After a long-anticipated return with Chapters 3 and 4 on June 5, Toby Fox’s Deltarune continues to refine the player experience with Patch 1.03 — a much-needed update that resolves several game-breaking softlocks, platform-specific issues, and boss balance concerns. With Deltarune riding high on a 98% approval rating on Steam, this latest patch ensures fans can enjoy a smoother and more accessible adventure through Fox’s surreal RPG world.
Major Softlocks Finally Addressed
Since the double chapter release, some players encountered frustrating progression-halting bugs — otherwise known as softlocks — across multiple chapters. Patch 1.03 specifically targets and resolves these problem areas.
In Chapter 3, the update fixes two notorious softlocks: one that occurred when players used only three keys on Board 1, and another triggered if a party member failed to reach the Power Croissant. These bugs previously forced players to restart the game or load older saves, making progression unreliable for some.
Chapter 4 also received a critical softlock fix involving the tutu — a key item that, if not returned, could block further gameplay. Over on the Nintendo Switch 2 version, a lingering issue in Chapter 2 — where catching mice using baskets on players’ heads would halt progress — has now been fully addressed.
Boss Fights Get More Balanced
Beyond bug fixes, Patch 1.03 also introduces important balance changes to certain boss battles, making them more forgiving for struggling players without compromising overall challenge.
A Chapter 3 boss had its “Sword Tunnel” attack made easier by reducing the hit box size, helping players dodge with more accuracy. In Chapter 4, the battle against Jackenstein now scales in difficulty depending on the number of player losses. After two failed attempts, pumpkin damage is cut in half, and after three, TP (Tension Points) gain increases by 50%. This change is designed to support players having trouble overcoming the encounter while still preserving the battle’s intensity.
Additionally, developers adjusted one tricky hitbox during a boss’s multi-directional dive attack, though further refinements are expected in future updates.
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Platform-Specific and Visual Fixes Improve Overall Experience
Platform-specific bugs, particularly on PC and Nintendo Switch 2, have also been corrected. PC players experienced a glitch where texture data replaced intended static visuals after defeating Tenna — that’s now been resolved. Other visual and audio bugs, like a missing battle theme in early Chapter 4 or Kris erroneously wearing church clothes, were also patched.
The rhythm mini-game “Knock You Down!!” in Chapter 4 had an impossible note that’s now fixed, and the organ puzzle that could cause game freezes is now working as intended. Other quirky bugs, such as Susie and Ralsei showing up unexpectedly during Castle Town’s rhythm game sequence, have been ironed out.
The patch also fixed a minor but recurring annoyance where the game’s intro prophecy would auto-skip when using a controller to select chapters.
What’s Next for Deltarune?
While Patch 1.03 focuses on fixing existing content, fans have more to look forward to. Toby Fox recently confirmed that Chapter 5 will arrive sooner than expected, continuing the game’s cryptic and heartwarming story. Following four years of waiting between Chapters 2 and 3, the shorter gap between Chapter 4 and the upcoming release is a welcome change.
For now, Patch 1.03 represents a major quality-of-life improvement for players diving into Chapters 3 and 4 — ensuring the bizarre, charming world of Deltarune is more polished, playable, and enjoyable than ever.
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