Deltarune Chapter 5 introduces a smaller but unique roster of recruitable Darkners compared to some previous chapters. Most are encountered throughout the Flower Kingdom-themed Dark World, and recruiting them is necessary if you’re aiming for a full Castle Town completion file.
| Recruit | Required Count | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Shi | 1 | Early chapter enemy |
| Shinobeetle | 3 | Found in garden and field areas |
| Kawkaw | 2 | Bird-themed enemy |
| Sheary | 2 | Encountered on main story route |
| Terakota | 3 | Terracotta warrior enemies |
| Netskie | 1 | Rare late-game recruit |
The recruit roster and counts have been confirmed by players who completed the Chapter 5 recruit checklist and RSVP menu.
How recruitment works in Chapter 5
Recruitment follows the same system used since Chapter 2. You must spare enough enemies of a particular type to satisfy that enemy’s recruitment requirement. Once the required number has been spared, that Darkner will join Castle Town after the chapter is completed.
If a recruitable enemy is defeated violently, it becomes “Lost” and can no longer be recruited during that playthrough. This can prevent a full recruit run if too many are defeated.
All Chapter 5 recruits explained
Shi
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Required | 1 |
| Location | Early Flower Kingdom areas |
| Recruitment | Spare the encounter |
Shi is one of the first recruitable enemies you encounter in Chapter 5. Since only one successful spare is needed, it is difficult to miss unless you choose violence during every encounter.
Shinobeetle
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Required | 3 |
| Location | Garden and field sections |
| Recruitment | Spare three total |
Shinobeetle appears multiple times throughout the chapter. Players pursuing full recruitment should ensure they spare all encounters until the recruit count is completed.
Kawkaw
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Required | 2 |
| Location | Mid-game outdoor sections |
| Recruitment | Spare two |
Kawkaw encounters are less common than Shinobeetle fights, making them easier to accidentally miss. Check your recruit menu if you’re unsure whether you’ve met the requirement.
Sheary
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Required | 2 |
| Location | Story progression areas |
| Recruitment | Spare two |
Sheary enemies appear during mandatory progression sections of the Flower Kingdom. Most players will naturally encounter enough of them during a normal playthrough.
Terakota
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Required | 3 |
| Location | Castle interiors and terracotta rooms |
| Recruitment | Spare three |
Terakota is based on the terracotta warrior enemies found in the castle sections. These are among the more memorable encounters due to their chase sequences and unique room mechanics.
Netskie
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Required | 1 |
| Location | Late chapter |
| Recruitment | Spare one |
Netskie is the rarest recruit in Chapter 5. Only one successful recruitment is needed, but missing the encounter may require another playthrough if you’re attempting 100% completion.
How to check if you recruited everyone
Before finishing Chapter 5, open the Recruit or RSVP menu and verify that all six Chapter 5 Darkners appear with completed recruitment counts. Community reports indicate the roster should contain:
- Shi
- Shinobeetle
- Kawkaw
- Sheary
- Terakota
- Netskie
A completed list means all Chapter 5 recruits will move into Castle Town after the chapter’s conclusion.
Rewards for recruiting everyone
| Reward | Description |
|---|---|
| Castle Town Population | New residents and interactions |
| Café Visitors | Additional recruit appearances |
| Completion Progress | Full recruit file progress |
| Future Content | Potential dialogue and interaction unlocks |
Recruiting every Darkner has become increasingly important across Chapters 2–5, as Castle Town continues to expand with new conversations, locations, and character interactions.
For a perfect Chapter 5 recruit run, make sure you spare enough of every recruitable enemy type: Shi (1), Shinobeetle (3), Kawkaw (2), Sheary (2), Terakota (3), and Netskie (1). Avoid violent defeats whenever possible, check the RSVP menu regularly, and verify all six recruits before sealing the fountain. Doing so ensures you’ll carry the full Chapter 5 population into Castle Town for future chapters.
