Deltarune Chapter 5 introduces multiple endings for the first time, including the hidden Balloon Ending. Unlike the standard conclusion, this alternate ending is unlocked through a pair of dialogue choices near the end of the chapter rather than by completing secret objectives or finding hidden items.

How to Unlock the Balloon Ending

The Balloon Ending doesn’t require any special actions during most of Chapter 5.

Simply progress through the story as normal. Complete Festival Day, explore the Flower Shop Dark World, and defeat the chapter’s final boss. Continue through the ending sequences until Kris and Susie return to the Light World.

Near the end of the chapter, Susie asks whether Kris wants to walk home with her. To trigger the alternate ending, choose the following dialogue options:

Dialogue Prompt Choice First Choice Not Now Second Choice I have other things to do

Selecting these responses immediately changes the final sequence.

What Happens in the Balloon Ending?

After declining Susie’s invitation, Kris briefly leaves the screen before returning with an orange balloon.

Susie comments on the balloon, and the ending continues in much the same way as the standard version. However, Kris carries the balloon throughout the remainder of the finale, making it the most obvious visual difference between the two endings.

How the Balloon Ending Differs

The biggest change comes after the final cutscenes.

In the standard ending, players regain control of Kris and are free to explore Hometown after the Festival. You can revisit several locations, including the school, before eventually returning to Castle Town to finish the chapter.

During the Balloon Ending, that playable section is removed entirely. Instead, the chapter concludes through a continuous cutscene, and control is never returned to the player.

What Does the Balloon Mean?

A closer look at the orange balloon reveals what appears to be Kris’ SOUL trapped inside it.

The game does not explicitly explain the significance of this scene, but it suggests that Kris is no longer being controlled in the same way as during the normal ending, leaving the player to observe events from within the balloon instead.

At the time of writing, the meaning behind the Balloon Ending has not been officially explained. Its connection to Kris, the SOUL, and the broader story will likely remain a mystery until future Deltarune chapters provide additional answers.