theory. In the end, there's gonna be like 7 chapters of this game and we're on 2. We definitely don't have the pieces to solve this yet.

[@The_Dark_Lord_of_Youtube]

But you also get them in pacifist so why do you get them without slashing trough their bodies

[@Colddirector]

Susie secretly hating Kris is also directly contradicted by the Kris tea, which shows she likes Kris just as much as Ralsei

[@nedmelee8108]

An interesting point about the Goner World Theory: in Undertale when you talk to the clam girl, she mentions her neighbor's daughter "Suzy". If you have the correct FUN value, this clam girl has a chance to change into a monochrome "goner" color pallete, and say "the time is approaching". If the Goner World theory were to be believed, then this would be evidence that a Goner person has possibly interacted with a Goner version of Susie.

[@questionmark8991]

that came to my mind and its absolutely insane but i kinda love it

[@i8chocolatecake995]

👀

[@keiyakins]

Isn't the fun value needed for them to show up at all, and the goner thing requires an even more specific one and also being on the Switch?

[@terramarc]

Additional notes on the “memory theory” driving Jevil and Spamton insane: you could very well go insane if you’re forced to review traumatic experiences that you endured. While Jevil doesn’t have any obvious trauma, Spamton has definitely had a hard life and many parts of his memories could have easily drove him insane if he were to relive them

[@QSBraWQ]

Didn't he use the crystal at peak of his career back in mansion when he was "praying" in basement?

[@nightthemadqueen5499]

I know the "Cris's thoughts" theory is off with the combat part, but as a person with depression I can confirm that you can think of people as "secretly hating you" even if you care a ton for them. That is connected. The more you care the more you refuse to believe that they do. So that part of Susie vission not adding up is not concrete

[@JaruJaruJ]

Fair.

[@Kaitou1412Fangirl]

Also works for someone with low self-esteem or who hates themself.

[@SlendStone]

I think it's important to remember, because it appears you may have misinterpreted this line multiple times throughout this video, that when you look through the shadow crystal in the Castle Town it doesn't say, "you see nothing," or, "the crystal is black." It says, "but nothing happened," implying it's acting like a normal piece of glass, thus you're seeing the castle town as it is in that moment rather than anything else. I feel this may have led to some different conclusions about some of the theories you covered.

[@shanemunyon6229]

I always interpreted the 'no small feat to beat someone with a crystal' thing to just mean that Shadow Crystals are somehow drawn to powerful people. Neither Jevil or Spamton ever says anything that hints towards a shadow crystal, so it seems likely that they were never aware that they had it, and in some cases WE aren't aware that we had it. And since Kris automatically gains the crystal, and is compelled not to drop it, that could symbolize that they have been deemed worthy as the next holder of that shadow crystal (sort of like the One Ring from LotR). Edit: I just looked back and after you defeat Jevil he says "Take this and do your strongest" before he hands you both the shadow crystal and his weapon/armor so I was flat out wrong when I said they never acknowledged it. My bad. I still stand by the notion that Shadow Crystals are drawn towards powerful people, rather than them being responsible for said person's power.

[@JaruJaruJ]

Yeah, but Spamton got the Shadow Crystal when he was still a weak, regular Darkner. He didn't get anywhere close to Jevil levels of power until after gaining his Neo form.

[@shanemunyon6229]

@@JaruJaruJ While I know it's not an ironclad explanation, it's still possible that (just like the One Ring) the shadow crystal could be held by someone it didn't recognize as worthy. If your speculation runs true, then Spamton found the crystal in the NEO robot, which would have had enough power for the crystal to be drawn to it. Or maybe Spamton never actually held the crystal, but instead just looked through it while it was on or in the robot. If he just took the crystal from the robot, he wouldn't have needed to spend all his time in the basement with the robot, as he could have just taken the crystal anywhere.

[@rbxq]

I interpreted it as some kind of rare and powerful item, so powerful people compete for it, which is why seam knows about them.

[@usermcskull4713]

Seam states that Jevil gave you the crystal, so we know that Jevil probably knew that he had it.

[@shanemunyon6229]

@@usermcskull4713 I just looked back and after you defeat Jevil he says "Take this and do your strongest" before he hands you both the shadow crystal and his weapon/armor so I was flat out wrong there. My bad.

[@marxiplier4322]

Could you imagine if one of the theories that Jaru dismissed due to them “Not giving the combative advantage” ended up being true.

[@JaruJaruJ]

Yep

[@drgxiii]

To me his dialogue when you don't have a dark crystal and hearing what he says when you do get a dark crystal,it sounds less that having a crystal give you power, and more defeating people of immense power creates dark crystals.

[@kholtonthebarbarian2590]

My interpretation has always been that dark crystals are, in some way or another, drawn towards people of great power, not that they give great power themselves.

[@alphahawk325]

Toby is toby he can create the perfect explanation out of thin air

[@Yuni-is-Schrodingers-Fox]

​​​@@kholtonthebarbarian2590then why did Spamton have one? He found his YEARS ago in the Mansion basement when he was still a normal, weak darkner. Did the crystal somehow foresee that in several years Spamton would become a super powerful entity for about five minutes before being defeated? I think if the crystals are attracted to anyone it's most likely Kris themselves and they use their previous hosts as middle men to get to Kris. But even that is a little contrived.

[@GredemonAnims]

Combat effectiveness actually isnt important. Yes, only strong ones hold it, but as it could mean that spamton and jevil having it makes them strong, it could also mean that them being strong is what led them to having it

[@OnlyKarlos]

56:12 *There is evidence of Kris having encountered a Dark World before Chapter 1.* In a brand new game, your first save overwrites a save made by KRIS. To me this is pretty solid evidence that Kris has been in a Dark World before Chapter 1, as you can only save in a Dark World.

[@JaruJaruJ]

True. I should have phrased that differently. xD

[@AshenDust_]

Who says you can only save in the dark world. We’ve only been able to go around Hometown twice, and there wasn’t any combat, so it’s perfectly possible that you can save, but there was just no need

[@Kristiano100]

Based off of the theory in the video, what if this is the last save that Kris did before the timeline is reset by the Angel?

[@Rynntastic01]

@@Kristiano100 if that's true it could mean that the final boss/Knight fight occurs back at the start of the dark world in chapter 1. I have a theory that Ralsei is the Angel causing the time loop to prevent the Roaring from destroying the world. Like Ralsei is trying to find a solution to stop the Roaring from happening and every reset he does he gets closer to doing so.

[@velvetphi]

@@Arvel_The_Swit That's contradicted by the dialogue from the first save point, though: "At times, you see it. The strange light only you can see...", or something along those lines. That pretty clearly says that Kris has at the very least seen a save point before.

[@trondordoesstuff]

59:10 Keep in mind that the crystal visions only work once, and afterwards it's impossible to see them again. If Spamton caught a mere glimpse of the Light World, and wished to see further, and permanently, the crystal couldn't help him with that. On another subject, the line that it's no small feat to defeat an opponent holding a Shadow Crystal could just mean that only individuals or items of immense power are capable of being gifted with the crystal. Keep in mind that Spamton seemingly doesn't bring the crystal around with him, and instead left it in the NEO machine. Why would he have done that if it gave him a tangible benefit towards any future [sales]? EDIT: My second point still stands, however in the end of the video the "combat advantage" point was switched primarily from Seam's line to the requirement that it be helpful in the fabric of the Twisted Sword. While I can't argue this point, it is still possible that the Pure Crystal's properties are distinct from those of the Shadow Crystal; though admittedly, you are correct in saying that a theory that conveniently explains this weapon's function and use is one that holds slightly more ground.

[@JaruJaruJ]

I'd recommend finishing the video. x)

[@trondordoesstuff]

@@JaruJaruJ it hasn't been out for long enough yet to have finished, I'm working on it :> I'll edit my comments once I'm through, though. thanks for responding

[@doublel1503]

I would also add that Jevil could also represent the reaction that some players might have after the "disapointing ending", not taking the game seriously anymore, acting randomly and making incoherent choices hopping for anything to happen. In fact, I really hope that all of the optional bosses will follow that idea, it would make for such an amazing community experience.

[@MarcyTheKindaCoolWizard]

Maybe a "Stages kf Gruef" sort of thibg? Spamton is defibetly Denial while Jevil is Acceptance We would be lackibg Depression, anger and acceptancd

[@doublel1503]

@@MarcyTheKindaCoolWizard I wouldn't say that Spamtom is denial, if I had to pick a stage of grief for him it would be bargaining

[@sexerofalsex7643]

@@doublel1503 Him being a salesman, which are know to bargain a lot, make sense

[@Blue-fg8vt]

Honestly, I don't count the cycle restarting is an ending, like how you can't pick a point on a circle to be the end.

[@OriginalGameteer]

Honestly a denial themed superboss sounds incredibly sad Like, imagine they only attack you not out of any malicious intent, but because they became so obsessed with insisting the world and everyone they knew and loved is "real", that they feel the need to harm these lightners just to "prove they're real, that this is all real"

[@thegrimlockreaper1279]

I personally think that the shadow crystals are what was left when Gaster was scattered across time and space. This would explain the insanity (fragmented consciousness), the visions (across time and space), and Seams claim of Jevil making his view "Darker yet Darker." And yes, I know that Gaster isn't technically in the Deltarune timeline/universe, but if he was scattered across time and space it is rather hard to believe the fragments would all wind up in the same world.

[@SuperGirlFranka]

Like a lot of your points! About the vision of Kris's hand; I think there's a possibility that it might be talking about Kris losing their arm/hand(which works well in future theory). It doesn't necessarily mean that Kris entirely dissappears considering it focuses so much on the hand specifically.

[@JaruJaruJ]

Ah. True. That's a fair conclusion.

[@jfb-]

IIRC the twisted sword actually gives trance *down*, which could mean that the pure crystal is actually reversing the effect of the thorn ring.

[@JaruJaruJ]

Good point! Totally missed that. No idea what exactly that means, but that's definitely important! xD

[@mintw4241]

Very underrated and potentially important comment!

[@eyald.8252]

@@JaruJaruJ Actually, it's "down" because trance is a debuff, both the ring and the twisted sword just give trance

[@Tom-101]

@@eyald.8252 Since the ring is only equipable by Noelle and gives trance leading to Weird Route, doesn't that imply that the twisted sword will be a Kris only weapon, leading to them being in trance and being the focus of the continuation of the weird route? (Unless a new character can also wield swords, but so far every new character has a unique weapon type)

[@eyald.8252]

@@Tom-101 it does imply that it would be a Kris only item; the rest of what you suggested is speculation.

[@theluigifan1]

Haha yes, another big Deltarune video to sink my teeth into These satiate the wait between chapters nicely! Thanks for all the hard work and dedication you put into them, Jaru! ^_^

[@JaruJaruJ]

It's my pleasure! Hope you enjoy! :D

[@shwaa]

The criteria of the shadow crystals directly granting combat prowess seems a bit... y'know... dubious. So many of the theories were struck down on this premise, when it isn't explained how there is a causal relationship between shadow crystals and combat effectiveness, thus calling the cruciality of this premise into question. Furthermore, there was a significant focus on the applicability of visions in or before combat, when, in practice, the reason these enemies are strong is because their bullet patterns are more complicated and dense. There is little to suggest that the reason the shadow crystal-holding enemies are strong is because they have predicted something about the player's or Chris's actions: Attack patterns are repeated and randomized, which are not indicative of planning or strategy. There is a sufficient correlation between shadow crystals and attack power (or high stats in general, considering the mantle and sword), but I'm not convinced that there is a causal relationship, and even less convinced that having helpful visions plays a part in battles.

[@edwardbo4666]

More likely. The crystals driving them insane is what made them more deadly.

[@OriginalGameteer]

​@edwardbo4666 it's probably this tbh Jevil sees everything as just a game and thus morals mean nothing, and Spamton is completely desperate to become a "big shot" by any and all means necessary They're both far more deadly and aggressive than other opponents because their insanity removed anything that could hold them back. They both fight to kill, consequences be damned

[@willcarter1646]

Could it be that when Ralsei asks Kris to imagine what Susie is doing, he’s actually showing us the shadow crystal? That would explain how we’re magically able to see what is going on in Noelle’s room, or at least, what happened in Noelle’s room on a previous loop. I know it seems to not make sense, seeing as he specifically tells Kris to close their eyes, but actually since it’s the player (us) who sees the vision, I think it’s a possibility! Would love to see you do a playthrough! Thanks for all the interesting and well thought out videos :)

[@JaruJaruJ]

That's an interesting idea! Thank you for the kind words and feedback! :D

[@SleepingTroubles]

Powerful beings having acess or dropping the crystal doesn't exactly mean that it was the crystal that empowered them, I always thought of them as a sort of token. It's like sheriffs having sheriff's boots but it's the gun that actually empowers them.

[@JaruJaruJ]

The Crystals help them in combat in some way. Otherwise, Seam wouldn't say what they said.

[@Max-le4df]

@@JaruJaruJ What if he just did not expect Jevil to be so powerful?

[@rafkenjakistam3082]

@@Max-le4df Seam fought Jevil by themself. They're fully aware of how powerful he is.

[@Max-le4df]

@@rafkenjakistam3082 I don't think he fought him I think he tricked him or since jevil thinks he is free convinced jevil to lock himself up

[@rafkenjakistam3082]

@@Max-le4df Seam says Jevil "was the only one that could match me in our games" and directly states they went through "trouble" to lock him up.

[@Toycadet]

Man, seeing these long-form theory videos from you is ALWAYS a treat. No one else delves into such a critical and deep analysis of this franchise more than you. Please keep up the good work!

[@JaruJaruJ]

Thank you so much! I'm glad you enjoyed them. :D

[@Toycadet]

@@JaruJaruJI also think a longform chapter 1/2 playthrough would be great; Not only do I think you make for an entertaining narrator, I also somewhat subscribe to your 'timeloop' theory and would very much enjoy the prospect of further content in the game being dissected to reflect upon your theory. c:

[@JaruJaruJ]

@@Toycadet That's awesome! Exactly what I want to heat. x)

[@pompousproductions]

I'm only a few theories in, but I think you're taking Seam saying "It's no small feat to fight an opponent that has one" too literally. I'm really certain he's just talking about "Everyone character you beat to get a Shadow Crystal is a Chapter's Superboss" and even going with the "It helps in combat" probably means it gives Jevil and Spamton Ultra Moves like the Final Chaos or NEO Blast. (Since they cover the screen in shadow to use them) Ironically both those moves are one of their WEAKEST moves because I don't think I've ever met a single person who got killed by those specific moves.

[@AshenDust_]

I think the super moves deal damage based on a percentage of your current HP, so they’re better at weakening you for the much harder upcoming attacks than actually killing you. They’re still pretty easy to dodge though.

[@nullsmike6318]

I should have looked at the comments before giving my theory, it's basically the same as this

[@jahmocha9542]

These are my thoughts exactly, that Seam is being meta and knows that *you* can only get the crystals by defeating powerful secret bosses, NOT that the crystals give any sort of advantage in battle.

[@omniscientomnipresent5500]

The dojo guy tells you the bigger the attacks are, the weaker they are.

[@mpme11509]

it could also just mean than any individual who acquired one must’ve been particularly strong to be able to acquire and hold onto it

[@Colddirector]

"Don't mess with me, I know what's going on in France!" That's like something a Jojo villain would say

[@JaruJaruJ]

Perfect. xD

[@cormorantcolors]

Glasses lenses (at least certain types) actually cast a pretty opaque shadow when seen in bright light from certain angles, even when they’re completely clean. The prescription in the lenses distorts the light enough that it scatters away from the area where the shadow of the lens is cast. Maybe the shadow crystal is something like that? You see visions of the light world when gazing into it, so we know it lets you see things clearly and as they truly are.

[@brawlfan]

To break a time loop, you might need the help of someone from a different world. Someone who's Truth is currently unknown. Someone from a timeline where Kris doesn't exist. Someone who's been shattered across time and space. Someone like-

[@MarioMoss69]

Jerry

[@oceanman6973]

Jerry

[@ashiiu12]

Sans

[@sebay4654]

I don't think we will get a good ending I think the closest thing we can get is refusing to perpetuate the cycle by not playing the game as our choices in the game do not matter (in unless there's some Arg out of game thing we can do where our choices do matter in the real world in order to send help to characters in game (imagine if we just end up resurrecting gaster

[@ashiiu12]

@@sebay4654 i wouldnt be so cynical, toby fox seems like a sweet guy and the type to always have at least one good ending for his characters

[@BoWs1rJr]

This is a really great video but I noticed one problem with the Ralsei theory at the end. You mentioned that Ralsei probably made up the prophecy just to encourage Kris and Susie, but if you decide to skip it in-game Lancer talks about it which would imply that it's a real prophecy that multiple people know about

[@JaruJaruJ]

True, true. Maybe he didn't make up that part then.

[@Cream12345Ice]

I always found that interesting but I honestly think he could have just been talking about the whole thing with the knight meeting the king. Besides it's lancer, he's not exactly someone who knows a lot and he's often doing things that don't make much sense. It's also The only time anyone acknowledges it and it's right after ralsei is supposed to mention it

[@mr.enigma3meepher757]

I feel like the whole shadow crystals making you a better fighter could be interpreted as only the strongest darkners happen to have shadow crystals.

[@twitchardofficial]

Honestly the Ralsei section made me feel kind of emotional. I think the way you said explained it and the way the music was playing was just masterful tbh

[@JaruJaruJ]

Thank you so much! I really wanted to get the tone of that part just right. x)

[@DementedDuskull]

Future Theory is the one I personally believe in, and I think discounting it slightly just because one of the visions doesn't seem "In character" for Susie is pretty brass when discussing a game that hasn't completed its story yet where anything could still happen. Susie becoming slightly distrustful of Kris could happen at any point in the story. Also another mini theory around Kris seeing through their hand is that Kris actually loses a hand or arm in the future. Just cuz they see through their hand specifically doesn't mean their whole body is gonna disappear. You sure do speculate wildly a lot. Plus don't forget that Jevil somehow knew about Queen, whose dark world did not yet exist when you fight him. He also knew that Seam was a shopkeeper, which is odd cuz Jevil was locked up when Seam was still the court magician i.e. before he became a seapkeeper. These two facts both point to Jevil knowing things he shouldn't, in my opinion, about the future.

[@xanam4913]

That's such a good point about their hand! I've never seen anyone suggest that idea before :o

[@zekromfan1]

I always read the whole "combat" part of the crystals to be more in reference to Seam making an item out of them which would be useful, not so much the crystals themselves being useful in combat. Because where they useful in combat alone, why wouldn’t we be using them already? And why wouldn’t Jevil and or Spamton use them against us? And why are we assuming they had the crystals on them to begin with? What if they came into existence upon their defeat, perhaps they had on their person something which would become a crystal, but not the crystal itself given the fact that both Jevil and Spamton transformed into items for our use, whether that be a weapon or a piece of armor. I realize that Seam makes it seem like Jevil had it to begin with, but who’s to say we’re not reading his words wrong.

[@trondordoesstuff]

1:03:00 There is actually some tangential evidence of this. The character in Undertale who first told you about "Suzy", Clam Girl, is a FUN-value related character who, on the Switch version, became a goner while giving a hint towards the near release of Deltarune. They also mention that Suzy is their neighbor's daughter. While it's a far cry from hard evidence, it certainly isn't *no* evidence. Edit: Not to mention the existence of Goner Kid, showing that the list of qualifications needed to have a goner version of yourself is very seemingly met by all classmates.

[@JaruJaruJ]

I do discuss that scene in this video, as it so happens. x)

[@vanderkarl3927]

@@JaruJaruJ It's a very long video! Understandable that people want to get their thoughts out before they forget, haha

[@trondordoesstuff]

@@JaruJaruJ ....Having finally watched the thing, I don't remember it. I was only *listening* to the video, instead of directly watching it, so that may have been the issue? A timestamp would be very helpful, though I understand that that's much harder to find with a..... feature-length video.

[@FlareBlitzBanana]

Something I really like about your Angel interpretation is that if it's true, then it would also be a meta-commentary about the nature of video game stories in a sort of 4th-wall-breaking sense. When you finish a game, it doesn't actually live on like how most happy endings would have you believe. The story simply stops and all of the characters' lives stop along with them. This even includes Undertale. Sure, the true pacifist ending might show everyone above ground living happy lives, but once you close the game the characters are no longer active. At least, that's the case until you play again and choose to start over. Because no matter how many things you try, no matter how many times you reset, there will always be an ending. And for every story, that ending is when it decides to be over. So no matter what, all stories end with the same thing: there being no more story to tell. If you look at it from this perspective, then no matter what, your choices in a game don't matter AT ALL because it's simply not reality. Even in Undertale, there is one constant ending no matter what: the player choosing not to continue. And in this sense, that would make the Angel the player, and the fulfillment of the prophecy is said playing clicking on "New Game".

[@torchdreemurr4082]

A similar concept is brought up in Animal Man

[@JaruJaruJ]

Couldn't have said it better myself!

[@matttale7918]

That's very very interesting. But doesn't Flowey in true pacifist specifically tell us (or chara?) to not do a true reset and let Frisk live their life? Doesn't that technically mean that they don't cease to exist and that their lives continue on after the story ends?

[@FlareBlitzBanana]

@@matttale7918 Possible, but Flowey may also fear that the player will reset and go for the exact opposite of the pacifist ending; the genocide run. Whether their lives continue or not, the pacifist run is where they all suffer the least. So it makes sense why they wouldn’t want a reset.

[@chromaticroses]

@@matttale7918 in universe their storues continues, but in reality the story ends once the payers stops playing

[@polariscoven]

I've always been interested in theory videos about anything, and deltarune is my favorite fandom/game rn, and your theories are so interesting. I listen to them while making deltarune fanart actually. They keep me focused while drawing, since I have bad ADHD, and I usually get distracted, so when you upload, it makes me super happy, that I knowingly can work on a art piece with no distractions. Your theories are in depth, discusses everything you need to know, and sometimes more. The way you speak is so enthusiastic, and it brings me energy to get stuff done. Thank you for making these videos, I will always be waiting for more

[@JaruJaruJ]

I do not have the words to express how flattered I am! Every part of that comment makes me happy. I hope I can continue to provide worthwhile content for you in the future!

[@polariscoven]

@@JaruJaruJ I have a update on the art: It is done! This video helped me focus, so once again: Thank You!!

[@JaruJaruJ]

@@polariscoven That's awesome! I'm very glad to hear. x)

[@Freewill_Moder]

I feel like since Spamton said Kris was right in the belief that their actions during the Alternate route would grant them freedom, the route will most likely end in the solitary liberation of Kris at the cost of others, since he also stated it would leave Kris unhappy.

[@PieNumber4]

A twisted blade is meant to make a complex stab wound in order to make it harder to heal, and to cause more pain. A torture device.

[@Jordan-mf4vr]

You know, I found this channel like 3 days ago, and binged watched your delta rune theories. Just gotta say you're doing a good job both in making the theories and putting them into video format. Keep at it, can't wait to watch this video!

[@JaruJaruJ]

Thank you so much for the support! Hope you enjoy the video. x)

[@CursioNeptune]

Honestly, your ending is downright heartwarming. I definitely like it better than most current popular theories on Ralsei, and explains his knowing, sus demeanor in chapter 2, lol.

[@JaruJaruJ]

Thank you! I give a lot of doom and gloom in my theory videos, so I thought I'd mix things up and give a little bit of sunshine. x)

[@aligaming7575]

DUDE. holy hell. jaru, you always go above and beyond making the best deltarune content, put THIS MUCH effort into theories, analyzing every single one and making such long videos without wasting time? simply amazing. but please jaru! dont get carried away with the positive feedback! if you feel stressed in any way, just remember, no one's forcing you to make such long videos, take breaks often and please prioritize your mental health over youtube, i think all 8.7k of us agree that we'd prefer you dont overwork yourself. anyways, amazing is always, i hope you have a great week jaru! you're amazing

[@JaruJaruJ]

You are far too kind! I cannot express how much I appreciate the support, so rest assured, I'll be taking care of my mental health first and foremost. Thank you again for the comment and the encouragement!

[@RobotLover696]

I really like the idea that Ralsei has been uncorrupted by Gaster’s knowledge just because he’s good at heart, and that he wants to give hope to his friends despite it all. I think it falls in line with Toby’s writing ngl, so I could see this being possible one way or another. Anyway, thanks for another long video!

[@JaruJaruJ]

My pleasure! Glad you liked it. x)

[@jargontrueseer]

I absolutely love the wacky theory section of these videos. It really helps break up the energy a bit and add more momentum right before the end of the video to feel satisfying, and also are just super fun in general. Thank you so much for your wild yet quite reasonable theories!!

[@JaruJaruJ]

Thank you! I really appreciate the kind words and appreciation. x)

[@ballsnacks4037]

What if the shadow crystals weren't given to spamton and jevil by gaster, but are pieces of gaster himself? There was that whole thing about gaster being shattered across time and space, and the enigmatic properties of the shadow crystals could be explained by being from a reaction that happened in undertale's core. Not sure it works out from a lore perspective but it'd be cool to beat all these hard optional bosses and being rewarded with pieces of gaster along the way, so that at the end of the game we could assemble the lost doctor and actually get to learn some concrete information about him

[@matthewskutar5964]

Loving the lore videos, just wanted to suggest that the connection between the crystals and strength/insanity may be correlation and not causation; the shadow crystal seems to be more like a byproduct of whatever is going on with the secret bosses and not what makes them strong in the first place. But those are just my thoughts, time to keep watching the video (and hopefully not regret commenting before finishing the video)

[@bluestcircle4550]

I am also not done with the video, but I do agree with that statement. I

[@quelquun8885]

I agree. After all, if Kris keep the first crystal while going to cyber world, he doesn't acquire any combat bonus.

[@solairedude7119]

Yeah the whole strength/insanity thing is way too off-base. Jevil and Spamton met a strange man, with Jevil being in person while Spamton through the phone, and then became insane after, meaning the crystal isn't related to insanity but more likely a by-product of it, and the by-product thing would also mean that the crystal doesn't cause strength but instead forms from it.

[@melon3719]

1:49:14 i think an interesting thing to consider here is that Jevil's voicelines contains the line "The True and Neo Chaos"

[@JaruJaruJ]

Interesting.

[@alexis_electronic]

Ignored by many; The ThornRing increases Trance with an upwards arrow when equipped to Noelle. The TwistedSword decreases Trance with a downwards arrow when equipped to Kris.

[@WingsofFirelover330]

Yes, but what does this have to do with anything?

[@josecorzo5517]

​@@WingsofFirelover330well, the twisted sword would probably be used by Kris to escape our control or something

[@jmbrignon2712]

After almost a month, I've *finally* been able to find enough free time to watch this video, and it was great! Since I'm such a massive fan of your theory in your Magic video (I really cannot overstate how much I love that theory, if it's wrong I'm creating two separate versions of Deltarune in my head), I'd actually *already* come up with the exact same theory you presented here, so you're basically just reinforcing what I already believe those Shadow Crystals do. Once again, this was a very well thought out analysis, and you argued each and every point incredibly well, despite the limited information and evidence currently available. Everything you said made perfect sense, and given what little we know, I think you made your case really well, and better than most people I've seen. Some of your theories might seem a little outlandish, but there's no denying that you've justified everything as best as is possible right now, and you definitely DO NOT go "off the rails" (even when I don't think some of your ideas ARE correct, I do have to admit that they MIGHT be, given how well you justify and explain them). And THANK YOU for seeing Ralsei as a good person!! I love this fluffy boy, he's been the main reason I've been so invested in Deltarune in the first place, and seeing how so many people believe him to be secretly evil, it's made me really sad. I'm so glad another person believes that, despite his obvious secrets, he's still genuinely kind and sweet, and wants the best for everyone. If he actually *does* turn out to be a bad guy all along, I'll be heartbroken. Also, congrats on the fanart! They look very cool.

[@JaruJaruJ]

Thank you so much! I'm very glad you enjoyed me theories, and I'm glad we agree on so much! I appreciate the kind words and the support immensely. x)

[@LarryKoopa881]

I think that the 3rd party option is true.The 3rd party is Gaster.Remember the famous line of "shattered throughout time and space" what if the shadow crystals are a part of gaster and he is sending them to you to put them together,thus solidifying his existence.His plan is to lure you to the crystals so you put them together and the visions you see are part of a elaborate plan.

[@noahnaugler7611]

Only 10 minutes in, but to solve this little riddle: If you can't see it, it is not absorbing, reflecting, or refracting any visible light. If it is casting a shadow, however, it must either be blocking light by some mechanism, or emitting something that absorbs light. My theory is that it converts light between our regular type of light, and darkness, or anti-photons. Thus any light that passes through it would exit the other side as darkness, and any darkness that passes through it would exit as light. Now Kris' skin reflects darkness, but scattered a little, so a slight shadow appears on their hand when holding the crystal, but the rest scatters back through the crystal, appearing as light on the other side, effectively hiding the conversion, and making it seem like the light is innocently reflecting off of Kris' skin as normal

[@JaruJaruJ]

Very interesting! I'm not sure how I feel about the metaphysics of DELTARUNE/UNDERTALE, but if that IS part of it, then kudos for in on that!

[@gabrielrochadasilva3183]

Are we sure the Shadow Crystals are supernatural in the light world? When I played chapter 2 for the first time, I came up with this: They only become Shadow Crystals (with visions and invisibility stuff) in the Dark World. In the Light World, they are mundane objects just like everything else. Specifically, they're shards of a broken mirror. Imagine that you're holding a tiny mirror in your hand, and then decide to hold it right in front of you to take a better look. While you're in the middle of doing that, for just a brief moment, it may seem you're looking through your hand, but in reality the mirror is just reflecting some scenery behind you that strongly resembles the scenery in front of you. When Susie is walking with Kris, she stays behind them most of the time. Kris can use the mirror to look at her. Susie makes a scary face to mess with her dork friend who's staring at her with a mirror. When Kris checks on her without the mirror, she's laughing it off with a smile and a rude gesture.

[@Barakon]

Interesting…I wonder then why are they not called mirror shards and what mirror they came from?

[@gabrielrochadasilva3183]

@@Barakon The way the description of the Glass is worded in a way that implies that the narrator/Kris can't properly identify the item... Somehow. Or that they don't want to disclose it to the player... For some reason. I have no clue were that mirror comes from. But if this is right, then the something awesome that Seam is stitching together for us is the complete mirror, or whatever it's Dark World counterpart is.

[@Barakon]

@@gabrielrochadasilva3183 this

[@velvetphi]

Kind of makes me think about the myth of the Snow Queen.

[@MysticG03]

Quite a unique take... it would also be how all 3 properties can work... as one side of the mirror reflects but the other is opaque. As to what Seam is making (The Pure Crystal) it would be a handheld mirror in the Light World while in the Dark World the shadow of the mirror would create a crystal that shows the reflected image through the shadow of the Light World Mirror... The Twisted Sword is the most obscure, but it can be assumed that it is the Dark Reflection of the mirror now jagged and sharp... like a Weapon. The only things now of inadequacy is the Shadow Mantle unless it is the Mirrors frame, and how Gaster is related to this specific mirror and the crystals.

[@JonathanMeyer-o4m]

I feel like this is the perfect summary of Jaru's crackpot theories: "they don't make sense, but they don't not make sense" the things he keeps saying, they stick with me. I am starting to believe them, and my outlook on Deltarune has become darker, yet darker although in all honesty i love your theories and its because despite how grim they often get, there's always a silver lining. that ralsei bit was really good

[@aquatintedchan]

About the Castle Town vision: I think nothing happening when you look through the crystal in castle town just means that you see castle town as it is, instead of seeing pitch black (the crystal appears transparent so you see right through it). And it would make sense with a lot of these theories because castle town is the OG dark world that has always been there and will continue to be there, unlike the other ones that get opened by the knight and sealed by kris (it exists in the past and future, could exist in alternate timelines or if kris wasn’t there because it doesn’t depend on the knight to exist, could be more “true” than the other dark worlds because it’s pure darkness or something)

[@TheSkyGuy77]

While I can see that your theory has a lot of evidence, I don't think the "loop" will be stuck forever. Toby usually hits us from out of left field with things we never expected. So I think that the first time loop we experience might not be the end of the story. It may lead in other directions once visited for a second time. Or you may be correct and Toby decided to just toss hopes and dreams into the garbage can with Ralsei's manual. Who really knows? 😂

[@schalomforever]

In Undertale the "In this world it's kill or be killed" trope gets broken too. I kind of expect that the "Your choices don't matter in this world" trope will be broken at some point as well 🤔 Or else I'll be very disappointed and depressed 😂😭

[@chedder_chandlure4363]

I have to agree, While both Undertale and Deltarune can be dark at times, I don't think Toby Fox would end off Deltarune in such a depressing and bummer ending. Maybe something more bitter sweet.

[@kormannn1]

Well, if there's ending where you can save only yourself, while everything else gets consumed by darkness, I 100% pick that ending.

[@rich_gamer0667]

@@kormannn1 technically in the roaring the lighters (humans and monsters) are all alone so it could exist an ending like that

[@TheSkyGuy77]

@@rich_gamer0667 My crazy crackpot theory on that moment is that after the Roaring starts, humans blame the monsters for it and push them to the mountain. (But we really have no idea when we'll get the rest of the story, so don't take me too seriously)

[@Colddirector]

Regarding the Wierd Route, I like the idea that completing it actually makes you strong enough to oppose the Angel, but defeating it breaks the game entirely, leaving you alone to wander a lifeless town and no ending. The only way to end the game is to RESET and let the Angels Heaven happen. Maybe it stretches the "Your choices don't matter" theme, but I really like the idea of the Wierd Route being a loophole to that rule but also a monkey's paw wish. Though maybe that's rehashing Undertale's genocide route a bit too much.

[@laguet93]

Well, the thing is "Your choices don't matter" was never established as a general rule in Deltarune Try to remember who said that, and you'll understand the true implications

[@Colddirector]

@@laguet93 IIRC it was said twice - once by whoever's erases your character in the goner maker (suspected to be Chara), and Susie near the start of chapter 1. Former strikes me as a general rule personally but maybe I'm just silly, latter definitely seems to apply to Susie's insistence on doing things her own way, regardless of the player.

[@laguet93]

@@Colddirector The Doctor says "No one Can choose who they are in this world", Which does sound like a general rule, i agree with you, but he didn't say that our choices don't matter. I believe it's not the same thing, but what do you think ? Like, in undertale we can't choose who we are (we don't even choose our character's name) yet our choices made all the difference in the world, yes ? Regarding Susie, that's exactly what i wanted you to realize : she seems to have this unique ability to effectively go against the player's will. I BET that this is why the Doctor refers to her as someone who's "VERY VERY WONDERFUL" On an unrelated note, I'm pretty sure the Doctor is the only one talking in the intro. Just like you, i used to strongly believe that Chara was involved, but now that ch2 showed that Kris apparently isn't being possesed, and when you consider that all the evidences that suggest there are two voices in the intro are easily "debunked" by Doctor Wingdings Gaster being a skeleton, it just becomes a lot less likely. And let's face it, even a demon child like Chara would have no chance of Stoping a machine created by the Doctor (in this case the GONER MAKER) Sorry for the long comment

[@Colddirector]

@@laguet93 You're right regarding only Susie saying that, I misremembered. Thats what I get for not doublechecking lol. There do seem to be two writing styles in the opening (I'm told it's even more distinct in Japanese) so I'm not sure how the "two characters" theory is debunked necessarily. That being said I kinda doubt the second character (if there is one) actually is Chara, because it feels a little too obvious - something ripe for a Toby Fox subversion. Still, I think Chapter 1 and Chapter 2 at least reinforce the "your choices don't matter" motif, with Chapter 1 having no significant choices and Chapter 2 only having significant choices through manipulating someone else.

[@laguet93]

@@Colddirector Don't worry, a vast majority of the fandom mixes up these two dialogues. It's just that it has led to a huge misconception about the importance of the "your choices don't matter" Line. At least now you know better than most people ;) The differences aren't that Big imo -the second voice also takes Frequent mid sentence breaks, so the speech pattern already hurts that theory -The typer value changing is also easily debunked, like I said, we've met a character that had a unique typer value in undertale, who could switch to the default one : sans. His "rules" are to always use comic sans font, and writting in all lowercase. However he CAN break these rules, the best exemple i could give you would be the Final corridor speech, in which he uses proper capitalization, and the default font. That's exactly what happens in the intro. The voice uses a glowing font (typervalue 666) and speaks in all upercase, then switches to the default font and uses proper capitalization. If sans Can Do it, we have no reason to assume The Doctor can't do the same. -Lastly, from what i understand, the japanese version goes from using very genuenly formal "pronouns" to a more sarcasticly formal one (omae or smth like that) that just so happen to be used by Chara in genocide. The thing is, that alone is insufficient to support anything. It could just as well be a way (on top of changing the font and the capitalization) for the Doctor to emphasize a change of tone in his speech. That's how sans used his "Breaking the dialogue rules" ability at least. I Hope i've made myself more clear on why I believe the second voice theory isn't very solid for now

[@daemy2170]

This fits perfectly with Toby's reason for not doing certain character merch. Good video :'

[@JaruJaruJ]

Thank you!

[@NyanAnomaly]

I'll be honest at first when hearing this "timeloop" theory, I dismissed it as way too outlandish to even be conceivable in the world of Deltarune. However, as you continued, presenting more information and evidence, thinking about it some more, the theory went from nigh impossible to entirely probable in the matter of a few minutes. The only thing that I disagree on is the futility of our actions in the WEIRD route. I firmly believe our actions as the PLAYER, the one with the Determination to change fate, will be enough to change the ending. At the hospital, after completing a successful Weird route, the blue bead on the toy was broken off its "track". In essence, Berdly broke off his "intended route". All because of our efforts. Our efforts to make a change, to prove we had control in the story. Our DETERMINATION. This might even be the reason we were called into this world in the first place. When we communicate with (presumably) Gaster at the start of the game, it almost seems like we were called by him in order to complete something for him as an ally. While you may argue that chapter 2's ending still ended up virtually the same, we can clearly see we did end up making differences in the end. Perhaps these differences will compound upon future Weird routes, in order for our different ending to occur. And Gaster, being stuck in the game's code or some space-time prison, would want us to change fate using our soul, as if we're intruding on an already set story (hence why we take over Kris's body). Gaster being the fourth wall breaking hooligan he is, probably told Jevil and Spamton their world was fake, or confronted them after they discovered the fact. While Jevil took it in stride, and began to claim he was the only one around him truly free, Spamton desired more. I believe Spamton had probably been falsely guided into believing escaping the Dark world would grant him his freedom; however, he soon realizes that it's our SOUL he needs for freedom, the only connection that is outside of this game world. I believe Spamton even comments on the fact we were using Noelle in order to be free by the end of the Weird route. All in all, I think the secret bosses of each chapter are simply characters wanting to escape their predetermined fate, and break off their intended path upon learning the truth.

[@hollythemage1350]

Jaru I love your theories and honestly even if they are disproven later on in canon, this does not in any way discount your contributions to this fandom. You've basically crafted an entire AU with incredible amounts of world building and detail, and these long and involved analysis videos are no small undertaking. I can't wait to see what you do next.

[@JaruJaruJ]

Thank you so much! I'm very much appreciative of your kind words! Good news is, I've got a video debuting tomorrow, so I hope you enjoy it! :D

[@quiteabizarreone6441]

My theory on the Twisted Sword is that it will allow us to fully control Kris due to the fact it's only equipable on them so far (if hacked into the game) and the fact it gives the trance effect

[@MercurySteel]

So after equipping it, Kris will no longer create dark fountains?

[@arkaring]

I mean, tbf, the trance effect between the twisted sword and the ring is different Thorn ring trance effect has a ring symbol to it, while twisted sword simbol is literally an arrow pointing downwards Could also be the literal opposite, by equipping kris with the twisted sword, you reduce their "trance" status, which on return means they have complete free will now

[@Knux5577]

@@MercurySteel Maybe what the queen was saying was true, that any lightner could do it, meaning that there could be multiple knights maybe kris only creates that one in the dreemur house in every route or that other unknown entities will just make them instead in kris' absence

[@MercurySteel]

@@Knux5577 Read the reply one above yours. I think that person is correct. The item will probably decrase their "trance" not increas it.

[@Knux5577]

@@MercurySteel Ohh I guess I skipped over that

[@TheJoviLovi]

Omg, Jaru, you're analyzation is truly inspiring and I'm glad to binge watch this at my time of need. Thanks for your incredible work you do, please keep safe and always take a break!

[@JaruJaruJ]

Thank you so much! It means a lot to me that I'm able to give joy and entertainment to folks in need of it. I hope you enjoy the video! :D

[@Fluffkitscripts]

(Pssst… the noun you might be looking for is analysis!)

[@damiondraws8538]

What if the shadow crystals show you what you don’t want to see? Not necessarily madness, but it could lead to it if the crystal shows an extreme of something you don’t want to see. Reasons why this works 1. Seeing the abandoned classroom and computer lab while in the dark world could be something Kris doesn’t want to see because they prefer the dark world and may want to escape to it rather than being trapped in the light world no matter where you go. As a person who used to be a little too into escapism and would have rather lived in Undertale than the real world, if my wish came true but I kept seeing the world I didn’t like bleeding into my fantasy escape, I would definitely not want to see that. 2. Kris seeing Susie being cold and upset at them could definitely be something they wouldn’t want to see as now those two are finally becoming friends. So seeing your friend be cold and distant from you would definitely hurt and be something you wouldn’t want to see. 3. Kris seeing their hand as gone. This could be something that Kris doesn’t want to see because maybe now they’re starting to like existing (for probably the first time in their life) because now they have friends who care about them, an epic adventure for them to explore, and might start feeling like they’re finally free of their brother’s shadow, finally becoming a person they like. So seeing all of that stripped away and being confronted by the possibility that you could not exist, just when you’re starting to enjoy your life, would definitely be something Kris wouldn’t want to see. 4. Driving jevil and spamton mad. If the crystal showed them something a bit too extreme as an example of something they didn’t want to see, I could easily see that pushing them too far and causing them to go mad. Maybe they saw the truth, or a lie, or something from their past that they’re upset about. I could easily see any of these things pushing them to madness. 5. Combat effectiveness. This one is the only one that falters. But it could still work. If you reason that say, seeing your friend being killed by your opponent, could be the kick you need to fight. The crystal could provide a reason for you to fight, which in turn, would make you fight harder. Maybe spamton saw how their life would mean nothing unless they fought, only to see the strings controlling them, leading to them fighting against both you and the strings. Plus his talk of heavens and seeing past the darkness could be visions the shadow crystal showed him. Seeing how he could be somewhere better but instead is literally in a dumpster, could definitely be something he doesn’t want to see, and would then motivate him to fight. Then jevil could have seen that he had no real freedom, which for some people could easily be a breaking point and be something they don’t want to see or hear, so that could very well be the thing (or one of the things) that jevil saw but didn’t want to see, leading to his madness and his drive to fight and be free.

[@Quinhala11]

What about it not showing anything in the closet dark world?

[@semidecent4395]

@@Quinhala11 Maybe Kris wants to associate the Castle Town with comfort and a home away from home. But seeing nothing through the Shadow Crystal means the town is just pure darkness, and it’s not a wonderful sweet place. That’s probably a huge stretch tho

[@damiondraws8538]

@@Quinhala11 maybe because Kris wouldn’t want to see it cease to exist. I mean, it was the first dark world he and Susie went to. And since he’s never seen the inside of the closet (unlike the empty classroom or computer lab) the vision would show nothing. No dark world, no closet, nothing. A loss of their first adventure, forever gone in the void of the unknown. If we wanna get poetic with it.

[@strangejune]

@@semidecent4395 This is somewhat supported by the fact that the Castle Town has become the residence of the Darkners who lived in a world whose fountain was sealed. Without the Castle Town, these people have no home, and further, without the Grand Fountain, they don't exist.

[@TheSkyGuy77]

It could be that the Castle Town is hiding a huge dark secret that not only Kris doesn't want to see, but Ralsei doesn't want US to see it either. Whatever it is.

[@calbum7078]

I'm just imagining gaster going up to jevil or spamton and going "hey you, look at this." Handing him the shadow crystal, and running away cackling.

[@WingsofFirelover330]

I really want someone to animate this

[@Landjrin]

Welp. You've done it again, you've created a narrative so compelling, that fits so many pieces together I'm now convinced this is how the story is going to end. You have a real talent for this.

[@JaruJaruJ]

You're too kind. x)

[@saidlira5424]

Bro this is amazing, you have to make a Patreon! you put a lot of effort into your videos and I'm sure there will be people happy to give you that extra monetary help so that you keep bringing us more content

[@JaruJaruJ]

Great idea! I probably will pretty soon. Money has been pretty tight. Hope you enjoy the video!

[@ephemeral_daydream]

I'm a simple man. I see new Jaru content, I thumbs-up.

[@ceejayred]

Agreed

[@trudyyy9395]

indeed this is true

[@kohle7551]

I’m a simple human. I see a cool simple comment, I leave a simple reply.

[@cerebralcloud92]

I’m only about 20 minutes into the video, but the behavior of the Crystals made me think back to Entry #17, specifically “Photon Readings Negative”. What if the Shadow Crystals “invert” the Photons that pass through them, perhaps in a quasi-selective manner? Therefore, through a scientific effect within a magical item, reality-bending effects occur. The inverses of the Dark Worlds would be their real counterparts, the inverse of Kris would be an absence of Kris, and the inverse of a happy, positive Susie would be a negative, angry one. As for Castle Town and the Closet, what photons would there be to invert if there were no photons present in the first place? As for both Spamton and Jevil being driven insane, it could be through that “Mysterious Stranger” that both had supposedly met, but it’s also possible that the Stranger had given both of them their respective Shadow Crystals, and those Crystals reflecting something horrible to both of them, driving both of them insane. Yet, their resolves drove them to different conclusions. It’s entirely possible that it could be a recurring theme within future Shadow Crystal holders, that they’re driven to some extreme due to what the crystal shows them, and their resolve or, pardon my usage, “Determination”, molds them into something powerful.

[@thumbsup8985]

I like this one

[@thumbsup8985]

The thorn ring has a "trance up" effect, but the twisted sword gives a "trance down", so in support of this theory, maybe the inclusion of a shadow crystal inverts whatever status effects objects have?

[@shiningneo0548]

I really hope kris and susie never fall apart. I dont want a reality where a theory like that ends up true lol. So i really like your theory, very wholesome for the trio.

[@JaruJaruJ]

Agreed. Glad you liked it!

[@the_fallen_redditor6693]

A neat thought I just had that can include parts of your theory while pitting my own thoughts was the pure crystals, and how they factor into this. Since the both the thorn ring and the pure crystal are needed for the twisted blade, maybe the pure crystal could be used as a way to infuse pirces of armour with power, as a parallel to killing or sparing the secret bosses. You mat need to fully complete both the normal route (including secret bosses) and then complete the wierd route to get an armour equivalent of the thorn ring, using that to survive an attack from the angel that possibly triggers the time loop. This would be a great form of getting the player to see all of what deltarune has to offer (but also as an excuse for me to get a happy ending as I personally *HATE* timeloop endings) Tldr: I'm hoping that pure crystals are needed to forge a piece of defensive armour to survive the angels timeloop

[@_FinnBergman_]

You've got to be putting in an amazing amount of work into these, and it shows since they're easily my favourite deltarune theory vids.

[@JaruJaruJ]

Thank you so much!

[@FMJoner]

I love these long Deltarune videos. How else would I feed my insatiable hunger for lore?

[@JaruJaruJ]

Glad I can provide!

[@fluffalpenguin]

The combat thing as a requirement is confusing to me. The shadow crystals feel explicitly... Video gamey? MacGuffin-y? Like, in an intentional way. You beat a boss, so you get a thing. They aren't powerful because they have the crystal, they have the crystal because they're powerful. Only powerful beings can get ahold of them in the first place, and they serve more of a marker of that power than a source thereof. All of that applies to the party, too. The Lancer Fan Club collectively make up a powerful entity, so they're able to defeat powerful entities and take their stuff, but they have no particular use for them without more of them, in the same way the bosses they beat didn't really have a use for the crystals. The insistence that the crystals must be useful in combat somehow kinda feels like arguing that a dragon's treasure hoard is where it gets its power instead of the idea that it got its treasure hoard because it was powerful enough to take it. Also, like, we see Jevil and Spamton throughout the fights. Jevil never stops groovin' long enough to look at a crystal, let alone interpret what he's seeing, and Spamton also shows no indication of stopping and looking through a crystal. I guess you could argue they looked ahead of time, but that seems like a huge stretch, especially in the case of Mr. Locked in a Room.

[@ThefifthBishopofGord]

Yeah I don’t understand why it was requirement either. I also don’t get why what looking through the crystal does, have to involve what it does to help in combat. Because it could literally just give a massive stat boost to darkeners who have it.

[@sptflcrw8583]

@@ThefifthBishopofGord Ralsei doesn't get stronger while holding it

[@ThefifthBishopofGord]

@@sptflcrw8583 I am pretty sure we (Kris) hold them.

[@privacy8639]

interestingly, in Dungeons and Dragons, the hoard of a Dragon grants them additional power. i know its not related to the video but this comment just reminded me of that and i thought it was cool

[@sptflcrw8583]

@@ThefifthBishopofGord the inventory is shared.

[@leo5614]

the more of your theories i watch, the more i enjoy the speculative aspects of them. keep going youre doing great :D

[@maxzapsgamingzepzeap2337]

“This video SHOULD be just under two hours long” -JaruJaruJ 2022

[@waluigiisthebest2802]

One thing about the time loop theory is that there isn’t much explanation on why Gaster showed the shadow crystal to Jevil and Spamton. My theory is that Gaster was trying to recruit them, but they went crazy from the information given. That’s why Gaster keeps us mostly in the dark about what’s really going on. Or only Ralsei was told. It could also explain how the player fits in to this. Gaster brought us into this timeline, by making what seemed to be a survey for people who beat Undertale. Clearly if there were past timelines of deltarune that took place, then we wouldn’t be a part of them. However, someone interrupted the vessel creation process, and made us posses Kris instead. We know this because the voice that says the vessel will be discarded is different from the voice beforehand. Also, the vessel you create is stored in the game’s code, so the fact that it was discarded is a lie. Possibly the angel, the knight, or someone else. Either way, since Gaster is often associated with 666, the mark of the beast, he may be opposed to the angel, a Godlike holy being.

[@xenrx9781]

great theory

[@FlareBlitzBanana]

I’m pretty confident that Gaster isn’t evil considering his previous position as a scientist for Asgore. The idea of something interrupting him during the goner creation is a great idea and would make sense considering how the screen abruptly cuts to black when the creation is discarded. Gaster is pulling some strings for sure, but I don’t think he’s the only puppet master here. Something of similar power is opposing him, and is just as much out of view as Gaster himself. It’s a weird comparison, but Pokémon Mystery Dungeon Gates to Infinity has a similar approach. Basically person A is talking, but is interrupted by person B to gain the player’s trust and shows an illusion to make them look like a victim of person A.

[@shyguy6425]

@@FlareBlitzBanana that game gets called the weakest link of mystery dungeon but it did what it fid right

[@FlareBlitzBanana]

@@shyguy6425 I agree it’s probably the weakest since there’s not a lot of extra content but what there is is still enjoyable. It gets bashed too hard

[@justice8718]

For the future theory, it implies that castle town's future is the roaring. The event of total darkness.

[@Cloudeefella]

Honestly, your points on Ralsei, and really every character are incredible. The idea of all these characters reacting to the same horrible fate differently is honestly incredible, and would fit the game perfectly. Even if what you present in these videos doesn’t end up being what happens, they’re an incredible analysis.

[@JaruJaruJ]

Thank you very much! I'm glad you think so. x)

[@Troixix]

Re: The combat effectiveness sticking point, it IS feasible that the Shadow Crystals themselves are not exceptional, and that acquiring them is merely very difficult for Darkners to do. Jevil is demonstrably powerful with magic already, Seam says as much about him, but Spamton isn't exactly a pushover, either. Spamton may be a loser who lives in a dumpster, but he does demonstrate some exceptional or strange qualities the rest of the Cyber World denizens don't. He gives the player the Keygen, which could imply that he 'cracked' the basement 'lock', and he also bears a lot more resemblance to harsh, computer-damaging malware than the rest of the enemies fought in Chapter 2. He also advises the player on the Weird/Snowgrave Route, suggesting Spamton may be more knowledgeable about how Violence works in-universe. If the crystals themselves are highly coveted, then another reason Seam would say that beating a Darkner with one is a major feat is because a Darkner would either need to be able to keep it a secret from others or be able to hold onto it via force, both of which seem quite difficult to do given how oddly well-connected and informed the Darkners are about each other. Plus, one hole in the combat effectiveness aspect is that neither Chapter Boss has a Shadow Crystal. Jevil was locked up, but Spamton was well-known among the Addisons, and not especially potent in direct combat. Queen has her castle overtaken by Spamton in the Weird Route, so it seems improbable that she is unaware of his existence. Of course, I personally believe the comment about the difficulty of beating someone with a Shadow Crystal is merely a wink and a nudge from Toby Fox to more properly spell out the "Optional Superboss" aspect delivered through Seam's coy manner of talking around the fourth wall, and don't think the Shadow Crystals themselves are more plot-important than being Flags for tracking which of the Gaster's Missed Connections Squad the player has gone out of their way to talk to/fight. That, and probably in later chapters Seam will trade them for special items, a little like how Hard Mode items work in RPGs like Bug Fables. This kind of thing is already partially in the game with the Dealmaker and JevilsTail, so I could see there being rewards both for beating individual specific Superbosses and rewards for a certain number of any of them.

[@animalcrossing4952]

JaruJaruJ I can't imagine how much time it takes to shoot such a high-quality video of this size. You're doing a godlike job! I look forward to each new video.

[@JaruJaruJ]

Thank you very much!

[@tnichols8273]

I am thoroughly enjoying this content. I don't often make many theories of my own, but I always enjoy seeing what others come up with. Thank you for these sometimes crazy, interesting ideas to think about.

[@JaruJaruJ]

My pleasure! Glad you enjoyed. x)

[@SunShadow878]

Wow, you really did read through all of our crazy theories in that thread. Hope you're mentally okay after this video analysis :D To be honest, I never thought of the Shadow Crystals as being "buffs" to an enemy. More like, certain people can have them, and if they can afford it, it means they're pretty powerful. For example, if we think back to that one Strange Someone that Spamton and Jevil (and probably every other secret boss) have met all those years ago, the Shadow Crystals might be something the Strange Someone has given them all. Maybe because they have a high level of Determination and could use a Crystal like this one for a specific purpose. We could speculate there was an organization or a trust ring of some kind back in 90s. But something went wrong, the Strange Someone went missing, the bosses went bonkers, and they've never completed their grand plan of some kind. This could be why Spamton is still desperate to see through the dark, even though he has a Shadow Crystal - he only has a shard, and it does nothing. That's my theory for now, at least.

[@FlamingLily]

I think the 'Core theory' which you ruled out due to the Susie vision could easily be the case. However, instead of being 'literal' in that a person's core is their SOUL, it could be the core of their personality. Kris doesn't see themself, because they are not sure who they are, both in the sense of not fitting in with monster kind and missing their brother, and compounded with our possession of them. Susie isn't just trying to be cool for coolness sake, in fact she's explicitly trying to be mean, a symptom of being angry at one's self. Just because she sneers AT KRIS in the vision doesn't mean she's inherently angry at Kris, she could just be an angry person at her core (which, even after chapter two, I think is still the case, at least when she's not around friends) Seeing someone's emotional core could be a critical way to beat them in combat. Either by negotiation or by throwing off their game "Do you want to be a heart on a chain your whole life, Kris?" and that goes especially well with the twisted sword theory, where hunting one specific target requires getting at their core.

[@mrblakeboy1420]

the “your choices don’t matter” one can make you better in combat by showing you if you’ll win or not and giving you a choice to fight or not, therefore increasing the chance you’ll win each battle you take

[@itsdav7472]

Hey man, I haven't got any genius, multi-paragraph thesis papers to share about Deltarune theories, but I just wanted to applaud you on all the work you've clearly put into this stuff. It takes time to do something a bunch of times, but it takes dedication to make it all meaningful. Huge well done, and looking forward to whatever you do next. Also, feel free to go ham on the theatrics during your classic Jaru theories - gives them the sorta flavour you don't see everywhere else, and plus, the more you do it, the more people who enjoy it are gonna tune in/stay hooked. Alright, take it easy and keep up the good work.

[@JaruJaruJ]

Thank you so much! I really appreciate the kind words and encouragement. It means a lot to me. x)

[@KryptoTheJester]

For the "public perspective" theory the reason why the unused classroom matters is because Gerson was once a teacher in that classroom. which ties to him being the roaring knight

[@KryptoTheJester]

i don't believe the public perspective theory is true. but it might be a possibility.

[@officersoulknight6321]

I think what they do is magnify your initial premonition of what something is. Kris doesn’t see themself because they don’t have a premonition. Kris sees Susie glaring because of trauma, etc.

[@Barakon]

Maybe the cold stare wasn’t directed at Kris but either at the player or at nothing as it’s not of hate but just being frozen in place from trauma and fear. Most likely the latter as more likely because we don’t get any clues that she secretly knows who’s controlling Kris.

[@matiasgarciacasas558]

I always thought that it's not like the visions themselves would not make someone strong, but rather there's a certain power contained within the crystals that we have yet to exploit. After all, we don't know what other properties they may have, all we ever do with them is hold them and look at them.

[@deitylight780]

We both share the same view once it comes to Ralsei. He's always trying to do the most moral and good things and wants his all of his friends to do the same but this is especially true for the player . If the time loop theory holds true, than I'm pretty sure the player will be the one to break it if Gaster's comment on creating a brighter future means anything.

[@l.o.x.2780]

You know it's a good day when you see Jaru just made a new two-hour long video. I just like your content. Finally, some interesting theories not using old Undertale content. I just love this channel Ps: By "not using Undertale content" I mean creating new ideas using that and Deltarune's universe mechanic and not saying things like "WOAH GUYS IT'S CHARA AFTER A GENOCIDE BECAUSE OF THIS TEXT BOX".

[@JaruJaruJ]

Thanks! Hope you enjoy. x)

[@neokatwastaken]

56:16 there is actually evidence for this. In the first chapter, right before you save for the first time, You will see Kris's name written. This implies that Kris has been in the dark worlds and has saved before, which is further supported by the dialogue "At times, you see it flickering. The light only you can see. *By second nature, you reach out, and...* " I still don't believe in the darkness gone theory, I just wanted to point this out.

[@JaruJaruJ]

Fair! I should have mentioned that.

[@asrieldreemurr2523]

Future theory could explain Ralsei's castle town failing to register because it's was trying to show too far in the future, when the Delta Warriors inevitably fail and the roaring accurs which would not only destroy the dark world, but also the light world. There wouldn't be any supply closet to show, darkness would consume everything. It would be a pitch black void which would make anyone who didnt know what they were looking at think the item just wasn't working...

[@stmp4160]

The time loop theory makes a lot of sense especially when you compare it with the words given to describe Jevil's view "you too, one day will realise the futility of your actions"