“I'd forgotten how good "An Ending" was before I listened to it again while writing this part. It's so perfect for when it plays.” Reddit · r/Undertale · 2 years ago
It plays during some of the most "screwed up" endings, such as when Alphys disappears due to guilt or when Undyne vows to kill any human she sees. Perspectives on the Neutral Route
"An Ending" (Track 081) is the musical centerpiece of Undertale’s Neutral Route, serving as the somber backdrop to the final phone calls where Sans details the consequences of the player's choices. It is widely praised for its emotional weight and its ability to reflect the "reactive" nature of the game’s narrative. The Emotional Resonance of "An Ending" Undertale OST: 081 - An Ending
Unlike the "True Pacifist" or "Genocide" endings, which offer clear closure, the Neutral Route endings—accompanied by this track—often leave the Underground in varying states of struggle, from political anarchy to characters mourning lost friends.
Watch how the music shifts the atmosphere during the final moments of the Neutral Route: An Ending (Final Version) - Undertale SiIvaGunner YouTube• Sep 15, 2025 “I'd forgotten how good "An Ending" was before
The song's power lies in its bittersweet tone—a mix of relief that the player escaped the Underground and guilt over the state in which they left it. It reinforces the game's message that every action has lasting consequences.
Many players argue that the Neutral endings are the most poignant because they feel the most personal and "specifically tailored" to how one actually played the game. It is widely praised for its emotional weight
"An Ending" is a slowed-down, extended version of the "Ruins" leitmotif. This choice creates a sense of cyclical return; the journey ends where it began, but the melody is now heavy with the weight of the journey.