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Unlocking the Depths: A Comprehensive Guide to Buying The Binding of Isaac: Repentance

So, you’re ready to dive into the dark, bizarre, and endlessly replayable world of The Binding of Isaac: Repentance? Excellent choice! But before you can start blasting tears at grotesque monstrosities and uncovering the secrets of Isaac’s twisted psyche, you need to make sure you have everything in order. Let’s cut straight to the chase: to play The Binding of Isaac: Repentance, you MUST own the following:

The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth (the base game)
The Binding of Isaac: Afterbirth (the first DLC)
The Binding of Isaac: Afterbirth+ (the second DLC)

Think of it like building a house. Rebirth is the foundation, Afterbirth adds the walls and roof, Afterbirth+ decorates the interior, and Repentance is the grand renovation that completely transforms the entire structure. You can’t renovate a house that doesn’t exist, right?

Why is this the case? Repentance isn’t just a standalone expansion; it’s a culmination of everything that came before. It heavily modifies and expands upon the existing content of Rebirth, Afterbirth, and Afterbirth+, intertwining new items, characters, floors, and challenges with the older ones. Attempting to play Repentance without the prerequisite DLCs would be like trying to run a cutting-edge operating system on a computer that doesn’t meet the minimum requirements.

Now that we’ve established the “what,” let’s delve into the “how” and other crucial questions that might be swirling around in your mind.

Frequently Asked Questions About Buying and Playing Repentance

Here are some frequently asked questions to provide you with even more information to have the best experience with this incredible game.

1. Can I Buy Repentance Directly?

Yes, you can now purchase Repentance directly on platforms like Steam, as long as you own the base game and all previous DLCs. However, the common issue players run into is assuming that owning the base game, Rebirth, is enough. The other DLCs, Afterbirth and Afterbirth+ are required as well. Many stores will offer a bundle deal, which is often the most cost-effective way to acquire the DLCs if you don’t already own them.

2. I Already Own Rebirth. Do I Have to Buy the Whole Game Again?

Absolutely not! You only need to purchase the DLCs you’re missing. The beauty of digital distribution is that you only pay for what you don’t already have.

3. Where Can I Buy The Binding of Isaac: Repentance?

Repentance is available on most major digital distribution platforms, including:

Steam: Steam is the largest store to purchase the game and the DLCs.
Epic Games Store: Another popular option for downloading and buying the game.
Nintendo eShop: If you prefer playing on the Nintendo Switch.
PlayStation Store: If you are a Playstation fan.

4. Is There a Bundle That Includes Everything?

Yes, there is! Many platforms offer a complete bundle that includes Rebirth, Afterbirth, Afterbirth+, and Repentance. This is often the most economical option if you’re starting from scratch or missing multiple DLCs. On Steam, this is sometimes referred to as the “Rebirth Complete Bundle”.

5. Why Can’t I See Repentance in the Store?

If you already own Rebirth and the Afterbirth DLCs, but can’t see Repentance in the store, try the following:

Check your library: Make sure Rebirth, Afterbirth, and Afterbirth+ are all installed and active in your library.
Search directly: Search for “The Binding of Isaac: Repentance” directly in the store’s search bar.
Check for regional restrictions: In rare cases, certain DLCs may be unavailable in specific regions.
Restart your client: Sometimes, simply restarting Steam or the Epic Games Store can resolve visibility issues.

6. What Does Repentance Actually Add to the Game?

Repentance is a massive expansion that adds a wealth of new content, including:

New characters: Tainted characters, each with unique abilities and playstyles, adding a new layer of complexity and replayability.
New items: Hundreds of new items to discover, experiment with, and combine for powerful synergies.
New floors and paths: Explore entirely new areas, each with its own unique themes, enemies, and challenges.
New enemies and bosses: Face off against terrifying new foes, including revamped versions of older bosses.
Massive rebalance: Many items and characters have been rebalanced and altered, making it a fresh experience even if you’ve played the game for hundreds of hours.
The Antibirth content: Repentance integrates the popular fan-made Antibirth mod, adding even more content and challenges to the game.

7. Is Repentance the Final DLC?

According to Edmund McMillen, the creator of The Binding of Isaac, Repentance is the final major DLC for the game. While there may be smaller updates or patches in the future, Repentance marks the end of large-scale content additions.

8. How Much Does the Entire Game with All DLCs Cost?

The cost varies depending on the platform and any ongoing sales. Individually, Rebirth, Afterbirth, Afterbirth+, and Repentance typically cost around $15 each. However, buying the complete bundle is usually cheaper, often costing around $40-$50. Keep an eye out for seasonal sales on platforms like Steam, where you can often snag the entire collection at a significantly reduced price.

9. How Long Does It Take to Complete Repentance?

“Completing” The Binding of Isaac is a subjective term. Beating the final boss a few times? 12-20 hours. Unlocking all the characters, items, and secrets, and earning 100% completion? Hundreds of hours. The game is designed for endless replayability, with new challenges and discoveries awaiting you every time you play.

10. Is Repentance Difficult?

Yes, Repentance is considered the most challenging version of The Binding of Isaac. The new enemies, bosses, and tainted characters can be incredibly demanding, requiring skill, strategy, and a bit of luck. Don’t be discouraged if you struggle at first; part of the fun is learning the game’s intricacies and mastering its challenges.

11. In What Order Should I Play the DLCs?

Play them in the order they were released: Rebirth -> Afterbirth -> Afterbirth+ -> Repentance. This ensures you experience the game’s progression and story as intended.

12. What is the Antibirth Mod, and Why Is It Important?

Antibirth was a popular fan-made mod for The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth that added a significant amount of new content, including new characters, items, floors, and challenges. It was so well-received that Edmund McMillen decided to officially incorporate its content into Repentance. Antibirth’s integration makes Repentance even more expansive and challenging.

13. Do I Need a Powerful Computer to Run Repentance?

The Binding of Isaac is a relatively lightweight game that can run on most modern computers. The minimum system requirements are quite modest, so you shouldn’t have any issues running it even on an older machine.

14. Is There a Physical Version of Repentance?

Yes, there are physical versions of The Binding of Isaac available, particularly for the Nintendo Switch and PlayStation consoles. These physical releases often include all of the DLC on the cartridge or disc. Check the product description before buying to ensure all DLC are included.

15. Where Can I Learn More About the Game’s Mechanics and Strategies?

The Binding of Isaac has a large and dedicated community, and there are numerous resources available online to help you learn the game’s mechanics and strategies. Some helpful resources include:

The Binding of Isaac Wiki: A comprehensive online encyclopedia with information on every item, character, enemy, and boss in the game.
YouTube channels: Many YouTubers create content dedicated to The Binding of Isaac, offering tips, tricks, and gameplay commentary.
Reddit communities: The Binding of Isaac subreddit is a great place to ask questions, share strategies, and connect with other players.
Games Learning Society: Consider exploring the intersection of games and learning to enhance your strategic thinking and problem-solving skills in games like The Binding of Isaac. Games Learning Society is a great resource for gamers who are interested in the research side of gaming. Find out more at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.

Conclusion: Embrace the Chaos

Buying The Binding of Isaac: Repentance is an investment in hundreds (or even thousands) of hours of challenging and rewarding gameplay. While the initial cost of acquiring all the necessary DLCs might seem daunting, the sheer amount of content and replayability makes it well worth the price. So, gather your tears, prepare for the grotesque, and dive into the depths of Isaac’s twisted world. Good luck, and may your runs be blessed with powerful synergies!

What do I need to buy Isaac Repentance?