While Deltarune updates typically consist of bug fixes (a fact that creator Toby Fox admits no one is really interested in), patch 1.03 also includes a few tweaks that will hopefully make the game less frustrating for some. Two bosses (one in Chapter 3 and another in Chapter 4) have had their fights adjusted to account for difficulty. Take note that some light spoilers for Deltarune follow.
The boss in Chapter 3 that has had one of its moves adjusted is none other than the Roaring Knight – the chapter’s final and hidden boss. Specifically, the Roaring Knight’s “Sword Tunnel” attack has had its hitbox reduced. Sword Tunnel’s fast execution and lengthy uptime make it one of the harder attacks to survive, especially if you’re going for a pacifist run. Fox hopes that reducing the attack’s hitbox will make it easier for players to dodge the slew of travelling swords.
Unlike the Roaring Knight boss fight, which only includes one attack adjustment, the entire Jackenstein encounter in Chapter 4 will be nerfed if you lose to the boss repeatedly. Losing to Jackenstein two times in a row will decrease the damage dealt by Jackenstein’s chasing pumpkin attack. Losing three times in succession will increase TP gain by 50%.
The Jackenstein boss fight is quite different from other Deltarune encounters. Instead of dodging enemy projectiles, players have to navigate a series of dimly-lit mazes while avoiding hazards and a quick-chasing Jackenstein head. Since Jackenstein is a mandatory encounter, Fox wants players who find his section challenging to progress more easily.
Aside from these gameplay adjustments, patch 1.03 also includes the standard bug fixes. Fox reports that patch 1.04 is already in development and will be released soon. Tenna, however, remains unchanged.
Deltarune Chapters 1-4 is now available for Nintendo Switch 1 and 2, PC (macOS and Windows), and PlayStation 4 and 5.
