What is Bad Time Simulator?
Bad Time Simulator is a notorious, fan-made tribute and simulation based on one of the most famous and difficult boss encounters in gaming history: the final fight against Sans from the game *Undertale* (specifically, during the "Genocide Route"). It is a non-profit, unofficial game designed by fans to recreate the brutal difficulty and unique combat mechanics of the original battle.
The game functions primarily as a bullet-hell survival challenge presented in a turn-based RPG format. The player controls the protagonist's SOUL (represented by a small red heart) and must dodge incredibly complex and fast-paced patterns of bones, Gaster Blasters, and other signature attacks. Unlike most RPGs, victory depends almost entirely on defensive precision, timing, and pattern recognition rather than offensive power.
How to Play Bad Time Simulator
Playing Bad Time Simulator is a grueling test of reflexes and memory, divided into standard turn-based combat phases.
The SOUL Control Phase (Dodging)
This is the core of the gameplay. When it is the enemy's turn to attack, the player controls the SOUL (the small red heart) within a confined rectangular box. The player uses the arrow keys or WASD to move the heart and must maneuver through complex patterns of projectiles (the "bullets") to avoid damage. Each attack pattern is unique, requiring careful study and muscle memory to survive.
The Menu Phase (Interaction)
During the player's turn, the interface reverts to a classic RPG menu with four options: **FIGHT, ACT, ITEM, and MERCY**. In this specific simulator, the FIGHT option is either disabled or ineffective, maintaining the original source material's theme where the enemy cannot be conventionally defeated through brute force. The ITEM option is used to heal (if healing items are available), and the ACT/MERCY options often trigger unique dialogue or simply advance the turn.
Mastering Special Attacks
A key mechanic is the "Blue Attack," signified by blue-colored projectiles. To avoid damage from a blue attack, the player must remain completely **STILL** while the projectile passes through the SOUL. Conversely, regular white/bone attacks require continuous **MOVEMENT**. Mastering the switch between these two mindsets is essential for surviving the onslaught.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) of Bad Time Simulator
Is Bad Time Simulator an official product of Undertale?
No, Bad Time Simulator is a non-profit, fan-made game created by dedicated members of the Undertale community and is not officially affiliated with or endorsed by Toby Fox, the creator of Undertale.
What is the source of the high difficulty?
The game is faithful to the final boss of the Genocide Route in Undertale, which is intentionally designed to be overwhelmingly difficult, relying on very fast attacks, unpredictable patterns, and the "karma" mechanic which deals continuous damage.
What does the red heart I control represent?
The red heart represents the player's SOUL (or determination). Its color and form change based on specific in-game attacks, symbolizing different defensive modes.
What do the colored bones mean?
White bones require the player to constantly move to avoid damage. Blue bones require the player to hold perfectly still (not moving the heart) to avoid damage.
Can I fight back or defeat Sans?
In the original context and most simulator versions, the fight is strictly defensive. You cannot traditionally defeat Sans by reducing his HP to zero through the FIGHT option, as the combat is narrative-driven.
Are there healing items available?
Yes, the ITEM menu usually contains a limited number of items that can restore HP. Using these strategically between attack turns is vital for long-term survival.
Is there more than one level or mode?
While the primary mode is the full-length battle, many fan versions include practice modes, simplified attacks, or challenge modes based on other difficult bosses.
Does the game feature a checkpoint system?
Typically, no. True to the original experience, the simulator usually forces the player to restart the entire fight from the beginning upon defeat, testing their persistence.
Why is there a skull shooting lasers?
The skull firing lasers is called a Gaster Blaster, one of the enemy's signature and most powerful weapons, firing large, charged beams that require precise dodging.
What happens when I take damage?
Taking damage reduces your HP (Health Points). Additionally, the original game mechanic of 'Karma' often applies, causing damage to drain slowly over time after being hit.
What are the controls for moving the SOUL?
Movement is typically controlled using the four directional arrow keys or the WASD keys on a standard keyboard.
How long does the full fight usually take to complete?
For a first-time player, completing the entire fight can take dozens or even hundreds of attempts. A successful run usually lasts around 10 to 15 minutes of uninterrupted dodging.
Why is the simulator called 'Bad Time Simulator'?
The title is a direct reference to a famous line spoken by the boss character before the fight begins, warning the player that they are about to have a "bad time."
Is the background music the same as the original game?
Yes, the simulator almost universally uses the iconic track "Megalovania" as the background music, which is intrinsically linked to this specific battle.
Does the simulator have different difficulty settings?
Some fan-made versions may include toggles for speed or attack density, but the default setting is almost always the highest difficulty to match the original source.
What happens when I finally manage to win the simulator?
Victory often results in a unique, congratulatory screen or message recognizing the player's exceptional skill, as there are typically no further levels to play.