Is The Binding of Isaac: Repentance a DLC to Rebirth? The Definitive Guide

The short, direct answer is: No, The Binding of Isaac: Repentance is NOT a direct DLC to Rebirth. While it does contain all the content from Rebirth, it is a DLC for The Binding of Isaac: Afterbirth+. This distinction is crucial because it means you need to own not just the base game, Rebirth, but also both of its prior expansions, Afterbirth and Afterbirth+, to play Repentance. It’s essentially the culmination of all previous content combined with a wealth of new additions. Repentance was designed to be the final and ultimate iteration of the game, often referred to as the “definitive edition.”

Understanding the Layers of Isaac

To fully grasp how Repentance fits into the equation, let’s break down the release order:

1. The Binding of Isaac: This was the original Flash-based game, which is no longer the focus of the series but holds historical value for those who followed the game from its inception.
2. The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth: A complete remake of the original game in a new engine. This version fixed many issues of the original and added a significant amount of new content. Rebirth is considered the base game of modern Isaac.
3. The Binding of Isaac: Afterbirth: The first major DLC for Rebirth, which included new items, enemies, floors, challenges, and the challenging “Greed Mode.”
4. The Binding of Isaac: Afterbirth+: The second DLC, adding even more content and tools for modding.
5. The Binding of Isaac: Repentance: The final DLC that incorporates all content from the base game and its previous two expansions while adding an immense amount of additional content.

Therefore, Repentance isn’t just a layer added to Rebirth; it builds upon the entire foundation of the modern Binding of Isaac experience.

Why Repentance is Considered “Definitive”

Repentance isn’t just another DLC. It is considered the definitive version of The Binding of Isaac for several reasons. It includes:

• All Previous Content: It incorporates everything from Rebirth, Afterbirth, and Afterbirth+.
• Vast Amount of New Content: This includes new items, enemies, bosses, characters, floors, challenges, and secrets. Repentance adds an estimated over 500 hours of gameplay, dramatically expanding the already enormous replayability of the game.
• Integration of Antibirth: This popular and extensive fan mod called Antibirth is integrated directly into the game, bringing a whole new level of content.
• Quality of Life Improvements: Repentance includes numerous gameplay tweaks and improvements that streamline the experience and fix some common issues present in previous iterations.

Repentance: A DLC, Not a Standalone

To reiterate, Repentance is a DLC that requires the previous game and all of its expansions to be installed. It is not a standalone title. This means you will not be able to purchase and play Repentance without owning:

• The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth (Base game)
• The Binding of Isaac: Afterbirth (First DLC)
• The Binding of Isaac: Afterbirth+ (Second DLC)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Repentance

1. Do I Need to Buy Rebirth to Play Repentance?

Yes, absolutely. You need The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth to play Repentance. Not only is it needed but the Afterbirth and Afterbirth+ expansions are also required.

2. Can I Play Repentance If I Only Have Rebirth?

No, you cannot. You must own Rebirth, Afterbirth, and Afterbirth+ to play Repentance. They all build upon each other.

3. Is Repentance a Standalone Game?

No, Repentance is not a standalone game. It is a DLC that requires the full game and other DLCs to function.

4. What’s the Difference Between Rebirth and Repentance?

Rebirth is the base game, a complete remake of the original. Repentance is the final DLC, incorporating all Rebirth content plus tons of new content from the Antibirth mod, as well as many improvements.

5. What Does Repentance Add to the Game?

Repentance adds a massive amount of new content, including new items, enemies, bosses, characters, floors, challenges, endings, and quality of life improvements. It effectively doubles or triples the game’s already enormous scope.

6. How Does Antibirth Fit into Repentance?

Antibirth, a popular fan-made mod, is fully integrated into Repentance, essentially making it an official part of the game. It adds three new floors, a new mega-boss, and much more content.

7. Do I Need All Previous DLC to Play Repentance?

Yes, you need all previous DLC – Afterbirth and Afterbirth+, to play Repentance.

8. Is Repentance Harder Than Other DLCs?

Yes, Repentance is generally considered the most challenging of all Isaac’s DLCs, due to its additions from Antibirth and its overall increase in difficulty curve.

9. Is It Worth Buying Repentance?

Absolutely. If you enjoy The Binding of Isaac, Repentance is considered by many to be the definitive edition, making it an essential purchase.

10. How Many Endings Are There in Repentance?

Repentance adds two additional endings on top of the previous endings. The game has a total of 22 endings.

11. Which is Better, Afterbirth+ or Repentance?

Repentance is far superior to Afterbirth+ due to its immense new content and quality of life improvements. It is universally considered to be the best way to play the game.

12. Is The Binding of Isaac OK for Kids?

The Binding of Isaac is rated M for Mature due to its dark themes and violent imagery. It’s generally not recommended for younger children, but teenagers with a mature understanding might find it appealing.

13. How Long Does it Take to 100% Repentance?

100% completion of Repentance can take up to 595 hours or even more depending on your gaming style and goals. The main objectives of the game can be completed in about 12 hours.

14. What’s the Best Order to Play Binding of Isaac?

The intended and recommended order is:

• Rebirth (Base game)
• Afterbirth
• Afterbirth+
• Repentance

15. Is There Another Isaac DLC Planned After Repentance?

No, Repentance is officially the final and definitive DLC for The Binding of Isaac.

Conclusion

The Binding of Isaac: Repentance is a game-changer, not just another DLC. It’s the ultimate version of a beloved roguelike, demanding you own the base game, Rebirth, and its previous expansions to experience all of the additions. Its massive amount of content, difficulty, and quality-of-life changes have solidified it as the definitive way to play The Binding of Isaac. If you’re a fan, Repentance is a must-have.