Unraveling the Endings of The Binding of Isaac: Afterbirth
The Binding of Isaac is notorious for its depth and complexity, a roguelike that rewards dedication and experimentation. One of the most intriguing aspects is the sheer number of endings players can achieve. So, how many endings are there in The Binding of Isaac: Afterbirth? The answer is 18. The original Rebirth had 16 endings, and Afterbirth added 2 more. These are just the ones contained within the Afterbirth DLC itself. The base game has 16 and there are more endings in the following DLCs. The Afterbirth+ DLC added 2 more endings (totaling 20), and Repentance brings the grand total to 22. However, to specifically address Afterbirth by itself, the count remains at 18. These endings are unlocked by completing specific objectives, primarily by defeating certain bosses under specific conditions.
Understanding the Ending System
Each ending is tied to a particular boss or challenge, often requiring players to reach new areas and strategies. As you progress through the game and beat the final boss of each chapter, the endings will be unlocked in the stats section of the main menu. Each completion triggers the game’s credits, adding another layer of satisfaction to the experience. Let’s delve into some common questions about the endings in The Binding of Isaac.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 FAQs to guide you through the intricate world of The Binding of Isaac’s endings:
How do I unlock the “true ending” in The Binding of Isaac: Repentance?
The “true ending” in Repentance is complex and involves several steps. First, you need to acquire the Knife pieces by completing puzzles within the Mines and Ashpit. With the Knife in hand, reach the red door at the end of Mausoleum/Gehenna 2. Hitting the door with the Knife will open it, leading to another boss battle. After winning this battle, you will eventually face The Beast. Defeating The Beast unlocks the final ending of Repentance.
How do I get Ending 14 in Isaac?
Ending 14 is unlocked by clearing The Chest and defeating Blue Baby (???). You can only access The Chest after beating the boss Isaac several times and obtaining The Polaroid. The Polaroid will drop when you defeat Mom, as well. When you have The Polaroid in your inventory when you beat Isaac, you will proceed to The Chest. Beating Blue Baby unlocks the ending.
How do I unlock Ending 15 in Isaac?
Ending 15 is unlocked by clearing The Dark Room and defeating The Lamb for the first time. Like accessing The Chest, reaching The Dark Room requires beating the boss Satan several times and obtaining The Negative. The Negative will drop when you defeat Mom, as well. When you have The Negative in your inventory when you beat Isaac, you will proceed to The Dark Room.
How long does it take to 100% The Binding of Isaac?
The time to achieve 100% completion in The Binding of Isaac varies greatly depending on your skill level and dedication. On average, players spend around 300-400 hours to unlock everything in the game, including all endings, characters, and items. Some may take far longer!
What does Afterbirth add to Rebirth besides endings?
Afterbirth significantly expands the base game with a wealth of new content. This includes:
- New items and trinkets
- New enemies and bosses
- Alternate floors with unique layouts and challenges
- A new game mode called Greed Mode, which offers a different gameplay experience from the main story
- New challenges
Why is my character bleeding in Isaac?
The bleeding effect in The Binding of Isaac is typically caused by specific items or transformations. For instance, the item Anemic causes Isaac to leave a trail of red creep upon taking damage, and the item Stigmata causes Isaac to bleed from his eyes. This can dramatically alter your strategy.
What does C Section do in Isaac?
The item C Section gives Isaac a charged attack that fires homing fetus tears. These tears deal a percentage of Isaac’s damage and automatically fire when fully charged. This item can drastically increase your damage output and provides a unique playstyle.
What happens after you beat Isaac 5 times?
After defeating the boss Isaac five times, you unlock the Polaroid. The Polaroid will start dropping automatically when you defeat Mom, and when you have it in your inventory you will be able to access The Chest.
Why did Isaac hide in the chest?
In the lore of The Binding of Isaac, Isaac hides in the chest to escape his abusive mother, who becomes increasingly unstable after his father leaves. The chest serves as a refuge from his trauma, though tragically, he ultimately suffocates inside it.
What does the Leviathan transformation give you in Isaac?
The Leviathan transformation is triggered by collecting three or more items with a dark, occultish theme. This transformation grants Isaac flight and two black hearts, significantly enhancing his survivability.
How do you unlock Blue Baby (???)?
In earlier versions of the game, Blue Baby (???) was unlocked by completing the game 10 times. In later versions, he is unlocked after defeating Mom’s Heart 10 times, which will grant you the achievement “The Real Boy”. He will then be found locked in a chest during the ending cutscene.
How do you unlock Apollyon?
Apollyon is a character added in The Binding of Isaac: Afterbirth †. He is unlocked after defeating Mega Satan for the first time. Mega Satan can only be accessed by fighting through special trap doors in Angel or Devil rooms.
What does Mom’s Bra do in Isaac?
Mom’s Bra is an active item that petrifies all enemies in the current room for four seconds. This can provide a valuable window of opportunity to reposition or deal damage without taking any damage.
Is it safe to have 4 C-sections (real-world)?
This question is unrelated to The Binding of Isaac, but in real life, the safety of multiple C-sections varies. It’s best to consult with a medical professional to discuss individual risks and considerations.
What does Rotten Baby do in Isaac?
Rotten Baby is a familiar that spawns friendly blue flies when Isaac holds down a fire key. These flies automatically target and attack nearby monsters, adding to Isaac’s damage output.
The Enduring Appeal of The Binding of Isaac
The Binding of Isaac remains a captivating game due to its replayability, intricate lore, and sheer volume of content. Unlocking each ending is a rewarding experience that encourages players to explore new strategies and overcome challenging obstacles. It’s the kind of game that makes you want to dive deep and uncover every secret, and that includes exploring the intersection of gaming and education, as promoted by the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.
The Binding of Isaac is far more than just a game; it’s a journey of self-discovery, resilience, and the enduring power of imagination.