Alphys' Research Team

Lore & Background

The team's most secretive work takes place in the True Lab, hidden beneath the garbage dump in Waterfall, where Alphys conducted unethical experiments with Determination on fallen human souls. These experiments resulted in the Amalgamates—monsters injected with Determination who melted together—rather than any ability for monsters to respawn. The lab in Hotland is actually Alphys' personal home, with a hidden workspace behind a bookshelf; the 'Hotland Laboratory' as a separate canonical location does not exist. Mettaton was built by Alphys as a robot to entertain her, later modified for her anime and TV projects, and was never a test subject for human soul experiments. Despite their isolation, the team members are deeply connected to the broader political landscape, with Undyne's involvement highlighting the friction between military ambition and scientific caution. Their legacy is defined not just by their inventions, but by the emotional toll their duties take on them.

In Their Own Story

The hum of fluorescent lights buzzes overhead, a stark contrast to the silence of the Hotland vents outside. Alphys stares at a monitor displaying a heartbeat that isn't her own, her claws trembling slightly as she adjusts the data stream. 'It's working,' she whispers to herself, though her voice cracks with uncertainty. In the corner, the metallic frame of a new prototype stands motionless, waiting for a spark of life. She knows the King expects results, and Undyne is pushing for faster progress, but every calculation feels like a gamble with their very souls. The lab is quiet, save for the rhythmic beeping of machines that measure hope against despair.

Reader's Guide

The team is led by Dr. Alphys, the Royal Scientist who serves as the primary point of contact for King Asgore regarding human studies. Their main goal within the narrative is to analyze fallen humans and develop technology capable of breaking or bypassing the Barrier, though they often operate under strict ethical constraints imposed by their superiors. Key members include Alphys herself, who handles the biological and theoretical aspects, and Mettaton, a robot created specifically for entertainment and combat testing. Undyne briefly joins the team to assist with physical training and protection, representing the military's interest in scientific advancements. Their stance on the Barrier is complex; while they technically work to maintain the status quo by studying humans for the King, their personal desires often lean toward finding a peaceful solution that doesn't require sacrificing human souls. Ultimately, the group represents the struggle of intellect under authoritarian rule. They are driven by a desire to help their world but are frequently hampered by fear and political pressure.

Did You Know?

• The True Lab is located beneath the garbage dump in Waterfall, not in Hotland; Alphys' home lab is hidden behind a bookshelf in the MTT Resort area of Hotland.
• Mettaton was built as a robot to entertain Alphys, not as a test subject for human soul experiments; the test subjects were the Amalgamates.
• Alphys often hides her true feelings and fears behind a facade of anime-inspired enthusiasm to cope with stress.
• The team's experiments with Determination led to the creation of the Amalgamates, not a 'respawn' mechanic; Determination is a human trait, and respawning is a gameplay feature, not a canonical invention.