Does The Binding of Isaac Ever End?
The short answer is: yes, and no. While The Binding of Isaac does have defined endings, achieving them doesn’t truly conclude the game. In fact, the journey to unlock all of the game’s content and endings is a significant part of its appeal. The game is designed to be played repeatedly, with each run offering a different experience thanks to its roguelike nature. So, while there are final bosses and cutscenes that act as endings, the game itself encourages continuous play, exploring new synergies and uncovering more secrets. The perceived “end” is more of a milestone, signifying progress rather than finality. This is a game where the journey is the reward.
Understanding The Binding of Isaac’s “Endings”
The Binding of Isaac is renowned for its multiple endings, each triggered by defeating specific bosses or completing particular tasks. Instead of a single, linear narrative, the game offers a series of ambiguous and often disturbing sequences that contribute to its overall atmosphere. It’s important to remember that these are interpretations of the dark and troubled mind of a child named Isaac.
The Variety of Endings
Initially, the game, in its original form and Rebirth, presented around 13 endings. With subsequent expansions like Afterbirth, Afterbirth+, and finally Repentance, that number has grown significantly. By unlocking and viewing them, players piece together a fragmented narrative which suggests Isaac’s demise and mental torment as he suffocates inside a chest in his basement.
These endings are not just a “congratulations” screen; they provide different, often unsettling interpretations of Isaac’s fate. Some are brief, while others show Isaac’s deteriorating mental state. They’re accessible via the ‘Stats’ menu after unlocking them by defeating the final bosses of each Chapter.
The True Ending in Repentance
The Repentance expansion culminates with a “true ending” that provides a more definitive, if still bleak, conclusion. To unlock this true ending, players must obtain and use a special item – the Knife – to open a hidden red door located at the end of Mausoleum/Gehenna 2. This leads to another boss battle and a final cutscene, which offers the most complete and explicit conclusion to the story.
However, even reaching this “true ending” does not mean you’ve completed the game. There are still other characters, items, and challenges to pursue.
What “Ending” Really Means in The Binding of Isaac
Ultimately, The Binding of Isaac is not about reaching a defined end. It is about the experience of constant replayability, experimentation, and overcoming challenges. Each run is unique, and each playthrough is a new attempt to unlock all secrets, discover powerful combinations, and improve your skill.
Progression and Unlocks
The game uses a system of progression that hinges on unlocking items, characters, and game modes through completion of specific challenges. This means that every attempt, win or loss, contributes to your overall progress. Even after viewing all the endings, there are still achievements to strive for, and new ways to explore each playthrough.
The 100% Goal
For players seeking a true end, the only reasonable conclusion is to complete all available challenges, unlock all items and characters, and ultimately achieve 100% completion. This is a process that can take hundreds of hours, with a large portion of it devoted to completing challenging runs using diverse character and item combinations. The 100% completion goal marks an endpoint that is earned by sheer determination and mastery of the game.
Repentance as the “Final” Chapter
The developers have referred to the Repentance DLC as the “final” expansion, suggesting that it marks a conclusion to the game’s development. Repentance incorporated the beloved Antibirth mod, along with a wealth of new content and quality-of-life improvements. It signals the culmination of the Binding of Isaac experience, but that doesn’t mean players will stop enjoying the game.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How many endings are there in The Binding of Isaac?
There are a considerable amount of endings depending on the version of the game and the DLCs installed. Rebirth has 16 endings, with two more added in Afterbirth, two in Afterbirth+, and two more in Repentance.
2. How long does it take to beat The Binding of Isaac?
Focusing on the main objectives, a run can take around 5½ hours for Rebirth. However, to see all aspects of the game, it can take around 299 hours for 100% completion in Rebirth, depending on the version of the game and DLCs installed.
3. What is the “true ending” in The Binding of Isaac: Repentance?
The “true ending” is unlocked by obtaining the Knife item, reaching the red door in Mausoleum/Gehenna 2, and defeating the boss behind it.
4. What happens at the end of The Binding of Isaac?
The endings generally suggest that Isaac is suffocating in a chest in his basement, and his experiences in the game are hallucinations that occur in his final moments.
5. What is the order I should play the Binding of Isaac expansions?
The correct order is: Rebirth (the main game), Afterbirth, Afterbirth+, and finally Repentance. Each DLC builds on the previous one, so this order is recommended.
6. How do I unlock the endings?
Endings are unlocked by killing the boss at the end of each chapter, typically found on levels 3 through 6.
7. What is the purpose of Isaac crying in the game?
Isaac’s crying symbolizes his sadness, fear, and feelings of rejection from his mother and peers. The loading screens often display these thoughts, showing the torment in his mind.
8. Does The Binding of Isaac get harder the more you play?
Yes, the game introduces more challenging levels and enemies as you unlock new areas and progress in the game.
9. Is there a limit to how many hearts I can have?
The maximum heart container count is twelve, and these can be a mix of red hearts, soul hearts, and black hearts.
10. Who is the main villain in The Binding of Isaac?
The main antagonist is Magdalene O. Moriah, known as Mom, Isaac’s abusive and highly religious mother.
11. What does it mean to “beat” The Binding of Isaac?
Intentionally beating Isaac (the boss) or Satan without the item to continue to chapter 6 or Mom’s Heart before unlocking “It Lives” counts as a win.
12. Is Repentance the last DLC for The Binding of Isaac?
Yes, Repentance is officially stated to be the final DLC for The Binding of Isaac.
13. Why does Isaac bleed in the game?
Isaac can start bleeding due to specific items, such as Stigmata, which causes him to bleed from his eyes. Receiving damage will also cause Isaac to bleed if you have the right item.
14. What is Antibirth?
Antibirth is a significant fan-made mod for Rebirth that introduced a huge amount of new items, enemies, floors, and challenges and was eventually integrated into the Repentance expansion.
15. Is there a max damage output in The Binding of Isaac?
While there isn’t a strict maximum, there is a “soft cap” where successive damage upgrades offer diminishing returns due to a square root applied to the damage calculations.
Conclusion
While there are definitive “endings” in The Binding of Isaac, the game is designed to be endlessly engaging. It’s about continuous discovery, pushing your skills, and enjoying the unpredictable nature of each playthrough. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a new player, there’s always something new to explore in the dark and twisted world of The Binding of Isaac. So, while the game might have an ending in terms of a narrative, the true end lies in your personal journey of mastery and exploration.