You can change your name at the very start of the game, during the first screen after you wake up

When you first start Undertale, the game asks you to enter a name before anything else happens. This is your character's name for the entire playthrough. Type whatever name you want into the text box, then press Enter or click the confirm button. That name will appear in dialogue, on the save file, and in the game's ending.

If you want a different name, you have to start a new game. Undertale does not have a rename feature once you have chosen and confirmed your name. The game saves your choice when ready, and there is no menu option to change it later. This is by design—the game treats your name as a permanent part of that save file's identity.

Key Takeaways

  • The name prompt appears on the first screen after you wake up, before you meet any characters or leave the starting room.
  • You type your chosen name into a text box and press Enter to confirm—there is no second chance to edit it during that playthrough.
  • The name you enter becomes your character's permanent name for that save file and appears in all dialogue and the ending.
  • Starting a new game is the only way to use a different name; Undertale has no rename option in the settings or menu.
  • You can keep multiple save files with different names at the same time and switch between them whenever you want.

What happens if you leave the name blank

If you press Enter without typing anything into the name box, the game will not accept it. You must enter at least one character. The game will prompt you again until you type something and confirm.

Some players have tested entering special characters, very long strings, or repeated letters. The game accepts most of these without crashing, though extremely long names may display oddly in certain dialogue boxes or on the save file screen. The text box itself has a practical limit based on how much space the game reserves for names in its interface.

How the name appears throughout the game

Your character's name shows up in a few specific places. The most common is in dialogue when other characters address you directly—they will use your chosen name in conversation. Your name also appears on the save file thumbnail on the load screen, so you can see it when you are deciding which save to play.

The name is also used in the game's ending sequence. Depending on which ending you reach, your name may appear in the final text or credits. This is one reason some players choose thematic names that fit the story they want to experience. Some names also trigger small easter eggs or slightly different reactions from certain characters, though these are rare and not required to see the full game.

Starting a new game with a different name

To use a new name, you must create a new save file. When you start Undertale, you will see the load screen with your existing save or saves. Click the option to start a new game, and you will be taken back to the beginning with the name prompt. Enter your new name and proceed from there.

Your old save file will remain untouched. You can switch between saves at any time by loading them from the main menu. This means you can have multiple playthroughs with different names, different choices, and different endings all saved at once. Many players use this to experience the game's different routes without losing their progress on earlier playthroughs.

Why you might want to change your name

Some players choose a name on their first playthrough without thinking much about it, then want to try again with a name that feels more fitting. Others discover that certain names trigger specific dialogue or easter eggs they did not know about. A few players straightforward want to experience the game multiple times with different identities to see how it changes the way they connect with the story.

Undertale is designed to be replayed. The game acknowledges when you have played before and changes certain story elements based on your choices and actions. Starting a new game with a new name is a normal part of how many players experience the full story and discover all the different paths the game offers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I rename my character after I have already started playing?

No. Once you confirm your name at the start, it is locked in for that save file. The only way to use a different name is to start a new game and create a new save.

What if I made a typo in my name?

You cannot fix it in that save file. You will need to start a new game if the typo bothers you. However, the name only appears in a few places during gameplay, so many players straightforward continue with the mistake rather than restart.

Does the name I choose affect the story or gameplay?

Your name does not change the main story or how the game plays. However, certain names may trigger small easter eggs or slightly different dialogue in specific situations. The game is designed to work with any name you choose.

Can I use spaces or special characters in my name?

Yes, the game accepts spaces, punctuation, and most special characters. You can type almost anything into the name box. The only limit is that you must enter at least one character before confirming.

Will my name appear in the ending?

Depending on which ending you reach, your name may appear in the final sequence or credits. This is another reason some players choose names that fit the story they want to experience.