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Undertale Soundtrack
Undertale Soundtrack
Undertale Soundtrack
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Undertale Soundtrack
Soundtrack album by
Toby Fox
ReleasedSeptember 15, 2015
Genre
Length2:10:28
LabelMateria Collective
ProducerToby Fox
Toby Fox chronology
Undertale Demo OST
(2013) 		Undertale Soundtrack
(2015) 		Deltarune Chapter 1 (Original Game Soundtrack)
(2018)

Undertale Soundtrack is a soundtrack album by Toby Fox, released in 2015 for the video game Undertale.[1] Composed entirely with FL Studio, it was inspired by music from Super Nintendo Entertainment System role-playing games.

It was released by video game music label Materia Collective in 2015. The reception has been well received by critics as part of the success of the game, in particular for its use of various leitmotifs for the various characters used throughout various tracks.

Development

[edit]

The game's soundtrack was entirely composed by Toby Fox with FL Studio.[2] A self-taught musician, he composed most of the tracks with little iteration; the game's main theme, "Undertale", was the only song to undergo multiple iterations in development.

The soundtrack was inspired by music from Super Nintendo Entertainment System role-playing games[3]—such as EarthBound[4] and Live A Live[5]—bullet hell series Touhou Project,[6] the chiptune band Anamanaguchi,[7] as well as the webcomic Homestuck, for which Fox provided some of the music.[3] Fox also stated that he tries to be inspired by all music he listens to,[8] particularly those in video games.[4]

According to Fox, over 90% of the songs were composed specifically for the game.[9] "Megalovania", the song used during the boss battle against Sans, had previously been used within Homestuck and in one of Toby Fox's EarthBound ROM hacks.[10][11] For each section of the game, Fox composed the music prior to programming, as it helped "decide how the scene should go".[9]

He initially tried using the music tracker FamiTracker to compose the soundtrack, but found it difficult to use, claiming that he does not like trackers and that he "never found them very intuitive". He ultimately decided to play segments of the music separately, and connect them on a track.[4] To celebrate the first anniversary of the game, Fox released five unused musical works on his blog in 2016.[12] Four of the game's songs were released as official downloadable content for the Steam version of Taito's Groove Coaster.[11]

Release

[edit]

Undertale's official soundtrack was released by video game music label Materia Collective in 2015, simultaneously with the game's release.[14] Additionally, two official Undertale cover albums have been released: the 2015 metal/electronic album Determination by RichaadEB and Ace Waters,[15][16] and the 2016 jazz album Live at Grillby's by Carlos Eiene, better known as insaneintherainmusic.[17][18] Another album of jazz duets based on Undertale's songs, Prescription for Sleep, was performed and released in 2016 by saxophonist Norihiko Hibino and pianist Ayaki Sato.[19] A 2×LP vinyl edition of the Undertale soundtrack, produced by iam8bit, was also released in the same year.[20] Two official Undertale Piano Collections sheet music books and digital albums, arranged by David Peacock and performed by Augustine Mayuga Gonzales, were released in 2017 and 2018[21][22] by Materia Collective.

A Mii Fighter costume based on Sans was made available for download in the crossover title Super Smash Bros. Ultimate in September 2019, marking the character's official debut as a 3D model. This costume also adds a new arrangement of "Megalovania" by Fox as a music track.[23] Super Smash Bros. director Masahiro Sakurai noted that Sans was a popular request to appear in the game.[24] Music from Undertale was also added to Taiko no Tatsujin: Drum 'n' Fun! as downloadable content.[25]

Reception

[edit]
"Hopes and Dreams"
"Hopes and Dreams", a song from one of the game's final boss fights, was praised for reintroducing many of the game's previous themes in a different style.[26][10]
Problems playing this file? See media help.

Undertale's soundtrack has been well received by critics as part of the success of the game, in particular for its use of various leitmotifs for the various characters used throughout various tracks.[27][28] In particular, "Hopes and Dreams", the boss theme when fighting Asriel in the pacifist playthrough, a run-through where the player avoids killing any monster, brings back most of the main character themes, and is "a perfect way to cap off your journey", according to USgamer's Nadia Oxford.[10] Oxford notes this track in particular demonstrates Fox's ability at "turning old songs into completely new experiences", used throughout the game's soundtrack.[10] Tyler Hicks of GameSpot compared the music to "bit-based melodies".[29]

The Undertale soundtrack had frequently been covered by various styles and groups. As part of the fifth anniversary of the game, Fox streamed footage with permission of a 2019 concert of the Undertale songs performed by Music Engine, an orchestra group in Japan, with support of Fangamer and 8–4.[30]

The track "Megalovania" has seen extensive use in Internet memes[31] and was already popular among the Homestuck fandom, as another version of the song was associated with the characters Vriska Serket, Jack Noir, and Aradia Megido. In January 2022, the song was played in a circus performance happening during a weekly public audience with Pope Francis.[32][33][34]

Track listing

[edit]

All tracks are written by Toby Fox.

Disc 1
No.TitleLength
1."Once Upon a Time"1:28
2."Start Menu"0:32
3."Your Best Friend"0:23
4."Fallen Down"0:57
5."Ruins"1:32
6."Uwa!! So Temperate"0:56
7."Anticipation"0:22
8."Unnecessary Tension"0:17
9."Enemy Approaching"0:56
10."Ghost Fight"0:56
11."Determination"0:50
12."Home"2:03
13."Home (Music Box)"2:02
14."Heartache"1:48
15."Sans."0:50
16."Nyeh Heh Heh!"0:32
17."Snowy"1:44
18."Uwa!! So Holiday"0:30
19."Dogbass"0:06
20."Mysterious Place"0:44
21."Dogsong"0:37
22."Snowdin Town"1:16
23."Shop"0:50
24."Bonetrousle"0:57
25."Dating Start!"1:56
26."Dating Tense!"0:26
27."Dating Fight!"0:35
28."Premonition"1:01
29."Danger Mystery"0:18
30."Undyne"0:45
31."Waterfall"2:06
32."Run!"0:26
33."Quiet Water"0:32
34."Memory"1:15
35."Bird That Carries You Over a Disproportionately Small Gap"0:25
36."Dummy!"2:25
37."Pathetic House"0:38
38."Spooktune"0:23
39."Spookwave"0:25
40."Ghouliday"0:12
41."Chill"0:56
42."Thundersnail"0:42
43."Temmie Village"0:57
44."Tem Shop"0:45
45."Ngahhh!!"1:22
46."Spear of Justice"1:55
47."Ooo"0:14
48."Alphys"1:25
49."It's Showtime!"0:46
50."Metal Crusher"1:03
51."Another Medium"2:22
52."Uwa!! So Heats!!"0:33
53."Stronger Monsters"1:03
54."Hotel"1:27
55."Can You Really Call This a Hotel, I Didn't Receive a Mint on My Pillow or Anything"1:01
56."Confession"0:42
57."Live Report"0:17
58."Death Report"0:47
59."Spider Dance"1:46
60."Wrong Enemy!?"0:58
61."Oh! One True Love"1:24
62."Oh! Dungeon"0:32
63."It's Raining Somewhere Else"2:50
64."Core Approach"0:12
65."Core"2:46
66."Last Episode!"0:07
67."Oh My..."0:14
68."Death by Glamour"2:14
69."For the Fans"1:47
70."Long Elevator"0:20
71."Undertale" (guitar by Stephanie MacIntire)6:21
72."Song That Might Play When You Fight Sans"1:02
73."The Choice"2:12
74."Small Shock"0:14
75."Barrier"0:31
76."Bergentrückung"0:21
77."Asgore"2:36
Disc 2
No.TitleLength
78."You Idiot"0:34
79."Your Best Nightmare"4:00
80."Finale"1:52
81."An Ending"3:28
82."She's Playing Piano"0:18
83."Here We Are"2:06
84."Amalgam"1:20
85."Fallen Down (Reprise)"2:30
86."Don't Give Up"2:02
87."Hopes and Dreams"3:01
88."Burn in Despair!"0:21
89."Save the World"1:53
90."His Theme"2:05
91."Final Power"0:18
92."Reunited"4:44
93."Menu (Full)"0:32
94."Respite"1:54
95."Bring It In, Guys!"4:12
96."Last Goodbye"2:15
97."But the Earth Refused to Die"0:34
98."Battle Against a True Hero"2:36
99."Power of "NEO" "0:30
100."Megalovania"2:36
101."Good Night"0:31
Total length:129:52

Charts

[edit]
Chart (2016) Peak
position
UK Independent Album Breakers (OCC)[35] 19
UK Soundtrack Albums (OCC)[36] 25
US Independent Albums (Billboard)[37] 21
US Soundtrack Albums (Billboard)[38] 5

References

[edit]

Further reading

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Undertale Soundtrack

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
The Undertale Soundtrack is the original musical score composed by for the independent Undertale, which was developed and published by Fox under the name "tobyfox" and released on September 15, 2015, for Microsoft Windows via . Featuring 101 tracks—many of which are short variations or remixes designed to loop seamlessly during gameplay—spanning approximately 2 hours and 13 minutes in total length, the soundtrack was primarily created using digital tools like by the self-taught musician Fox and incorporates diverse styles reflecting the game's underground monster world, including ambient pieces for exploration, upbeat chiptune-inspired themes for battles, and emotional orchestral arrangements for key story moments. Its composition is deeply integrated with Undertale's narrative, using recurring leitmotifs to represent characters and themes such as , , and , which enhance the game's meta-elements and multiple endings; notable contributions include guitar work by Stephanie MacIntire on track 71 ("Undertale"). Critically acclaimed for its emotional depth and timeless appeal, the soundtrack has inspired orchestral arrangements, fan remixes, official covers—including a full live concert streamed on YouTube in 2020 and a one-night orchestral event in 2025 to mark the game's 10th anniversary—as well as recent developments like the UNDERTALE 10th Anniversary Stream Soundtrack released in September 2025 and upcoming Square Enix collaborations such as the "UNDERTALE: CHITEI DE CHILL" album on January 28, 2026, and a piano arrangement album produced by Yoko Shimomura in February 2026. Physical editions, such as a two-CD set produced by and vinyl versions through , alongside availability on platforms like Steam in high-quality MP3 format with unlooped versions of over 77 core tracks, have made the OST accessible in various formats; tracks like "Megalovania" and "Undertale" have achieved cult status, frequently appearing in broader media and contributing to its enduring cultural impact.

Development

Conception and Production

Toby Fox, a self-taught musician with prior game audio experience, served as the sole composer for the Undertale soundtrack. He began the work alongside the game's prototyping in January 2013 and continued over the next two years until its September 2015 release, with the music influencing narrative elements and level design. Fox composed the tracks using 10 with free soundfonts and VST plugins, creating chiptune-style music that evoked retro gaming aesthetics. Many tracks were developed independently before assignment to scenes, allowing melodies and leitmotifs—such as those for characters like Sans and Undyne—to guide character and environmental development. The soundtrack includes 101 tracks, most original to , though some like "" were adapted from Fox's earlier projects, including his 2008 ROM hack and contributions to the webcomic . The instrumentation primarily featured digital synthesizers emulating the warm, limited palette of SNES-era hardware, producing a nostalgic yet innovative sound influenced by classic SNES RPGs. A notable exception was guest musician Stephanie MacIntire's acoustic guitar recording for the title track "," which added organic texture to the synthesized ensemble.

Influences and Techniques

Toby Fox drew significant inspiration for the Undertale soundtrack from classic Super Nintendo RPGs, particularly the melodic whimsy and emotional depth of EarthBound (known as Mother 2 in Japan) and Live A Live. He cited the Mother series title theme, especially from MOTHER (EarthBound Beginnings), as a key influence due to its nostalgic and heartfelt quality, which shaped tracks like "Once Upon a Time" as a direct homage to the series' opening music. Similarly, the intense, rhythmic drive of "MEGALOVANIA" evolved from Fox's recreation of the high-stakes energy in Live A Live's "MEGALOMANIA," a boss battle track he first encountered at age 15, resulting in an original piece that captured its climactic tension adapted for Undertale's narrative. Additional influences include the bullet hell shooter , which affected the soundtrack's rhythmic complexity and fast-paced motifs, reflecting Fox's fandom since middle school and shaping battle themes with intricate, dodging-inspired patterns. The energy of the band also contributed, especially to battle themes like "Hopes and Dreams," where Fox emulated their blend of retro synths and modern beats for intense gameplay moments. Furthermore, Fox's prior compositions for the webcomic influenced the narrative-driven layering of themes, enabling music to evolve with player choices and story branches in a style reminiscent of that project's . In terms of techniques, Fox extensively used leitmotifs to build emotional depth by recycling and varying core melodies across tracks, representing character arcs and player decisions. For instance, the somber motif from "Fallen Down" recurs in altered forms throughout the , symbolizing loss and redemption without overt repetition. He varied tempo and instrumentation to suit contexts: slower, ambient synths for exploration to foster immersion in the pixel-art world, and accelerated rhythms with brass-like synth stabs for battles to heighten adrenaline. Specific methods included renditions for melancholic scenes, such as the delicate, twinkling arrangement of "Home (Music Box)," which conveys quiet and through sparse, mechanical tones. Short "" tracks, often under 30 seconds, facilitated seamless transitions between areas while maintaining momentum and the retro aesthetic. To align with Undertale's pixelated visuals, Fox favored retro synthesizers and elements over orchestral swells, creating lo-fi warmth that evoked 8- and 16-bit eras with subtle emotional swells via harmonic layering. Fox's techniques evolved through iterative feedback during development from 2013 to 2015, as he shared early demos on platforms like to refine intensity and cohesion. Notably, "" underwent multiple revisions from its origins in an ROM hack, incorporating community input to amplify its chaotic drive for the final Sans encounter.

Musical Style and Content

Composition Characteristics

The Undertale soundtrack was composed entirely by using a aesthetic that emulates the 8-bit and 16-bit sound palettes of SNES-era video games. It employs free soundfonts and synthesizers to produce a retro yet emotionally resonant sound, creating a nostalgic and innovative landscape through simple waveforms and limited instrumentation that evoke whimsy and depth without orchestral complexity. The music's core structure features a sophisticated system, in which recurring phrases tie to specific characters, locations, and narrative arcs to enhance thematic cohesion—for instance, the melancholic piano motif in "Heartache," associated with , reappears and evolves in "Asgore," symbolizing their shared royal history and emotional turmoil. Thematically, the soundtrack contrasts lighthearted, exploratory tracks with tense, high-stakes battle themes, mirroring the game's dual nature of and conflict. Upbeat pieces like "Snowdin Town" use jaunty rhythms and major-key melodies to convey and warmth during peaceful navigation, while intense compositions such as "Battle Against a True " build urgency through rapid percussion and ascending motifs, heightening the of confrontations. This emotional range spans from whimsical playfulness in character-specific tunes to profound in moments of loss or revelation, using shifts—such as from resolutions to dissonant tensions—to underscore the player's moral choices and the story's bittersweet undertones. A key innovation of the soundtrack is its dynamic layering, where tracks adapt in real-time based on player decisions across pacifist, neutral, and routes. For example, pacifist paths incorporate uplifting, layered harmonies in themes like "" to reward , while genocide routes feature slowed, haunting distortions and ominous undertones to reflect escalating consequences. The tracks are composed as short, loopable segments—many under a minute—to sustain immersion without overwhelming ; the collection includes 101 tracks totaling approximately 2 hours and 10 minutes of unlooped music. This structure positions the score as a driver, with climactic pieces like "Hopes and Dreams" layering leitmotifs from earlier themes to escalate toward the game's emotional peaks.

Track Listing and Structure

The Undertale Soundtrack comprises 101 tracks, all composed by , with a total runtime of approximately 2 hours and 10 minutes according to the official digital release. The tracks follow the game's narrative progression, with themes for each area grouped roughly together, though some battle and boss themes appear later; examples include the (tracks 1–14), Snowdin Forest (tracks 15–25), (tracks 26–46), Hotland and (tracks 47–68), New Home and the True Lab (tracks 69–77, with True Lab specifics in hidden tracks 78–101), and various endings (primarily in hidden tracks 78–101). This sequencing mirrors the player's journey through the Underground, blending ambient themes, battle music, and boss encounters without formal disc divisions in the digital version, though the physical release splits them across two discs for convenience. Tracks serve distinct contextual roles in the game. Ambient pieces establish atmosphere in exploration areas, such as "" (1:32) for the initial underground dwellings or "" (2:06) for the echoing caverns. Battle themes heighten tension during encounters, as in "Bonetrousle" (0:57) for the Papyrus fight in Snowdin, with upbeat motifs reflecting his enthusiastic personality. Boss themes intensify key confrontations, like "Spear of " (1:55) for Undyne's pursuit in Waterfall or "" (2:36) for the Sans battle in the route, which plays only under specific player conditions. Ending tracks offer resolution, such as hidden variants for the True Pacifist route. The following table enumerates the tracks by major game area groupings, highlighting representative examples with durations and roles for clarity; the full sequencing adheres to the official digital release order. Note that exact ranges vary slightly due to the inclusion of battle themes later in the list.
AreaApproximate Track NumbersRepresentative Tracks (with Duration and Role)
Ruins/Home1–141. Once Upon a Time (1:28, opening narrative theme); 4. Fallen Down (0:57, somber ambient for fallen human motif); 5. Ruins (1:32, ambient exploration); 9. Enemy Approaching (0:56, standard battle initiation); 12. Home (2:03, emotional return to safety).
Snowdin Forest15–2515. sans. (0:50, laid-back skeleton theme, ambient); 17. Snowy (1:44, ambient winter walk); 23. Shop (0:50, quirky merchant interactions); 24. Bonetrousle (0:57, boss battle for Papyrus).
Waterfall26–4630. Undyne (0:45, boss theme approach); 31. Waterfall (2:06, ambient serene echoes); 43. Temmie Village (0:57, humorous side area ambient); 46. Spear of Justice (1:55, intense boss battle for Undyne).
Hotland/Core47–6848. Alphys (1:25, character theme, ambient); 49. It's Showtime! (0:46, flamboyant robot approach); 65. CORE (2:46, mechanical ambient); 63. It's Raining Somewhere Else (2:50, poignant piano interlude); 68. Death by Glamour (2:14, flamboyant robot boss battle).
True Lab/New Home69–77 (with hidden extensions 78–101)71. Undertale (6:21, ambient New Home approach); 77. ASGORE (2:36, king’s theme, ambient/boss setup); 76. Bergentrückung (0:21, Asriel motif, emotional); Hidden: 97. But the Earth Refused to Die (1:25, True Lab ambient horror).
Endings & Credits78–101 (variations in hidden tracks)Hidden: 87. Your Best Friends (0:59, friendship reprise); 94. Hopes and Dreams (3:27, final boss ascent); 89. Save the World (2:00, Pacifist resolution); 101. Good Night (0:31, neutral ending lullaby); Hidden: 101. Fallen Down (Reprise) (1:00, extended emotional close).
In addition to the core 77 tracks visible in the digital storefront, the release includes 24 hidden tracks unlocked upon purchase, with extended loops, route-specific variations, and True Lab ambiance, such as "The World Revolving" (3:44) for lab navigation. Several unused tracks from development, including early variants of "Ruins" and other themes, were released by in 2016 as bonus content outside the main OST.

Release History

Original and Digital Releases

The Undertale soundtrack, composed entirely by , was first released digitally on September 15, 2015, coinciding with the game's launch on . The album features 101 tracks spanning over two hours of chiptune-inspired music that complements the game's narrative and gameplay. Self-published by Fox through his page, the soundtrack was distributed digitally via Bandcamp, Steam, and under license to Materia Collective, a label. Priced at $9.99 USD, it was provided as a DRM-free download in high-quality formats like and . The release was promoted alongside the game and available as an optional bundle purchase on Steam for an enhanced player experience. Fox handled the arrangement and production of all tracks, ensuring their seamless integration with the game's emotional arcs.

Expanded Editions and Covers

Following the original digital release, several physical editions of the Undertale soundtrack were produced, expanding access to Toby Fox's compositions in tangible formats. In 2016, and Materia Collective issued a limited two-LP vinyl set featuring translucent and discs, pressing select tracks from the game's 101-song OST. This was followed in 2017 by 's two-CD set, which compiled the full soundtrack across 101 tracks, including contributions from guest musicians like Stephanie MacIntire on guitar for "Undertale" and Coda on bonus tracks such as "Dating Start (FM Version)" and "Dog Dating." A comprehensive five-LP vinyl box set, remastered and spanning all 109 tracks (including bonus material like "Dog Dating"), was released by in 2020, available in multicolored marble variants such as baby , yellow, and purple. Additional represses and collector's editions, including a 2025 CD reissue, have sustained availability through and Materia Collective. Official cover albums reinterpreting the soundtrack in diverse styles emerged shortly after the game's launch, often licensed through Materia Collective. The 2015 album Determination, a double-disc set by RichaadEB and Ace Waters, delivered metal and electronic arrangements of tracks like "Megalovania" and "Battle Against a True Hero," blending heavy riffs with synthesized elements. In 2016, Live at Grillby's by insaneintherainmusic offered a jazz rendition of 10 tracks, including saxophone-led takes on "Snowdin Town" and "Heartache," performed live and capturing the game's underground bar ambiance. That same year, GENTLE LOVE (comprising Norihiko Hibino and AYAKI) released Prescription for Sleep: Undertale, a 15-track ambient lullaby album transforming themes like "Fallen Down" and "Ruins" into soothing, piano-driven nocturnes for relaxation. The Undertale Piano Collections, arranged by David Peacock and performed by pianist Augustine Mayuga Gonzales, debuted in 2017 with Volume 1 (15 tracks, including "Once Upon a Time" and "Asgore"), followed by Volume 2 in 2018 (13 tracks, such as "Ruins" and "Goodbye"). A four-LP vinyl box set compiling both volumes, with a 36-page art book, is slated for 2026 release by Materia Collective. Expansions beyond the core OST included a 2016 digital bundle of unused tracks released by on for the game's one-year anniversary, featuring eight compositions such as "Dogtroid," "Dog Hole," and an alternate "Undyne Battle" absent from the final game files. Select tracks also appeared in other media, including a remix of "" by Toby Fox in the 2019 DLC for the Sans Mii Gunner costume, playable on stages like 2. That year, an official Undertale pack for : Drum 'n' Fun! added rhythm arrangements of "Megalovania," "Heartache," and "Hopes and Dreams" as paid DLC on October 10, with difficulty levels from Easy to Extreme. Marking the 10th anniversary in 2025, Toby Fox released UNDERTALE (10-Year Anniversary Remixes), a 10-track album of electronic and genre-spanning reinterpretations, including "Fallen Down (Øneheart Remix)" and "sans. (Tokyo Machine Remix)," distributed via Monstercat. Complementing this, official orchestral events included the Determination Symphony at Eventim Apollo on June 22, 2025, and a performance by MUSIC Engine at Suntory Hall on November 3, 2025, emphasizing the score's emotional depth.

Reception and Performance

Critical Reception

The Undertale soundtrack received widespread critical acclaim for its innovative use of leitmotifs, which weave recurring musical themes to deepen narrative connections and emotional impact. Reviewers praised composer Toby Fox's chiptune-inspired compositions for evoking whimsy to profound melancholy, enhancing the RPG's themes of mercy, friendship, and consequence. In its 2016 review of the game, described the music as "excellent," noting its retro aesthetic and how the "catchy and memorable" tracks amplify key emotional beats, such as boss encounters and heartfelt dialogues. Similarly, noted the soundtrack's "brimming with personality" quality, which complements the game's quirky characters and moral choices, making it an integral part of the experience. Specific tracks drew particular praise for their intensity and resonance. "Megalovania," the theme for the challenging Sans battle, stood out for its high-energy rhythm and escalating tension, often cited as a pinnacle of boss music that captures the thrill of determination and desperation. Tracks like "Hopes and Dreams" and the titular "" were lauded for their uplifting yet bittersweet orchestration, blending piano, strings, and synths to convey hope amid loss; one analysis called "Hopes and Dreams" "one of the most emotionally potent pieces of music" due to its layered motifs that culminate the game's pacifist arc. Critics also drew comparisons to the series, noting how Fox's work echoes that game's nostalgic, eclectic style while innovating with leitmotifs to foreshadow plot twists and character arcs. The soundtrack's reception has remained strong in later years, underscoring its lasting influence. VG247 included it among the best video game soundtracks to revisit, emphasizing its timeless blend of humor, heart, and meme-worthy hooks like "" that continue to resonate in fan discussions. A 2025 retro review rated it 9.5/10, praising its personality, diversity, and integration with the game's story. Additionally, a 2026 10th anniversary concert announcement highlights the soundtrack's iconic status and cultural impact. While the soundtrack itself earned no standalone awards, it contributed significantly to the game's critical success, helping secure a score of 92/100, where music played a key role in the high ratings for its emotional and artistic depth.

Commercial Charts and Sales

The Undertale Soundtrack achieved notable commercial success after its 2015 release, driven by the game's popularity in digital and streaming formats. It peaked at number 25 on the Official Soundtrack Albums Chart in 2016. It also reached number 19 on the UK Independent Breakers Chart that month. In the United States, the soundtrack debuted at number 21 on the Independent Albums chart and number 5 on the Albums chart in 2016. These positions resulted from initial physical and digital sales via platforms like and , where it was available for $9.99 USD as a digital download. The soundtrack's sales benefited from the game's commercial success, exceeding 7 million units sold across platforms by 2025. Digital distribution through Steam generated an estimated €1 million in gross revenue for the soundtrack by 2025. Physical editions, including Fangamer's complete 5-LP vinyl box set, frequently sold out due to high collector demand. Streaming now serves as a key measure of its ongoing popularity, with the full album accumulating over 2.37 billion plays on as of January 2026. The track "Megalovania" alone surpassed 214 million Spotify streams by January 2026, holding the Guinness World Record as the most-streamed song from a video game soundtrack. Post-2016 chart data is limited, but performance spiked during the game's 10th anniversary in , with a release boosting streams and ranking it among the top soundtracks on Spotify.

Legacy

Cultural Impact

The Undertale soundtrack has profoundly shaped pop culture, particularly through the track "," which became a viral and phenomenon after the game's release. Known for its intense rhythm and association with the character , "" inspired numerous remixes, parodies, and across platforms. This established it as a staple in online humor and gaming memes. In 2022, members of the Rony Roller Circus troupe performed an acrobatic routine to "" during a Vatican audience with , amplifying its cultural reach and generating widespread media coverage. The track's popularity also extended to , fueling trends with dances, edits, and slowed-down remixes that blended it with genres. Beyond memes, the soundtrack's innovative techniques, such as recurring leitmotifs, have influenced music. reused and evolved these elements in his subsequent project to create interconnected narrative soundscapes. This approach to thematic musical callbacks has encouraged composers in the broader indie scene to integrate adaptive, story-driven scores. For the game's 10th anniversary in 2025, official events included a livestream on September 20 and 21, hosted by and . It raised $361,407 for and featured updates and announcements for Chapter 5 in late 2026. An official orchestral concert, "The Determination Symphony," occurred on June 22, 2025, at the Eventim Apollo in . Additional official concerts took place in on November 3, 2025, at Suntory Hall in , and on December 27, 2025, at Hitachi Systems Hall in . These were followed by further anniversary concerts in Japan in 2026, including performances on February 23 at Hiroshima Bunka Gakuen HBG Hall in Hiroshima and on March 14 at Sapporo Concert Hall Kitara in Sapporo, by the MUSIC Engine orchestra. Fan-led events included the "Hopes and Dreams" concert on August 23, 2025, in , with live performances of key tracks and global tributes that underscored the music's role in community engagement. The soundtrack's crossover appeal is evident in its mainstream media integrations and fan creativity. In 2018, a remix of "Megalovania" was added to for select stages, exposing it to millions of players. It also appeared as downloadable content in Taiko no Tatsujin: Drum 'n' Fun! in 2021, enabling players to engage with its beats. In 2025, orchestral arrangements proliferated on , including the 649 Worldwide Orchestra's rendition of the main theme and Columbia Pops' medley, which celebrated the anniversary through symphonic reinterpretations. At the core of Undertale's is the soundtrack's inspiration for fan art, animations, and mods that reinterpret its themes. hosts thousands of fan covers, many with over one million views. Vocal and instrumental versions of "" and "Hopes and Dreams" have collectively amassed tens of millions of plays, fostering a vibrant ecosystem of community remixes and tributes. This grassroots proliferation has solidified the soundtrack's role in perpetuating the game's legacy, turning individual tracks into shared cultural touchstones for gamers and musicians.

Awards and Recognition

The Undertale soundtrack, composed by Toby Fox, received several awards and nominations tied to the game's success and its musical innovation. In 2016, Undertale won the Matthew Crump Cultural Innovation Award at the SXSW Gaming Awards, recognizing the project's innovative elements, including its chiptune-inspired score blending retro aesthetics with emotional depth. That year, Fox also received the NAVGTR Award for Original Light Mix Score, New IP, for the soundtrack's use of light orchestral and electronic elements in a debut title. This award highlighted the music's contribution to Undertale's indie prominence, with tracks such as "Megalovania" and "Undertale" noted for their memorable motifs and versatility in gameplay. Internationally, Undertale earned the Award for Excellence at the 2018 Japan Game Awards, with the ceremony praising the game's design and the score's role in its storytelling. Although it lacked standalone nominations in major ceremonies like the Grammys, the soundtrack appeared in retrospective lists, including VG247's 2024 selection of essential video game soundtracks.

References

  1. https://tcrf.net/Prerelease:Undertale
  2. https://www.gamespot.com/gallery/the-14-best-games-developed-by-only-one-person/2900-2172/
  3. https://undertale.tumblr.com/page/10
  4. https://www.thesoundarchitect.co.uk/why-the-music-to-undertale-is-awesome/
  5. https://armageddonsmilesclub.medium.com/evolution-of-a-song-toby-foxs-megalovania-18a7b1d30521
  6. https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ZFusgT_6ROaajy9HkHrauSJY9vC7qP7oeEeYchPs2PE/edit
  7. https://nintendoeverything.com/undertale-creator-on-inspiration-changes-during-development-and-more/
  8. https://www.fangamer.com/products/undertale-ost
  9. https://hsmusic.wiki/commentary/album/undertale-soundtrack/
  10. https://www.square-enix-games.com/en_US/news/live-a-live-yoko-shimomura-toby-fox-pt-1
  11. https://tobyfox.bandcamp.com/album/undertale-soundtrack
  12. https://uknowledge.uky.edu/music_etds/232
  13. https://store.steampowered.com/app/391570/UNDERTALE_Soundtrack/
  14. https://www.academia.edu/31336536/Undertale_A_Case_Study_in_Ludomusicology
  15. https://tcrf.net/Undertale/Unused_Audio
  16. https://www.ign.com/articles/2016/09/16/undertale-creator-releases-unused-music-to-celebrate-1-year-anniversary
  17. https://vgmdb.net/album/54932
  18. https://www.materiacollective.com/music/undertale-soundtrack
  19. https://music.apple.com/us/album/undertale-soundtrack/1528217465
  20. https://www.discogs.com/release/16281787-Toby-Fox-Undertale-Complete-OST
  21. https://www.discogs.com/release/34629877-Toby-Fox-Undertale-Soundtrack
  22. https://determination-ut.bandcamp.com/album/determination
  23. https://insaneintherainmusic.bandcamp.com/album/live-at-grillbys
  24. https://scarletmoonrecords.bandcamp.com/album/prescription-for-sleep-undertale
  25. https://materia.store/products/undertale-piano-collections-4xlp-box-set
  26. https://www.nintendo.com/us/store/products/taiko-no-tatsujin-drum-n-fun-undertale-pack-70050000016822-switch/
  27. https://monstercat.fandom.com/wiki/UNDERTALE_%2810-Year_Anniversary_Remixes%29
  28. https://www.broadwayworld.com/westend/article/UNDERTALE-Will-Celebrate-10th-Anniversary-With-One-Night-Only-Concert-20250328
  29. https://www.suntory.com/culture-sports/suntoryhall/schedule/detail/20251103_M_2.html
  30. https://www.ign.com/articles/2016/01/13/undertale-review
  31. https://www.polygon.com/game/undertale/38855/
  32. https://www.thegamer.com/undertale-ost-best-tracks-ranked/
  33. https://www.albumoftheyear.org/user/sassytabasco/album/56048-undertale-soundtrack/
  34. https://ocremix.org/community/topic/41969-undertale-soundtrack-analysis-huge-spoilers/
  35. https://www.vg247.com/15-of-the-best-video-game-soundtracks
  36. https://cfreemon.substack.com/p/retro-review-toby-fox-undertale-soundtrack
  37. https://jasumotickets.com/event/undertale-10th-anniversary-concert-2026-ticket/
  38. https://www.metacritic.com/game/undertale/
  39. https://www.officialcharts.com/albums/toby-fox-undertale-ost/
  40. https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/independent-albums-breakers-chart/
  41. https://app.sensortower.com/vgi/game/undertale
  42. https://impress.games/steam-revenue-calculator/391570/undertale-soundtrack
  43. https://www.fangamer.com/products/undertale-complete-vinyl-soundtrack-box-set
  44. https://kworb.net/spotify/artist/57DlMWmbVIf2ssJ8QBpBau_albums.html
  45. https://kworb.net/spotify/artist/57DlMWmbVIf2ssJ8QBpBau_songs.html
  46. https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/763956-most-streamed-song-from-a-videogame-soundtrack-on-spotify
  47. https://open.spotify.com/album/6wfuhGODjpM5ru47Z7ks60
  48. https://newsbywire.com/revealed-the-best-video-game-soundtracks-according-to-gamers/
  49. https://knowyourmeme.com/memes/megalovania
  50. https://www.polygon.com/22870441/pope-undertale-toby-fox-megalovania
  51. https://www.polygon.com/2020/2/25/21152786/megalovania-tiktok-undertale-sans-meme/
  52. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S-cyORPcAk4
  53. https://undertale.com/10/
  54. https://toby.fangamer.com/newsletters/autumn25/
  55. https://www.gamespot.com/articles/undertale-kicks-off-10th-anniversary-celebrations-with-a-one-night-only-orchestral-concert/1100-6530353/
  56. https://eplus.tickets/undertale10thconcert/
  57. https://undertale10thconcert.com/
  58. https://ongakuoverdrive.com/hopesanddreams/
  59. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FA5irMZy0oY
  60. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=acylpT0CkPc
  61. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5p_RO6hPrho
  62. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0c_ZV-nV5iE
  63. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6cx1WaoWQ34
  64. https://daily.bandcamp.com/features/interview-indie-game-soundtracks
  65. https://thegamefanatics.com/third-annual-sxsw-gaming-awards-winners-circle/
  66. https://navgtr.org/2016-awards/
  67. https://awards.cesa.or.jp/2018/en/prize/year.html
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