Can You Unlock Azazel in The Binding of Isaac? A Comprehensive Guide

Yes, you absolutely can unlock Azazel in The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth and its subsequent expansions. Azazel is a powerful and popular character, known for his unique starting stats and abilities, which makes him a sought-after unlock for many players. Unlocking him is a significant step for any player aiming to experience all that the game has to offer. This article will delve into the specifics of unlocking Azazel, his gameplay mechanics, and address other frequently asked questions about this fallen angel.

How to Unlock Azazel

Unlocking Azazel in The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth is straightforward, but it requires a focused approach. The key lies in making deals with the Devil. Here’s the process:

The Deal with the Devil

To unlock Azazel, you need to complete three “Deals with the Devil” in a single run. What are these deals exactly? They occur in Devil Rooms, which are special rooms that sometimes appear after defeating a boss. In these rooms, you can trade away heart containers (your health) in exchange for powerful items. The more you take, the more powerful your character becomes.

The Process Explained

1. Play a Standard Run: Begin a standard run with any character.
2. Clear Boss Rooms: Successfully complete the boss rooms on each floor.
3. Look for Devil Rooms: After a boss fight, there is a chance a Devil Room will appear. Check the map to see if a room has a devil symbol. If a Devil Room is available, enter it.
4. Make a Deal: In the Devil Room, you will find items available for trade. These items typically cost one or two heart containers. Make sure you have enough health to sacrifice.
5. Repeat: You must complete this process three times in a single run. The deals do not need to be on consecutive floors.
6. Unlock Azazel: Once you have made three deals, Azazel will be unlocked, and you can now select him on your next game.

It’s crucial to understand that you must acquire three Deals in one single run. Making one or two deals and then ending the run will not unlock the character.

Playing as Azazel

Once unlocked, Azazel offers a very distinct gameplay experience, quite different from other characters. He starts with the following:

• Three Black Hearts: Black hearts provide an extra layer of protection but cannot be replenished using normal heart pickups.
• Flight: Azazel can fly over obstacles and gaps without needing a special item, providing a significant advantage in navigating levels.
• Short-Range Brimstone: Azazel’s basic attack is a short-range beam, which can be challenging at first. He has a very high damage output and a very fast fire rate.

Azazel’s Strengths

• High Damage: Azazel’s damage is one of the highest among the starting characters, which allows him to take down bosses and enemies very quickly.
• Flight: The ability to fly provides a tactical advantage and helps avoid dangerous terrain.
• Spectral Shots: His attack has a spectral effect that goes through most objects and enemies. This gives him a significant advantage at the beginning of runs.
• Piercing: His basic shot also has piercing, hitting multiple enemies in a row and allows him to handle hordes of enemies very efficiently.

Azazel’s Weaknesses

• Short Range: Azazel’s starting short-range beam forces him to get up close and personal to inflict damage, which is dangerous if not careful. This is why experience is key to learning to play him.
• Vulnerable to Close Encounters: Since Azazel needs to be close to enemies to deal damage, early runs can be difficult if you are not careful.

Azazel and Item Synergies

Many items can drastically change Azazel’s gameplay, making some runs incredibly powerful. Here are a few important item interactions:

• Brimstone: Acquiring the Brimstone item changes Azazel’s shot to a longer-range version. The fire rate is increased because Brimstone’s fire rate multiplier is x1/3, and Azazel’s is x0.267. This takes away his greatest weakness and transforms his run.
• Chocolate Milk: Chocolate Milk will reduce the charge time of his Brimstone laser. His Brimstone laser also can be released at any time.
• Dead Eye: Normally, Azazel does not benefit from Dead Eye unless his tear effect has been replaced.

Is Azazel Easy Mode?

Despite his potent starting abilities, Azazel is not an “easy mode” character. While he has high damage and flight, his short-range beam requires players to engage in closer combat, which carries inherent risks. While many consider him the easiest character to complete runs as, especially early on in the game, this is not an intended part of the game. Mastering Azazel requires skill and knowledge of enemy patterns, as well as good item management.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can Azazel get red hearts?

Yes, Azazel can acquire red heart containers. These can be added to his black hearts, increasing his health pool.

2. What is Azazel the angel of?

In Jewish tradition, Azazel was sometimes described as a fallen angel and personification of uncleanness. He is associated with the scapegoat ritual.

3. What does Azazel start with?

Azazel starts with three black hearts, flight, and a short-range Brimstone laser.

4. Does Brimstone override Mom’s Knife?

Yes, in The Binding of Isaac, Mom’s Knife will override Brimstone, resulting in a floating knife attack instead of a beam.

5. What is the best way to unlock Azazel?

The best way is to aim for three “Deals with the Devil” in a single run.

6. Does Deadeye work with Azazel?

No, Dead Eye does not benefit Azazel unless his tear effect has been replaced with another one.

7. What is Azazel’s weakness?

Azazel’s weakness is his short range, which exposes him to close-range attacks, making him vulnerable to melee enemies.

8. Does Azazel have wings?

Yes, Azazel can fly using his twelve wings, which is a crucial part of his ability to navigate through the levels.

9. Why is Azazel so hard to beat?

The Azazel encountered as a boss is incredibly difficult due to autoblock and the presence of unpredictable attacks with no warning.

10. What did Azazel teach humans?

According to various texts, Azazel taught humans the art of warfare and deception, including crafting weapons and cosmetic adornments.

11. How did Azazel lose his arm?

In some lore, Azazel cuts off his own left arm to escape his captors.

12. What are Azazel’s powers?

Azazel’s powers include teleportation, projecting paralyzing energy, mind manipulation, and shapeshifting.

13. What does Azazel want?

Azazel is typically driven by a desire to corrupt the chosen ones and free Lucifer from hell.

14. How do you unlock Apollyon?

Apollyon is unlocked by defeating Mega Satan for the first time.

15. Can you play as Azazel in all modes?

Yes, you can play as Azazel in all game modes, including Campaign Mode. However, he does not have unique dialogue.

Conclusion

Unlocking Azazel is a rewarding endeavor in The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth. This powerful character changes the way you approach the game, providing a significant advantage for those who can master his short-range attacks. By strategically entering Devil Rooms and sacrificing your heart containers, you will eventually unlock this popular and potent character and add a new dimension to your experience in the game.