Does Binding of Isaac: Repentance Include All DLC? The Ultimate Guide
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The question of whether The Binding of Isaac: Repentance includes all previous DLCs is a common one, and the answer, while seemingly straightforward, requires a bit of explanation. In short, Repentance does not include all previous DLCs but requires them to function. It’s not an all-in-one package; rather, it’s the final, culminating expansion that builds upon everything that came before. Think of it like the final piece of a puzzle – without the preceding pieces, it can’t be completed.
Repentance is designed to be the definitive version of The Binding of Isaac, incorporating and enhancing content from the base game, Rebirth, and its two previous expansions, Afterbirth and Afterbirth+. To play Repentance, you must own The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth, Afterbirth, and Afterbirth+. Therefore, while it does contain all the content from the past releases, it doesn’t negate the need to own them prior. You are essentially building a complete game experience as you acquire each title.
What Repentance Adds to the Binding of Isaac
Repentance is not just a simple compilation; it’s a massive overhaul that integrates all previous content while adding a staggering amount of new material. Here’s a glimpse of what you can expect:
- Official Integration of Antibirth: A popular fan-made mod, Antibirth, is now an official part of the game, bringing its challenging new content and gameplay tweaks into the main experience.
- Completely Reworked Co-op: The co-op mode has been dramatically improved, allowing up to four players to play as actual characters, not just babies.
- Over 130 New Items: The total item count now exceeds 700, many of which are drawn from Antibirth.
- New Bosses and Enemies: Repentance adds a significant number of new enemies and 30 unique bosses to challenge players.
- Expanded Endings: Another 2 new endings are added to the original endings, enhancing the amount of content.
- New Characters: While there are 17 standard characters, each has a variant or a “B-Side”, effectively bringing the total up to 34.
- New Secrets: Repentance boasts 234 new secrets, bringing the total to 637, making the game even more replayable.
Repentance essentially serves as the ultimate culmination of the entire Binding of Isaac experience. It takes everything beloved from previous iterations and builds upon them, making it a must-have for fans of the series.
Why You Can’t Just Buy Repentance
The game is only purchaseable as a bundle, including the base game and the previous two DLCs. It’s worth noting that while you can’t buy just the Repentance DLC, there is a way to obtain the previous DLCs through Steam trading. Although it should be noted that trading them separately is not intended by the developers.
Repentance was designed as the final, definitive version of the game. It makes significant changes and additions to the core gameplay that rely heavily on the content from Rebirth, Afterbirth, and Afterbirth+. This interconnected structure is why you need the other games; without them, Repentance simply would not function. This is why you cannot bypass the prerequisite DLCs, as it is more than a simple content pack.
The Importance of Understanding the DLC Chain
The chronological order of releases is not just a suggestion; it’s the intended progression. You need to experience each part of the game in sequence to fully appreciate the evolution of its mechanics and story. The recommended play order is:
- The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth (Base Game)
- The Binding of Isaac: Afterbirth
- The Binding of Isaac: Afterbirth+
- The Binding of Isaac: Repentance
Each DLC builds upon the last, meaning that Repentance has an absolute requirement for the other DLCs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about The Binding of Isaac: Repentance and its relationship to other DLCs:
1. Do I need every DLC to play Repentance?
Yes, absolutely. The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth, Afterbirth, and Afterbirth+ are required for Repentance to work. It is not a standalone product.
2. Can I buy only Isaac Repentance?
No, you cannot. Repentance is an expansion that requires the base game and the previous expansions. It’s not sold separately unless you already own the other games in the series.
3. Is The Binding of Isaac: Repentance the final DLC?
Yes, according to Edmund McMillen, the creator, Repentance is the final DLC for The Binding of Isaac.
4. Is The Binding of Isaac: Repentance a free DLC?
No, Repentance is not free. It is a paid expansion that must be purchased separately once you own the required base game and DLCs.
5. What does The Binding of Isaac: Repentance include?
It includes the Antibirth fan mod, a reworked co-op mode, over 130 new items, 30 new bosses, new characters and their B-Sides, and a lot of new secrets. In short, it’s a substantial addition to the series.
6. How many bosses does Repentance add?
Repentance adds a significant 30 new bosses to the game, alongside 2 new mini-bosses.
7. How many endings does Isaac Repentance have?
Repentance adds 2 new endings, bringing the total amount to 20. They can be viewed in the ‘stats’ section of the menu.
8. Is The Binding of Isaac: Repentance the same as Afterbirth?
No, Repentance is a massive expansion that includes all content from Rebirth, Afterbirth, and Afterbirth+, and adds significantly more. It’s the definitive version of the game.
9. How many hours to complete Isaac Repentance?
When focusing on the main objectives, The Binding of Isaac: Repentance is about 12 Hours in length. If you strive for 100% completion, you could easily spend over 595 Hours.
10. Should I buy Afterbirth or Afterbirth+ first?
Afterbirth is the base expansion. You will need to purchase that first before buying Afterbirth+. You cannot buy Afterbirth+ without having Afterbirth first.
11. Is The Binding of Isaac DLC worth it?
Yes, absolutely. The DLCs add significant content and depth to the game, and they are an integral part of the overall experience.
12. What order should I play Binding of Isaac?
The correct order is: Rebirth, Afterbirth, Afterbirth+, and finally, Repentance.
13. What DLC is the Forgotten character in?
The Forgotten is not tied to any specific DLC, rather, it is a secret character hidden within Rebirth’s Booster Pack #5.
14. How many characters does Repentance add?
There are 17 standard characters in Repentance, each with a variant or B-side, which effectively doubles the number to 34.
15. How many secrets are there in Repentance?
Repentance adds 234 new secrets, making the total 637.
The Bottom Line
Repentance is more than just another expansion; it’s the culmination of the entire Binding of Isaac experience, but it relies on having the other DLC. It does not include all previous DLCs in a single bundle but is the ultimate version of the game that brings all content together. If you’re a fan of roguelikes and haven’t yet delved into The Binding of Isaac, start with Rebirth and proceed through the DLCs to fully appreciate the journey. You will not be disappointed.