Toby Fox just dropped another surprise newsletter on December 18, 2024, and the news is bigger than anyone expected. Deltarune Chapter 5 is nearly complete, with localization already underway and a realistic release estimate of just several months away. For a fanbase that waited three years between Chapter 1 and 2, this accelerated development pace feels almost unreal.
The Winter 2025 newsletter reveals a development team firing on all cylinders. After releasing Chapters 3 and 4 just six months ago in June 2024, Fox and his team have already pushed Chapter 5 to a near-complete state. Most rooms are finished, almost all scenes are done, and the majority of battles only need minor polish. The game contains “hours of fun,” Fox teases, though most of the soundtrack would spoil surprises if he shared it.
Chapter 5 Development Details
Fox broke down exactly where Chapter 5 stands right now. All the rooms in the game are more or less done, minus background polish. Almost all scenes are complete, with only a single digit number needing visual refinement. Most battles are finished except for a couple that still function from beginning to end but need pacing adjustments and bullet pattern tweaks.
The newsletter included another Castle Town video featuring Tenna, the TV-themed character from Chapter 3. These Castle Town segments let players interact with recruited enemies, and each new chapter expands this social hub. Fox warned the video contains spoilers for anyone who hasn’t completed Chapters 3 and 4 yet, though honestly, if you’re reading developer newsletters, spoilers are probably not your biggest concern.
Localization has officially begun. Fox and the team at 8-4 extracted all text from the game and annotated it with translator notes. After localization reaches its final stages, professional testing teams will take over. Console compatibility testing starts in January 2025. From there, Fox estimates several months until release, which realistically puts Chapter 5 somewhere in mid-to-late 2025.
The Insane Development Pace
Fox himself acknowledged how bizarre this timeline feels. “It feels crazy to say this even though only 6 months ago you guys only had Chapters 1 and 2, but in a few months, much of the team will probably already be focusing their attention on Chapter 6,” he wrote. This represents a massive acceleration from the original release schedule where Chapter 1 came out in 2018 and Chapter 2 took until 2021.
What changed? Team expansion and better production management. Fox hired a producer and brought on additional talent specifically to speed up development without sacrificing quality. The decision to bundle chapters together rather than releasing them individually also streamlined the process. Instead of perfecting each chapter for standalone release, the team could focus on completing content and moving forward.
That said, Fox still faces the same technical challenges that delayed earlier chapters. Professional testing takes time. Console porting introduces platform-specific bugs. Localization for multiple languages requires careful attention to maintain the game’s trademark humor and wordplay. These aren’t corners you can cut, which is why Fox remains cautious about promising specific dates.
Looking Back at Chapters 3 and 4
The newsletter included a “look back” section reflecting on Chapters 3 and 4’s development. Fox didn’t share extensive details in the public newsletter, but he noted it had been six months since their June 2024 release. Those chapters introduced players to a TV-themed Dark World and continued Kris, Susie, and Ralsei’s quest to close Dark Fountains threatening to throw the world out of balance.
Chapters 3 and 4 received widespread praise for their creativity, emotional depth, and surprisingly dark moments. The development for these chapters included extensive playtesting feedback, particularly around difficulty and pacing. Fox mentioned in previous newsletters that testers convinced him to add more save points to Chapter 4’s light world sections, showing his willingness to adjust based on player experience.
The Square Enix Collaboration Nobody Saw Coming
Buried in the newsletter was an announcement that seemed almost too wild to believe. Square Enix is doing an official Undertale collaboration. The plan includes shirts and musical albums, with Temmie Chang contributing some designs. For an indie game that started as a passion project, partnering with one of gaming’s most legendary publishers feels surreal.
Even more impressive, the collaboration includes a piano album called Echoes Beneath produced by Yoko Shimomura. If that name sounds familiar, it’s because Shimomura composed the soundtracks for Kingdom Hearts, Super Mario RPG, and LIVE A LIVE. She even arranged one of the tracks herself. Having a composer of that caliber involved with your indie RPG’s music is the kind of thing that doesn’t happen unless your game truly resonated with people.
What’s Left After Chapter 5
Deltarune is planned for seven chapters total. With Chapter 5 nearly done, that leaves Chapters 6 and 7. Fox mentioned the team will shift focus to Chapter 6 soon, with some programmers already working on regular enemy bullet patterns for that chapter. This suggests development isn’t strictly sequential. While Chapter 5 undergoes localization and testing, other team members can prototype and create content for later chapters.
The question is whether Chapters 6 and 7 will release together like previous bundles or if Fox will opt for a different strategy. Given how long these games take to create, bundling them seems likely. Fox has repeatedly emphasized he doesn’t want players waiting years between story beats, which is why he shifted from releasing individual chapters to grouping them.
Still, Chapter 7 represents the finale. That’s not just another installment but the conclusion to a story players have been following since 2018. Fox will likely take extra time ensuring it delivers a satisfying ending that honors everything that came before. Don’t expect Chapter 7 until at least 2026 or 2027.
The Steam Winter Sale Hook
Fox ended the newsletter by noting Deltarune is 20% off for the Steam Winter Sale, with console discounts coming soon. Then he added with typical Toby Fox humor: “I’m pretty sure all of the people reading the newsletter already bought the game though, right?” He’s not wrong. Anyone subscribed to developer newsletters has definitely already purchased every version available.
That said, the timing is smart. Winter sales bring in new players who might have missed the June 2024 launch. With Chapter 5 only months away, this is the perfect time for newcomers to catch up. The first two chapters remain free, so there’s literally no barrier to entry except time and emotional investment.
FAQs
When will Deltarune Chapter 5 release?
Toby Fox estimates it will take several months from December 2024 to release Chapter 5. With localization underway and professional testing starting soon, a realistic window would be mid-to-late 2025.
How many chapters are planned for Deltarune?
Deltarune is planned to have seven chapters total. Chapters 1-4 are currently available, Chapter 5 is in localization and testing, and Chapters 6 and 7 are in various stages of early development.
Are Deltarune Chapters 1 and 2 still free?
Yes, Chapters 1 and 2 remain free to play. Chapters 3 and 4 released as paid content in June 2024, and future chapters will also require purchase.
What is the Square Enix Undertale collaboration?
Square Enix is partnering with Undertale for official merchandise including shirts and musical albums. The collaboration features a piano album called Echoes Beneath produced by legendary composer Yoko Shimomura.
Will Chapter 5 release alone or with Chapter 6?
Based on the newsletter, Chapter 5 will release on its own. Toby Fox mentioned the team will shift focus to Chapter 6 after Chapter 5 launches, suggesting they’re being developed and released separately.
Can I play Deltarune without playing Undertale first?
Technically yes, but Toby Fox has stated Deltarune is intended for people who completed Undertale. It’s described as a parallel story rather than a direct sequel, featuring the same characters in different roles.
What platforms is Deltarune available on?
Deltarune is available on PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and Xbox. Chapters 3 and 4 were featured prominently during the Nintendo Switch 2 presentation, suggesting continued Nintendo support.
Who is Tenna in Deltarune?
Tenna is a TV-themed character who appears in Chapter 3. Like other recruited enemies, Tenna can join your Castle Town and interact with players through special scenes, as shown in the newsletter’s preview video.
The Final Stretch
Toby Fox ended his newsletter with genuine excitement: “Chapter 5!!! It’s really moving along now!!! Happy 2026!!!” That enthusiasm is infectious. After years of uncertainty about when Deltarune would continue, the game is finally moving at a pace that feels sustainable. Fox has built a team capable of delivering quality content without burning out. He’s learned from early development struggles and created systems that work. Most importantly, he’s kept his vision intact while allowing the project to grow beyond what he could accomplish alone. Several months might still feel like forever to fans desperate for more Deltarune, but considering where this project started, it’s nothing short of miraculous. The finish line is in sight, and for once, it doesn’t feel impossibly far away.