How Long Does it Take to 100% The Binding of Isaac: Repentance?

The quest to achieve 100% completion in The Binding of Isaac: Repentance is a monumental undertaking, not for the faint of heart. While a casual playthrough focusing on the main objectives might take around 12 hours, dedicating yourself to fully exploring every nook and cranny, unlocking every achievement, and conquering every challenge will require a substantially larger time investment. On average, players aiming for that coveted 100% completion can expect to spend approximately 595 hours. This number is not fixed, however. It’s dependent on player skill, familiarity with the game’s mechanics, and the level of dedication one is willing to commit. For some, it might take even longer. This staggering playtime highlights the sheer depth and replayability of Repentance, making it a truly immersive and rewarding experience for those who dare to delve into its depths.

Why Does 100% Take So Long?

The Sheer Volume of Content

Repentance is the culmination of years of development and multiple expansions. It includes all the content from Rebirth, Afterbirth, and Afterbirth+, along with a massive influx of new items, characters, bosses, and challenges. This translates to an overwhelming amount of content to master, requiring countless runs to fully experience. Each run is procedurally generated, ensuring no two playthroughs are the same, and adding to the replay value.

The Challenge of Dead God

The ultimate goal for many completionists is to achieve the “Dead God” achievement. This requires unlocking every single item, completing every challenge, and achieving every single ending with every character, among other tasks. It is a true test of skill and persistence that will take hundreds of hours to achieve.

Unpredictable Runs

Roguelike games by nature rely on random chance. You could have a god-like run one moment, and in the next be hopelessly outgunned. Learning to adapt to random item drops, enemy placement, and floor layouts is critical, and this takes time. While you become more experienced, the game is designed to challenge you.

The Grind Factor

Unlocking certain characters, items, and achievements often requires specific actions or completing numerous runs. This can create a grind where players must play again and again until they meet the necessary requirements. This grind, while time-consuming, is part of what makes achieving 100% completion so rewarding.

What Is Included in 100% Completion?

All Characters

You will have to unlock all the playable characters which includes both the base game’s characters and new ones added in DLCs, and complete challenges and progress with every one. Each character has unique starting items and stats, offering a different gameplay experience.

All Items and Trinkets

Collecting every item and trinket in the game is a huge undertaking. The effects can drastically change your run, and knowing what items do is critical for completing challenges. The number of items in Repentance is vast and ever-changing.

All Challenges

Completing all of the in-game challenges will test your skills and force you to adapt to limitations. Some are relatively simple, while others are exceptionally difficult. Mastering these is a core part of 100% completion.

All Endings

The game features multiple endings and achieving them with each character is also part of the completion. These usually require completing specific objectives in the end-game.

Bosses

Defeating all the bosses and mini-bosses in the game requires numerous playthroughs as their spawn is randomized. This includes new bosses added by Repentance, which are some of the most difficult the game has to offer.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is The Binding of Isaac: Repentance a full game?

No, Repentance is a DLC expansion to The Binding of Isaac: Afterbirth †. It requires the base game and previous DLCs to play. Think of it as a massive final update for the core experience.

Is Repentance the last Binding of Isaac?

Yes, Repentance is confirmed to be the final DLC for The Binding of Isaac. This is likely the last major update in the foreseeable future.

Is The Binding of Isaac: Repentance worth it?

Absolutely, especially for long-time players. Repentance significantly enhances the gameplay experience by adding a considerable amount of new content and changes. However, it can be intimidating for newer players due to its complexity.

Is The Binding of Isaac harder than Rebirth?

Certain aspects of Rebirth are easier than Repentance, and vice versa. On the whole, it depends on the player and the run, but Repentance is generally considered more challenging due to its increased enemy variety and boss patterns, while Rebirth may be harder in some older mechanics that have been improved.

Should I play The Binding of Isaac on hard?

Hard mode increases the difficulty by making floors larger, giving less money from blood banks, and potentially lower tier shop spawns. It’s recommended for experienced players, but even in normal it can be difficult. If you are new to the game, then it is recommended that you stick with normal difficulty.

Is The Binding of Isaac permadeath?

Yes, like most roguelike games, The Binding of Isaac features permadeath. If your character dies, the run is over and you start a new one.

How many endings does Isaac: Repentance have?

Repentance adds 2 new endings, bringing the total to 20 when combined with Rebirth, Afterbirth and Afterbirth+. These are unlocked by defeating bosses in later game stages.

Who is the strongest character in Binding of Isaac: Repentance?

Character strength is subjective and depends on playstyle. Isaac is considered the strongest by many due to his flexibility and starting item, but Azazel is also very popular and strong, especially for new players. Other notable characters include Magdalene, Samson, Eve and Cain.

Does Binding of Isaac get harder the more you play?

Yes, the game does get harder as you progress. You’ll unlock new levels that will be more difficult than the initial floors. This is because the game will begin to incorporate items and new enemies.

Do I need Afterbirth for Repentance?

Yes, you need all the previous DLCs: Rebirth, Afterbirth, and Afterbirth+ to play Repentance.

Does Repentance have all the DLC?

Yes, Repentance includes all content from Rebirth, Afterbirth, and Afterbirth+, along with significant new content and features. It is the definitive and most up to date version of The Binding of Isaac.

Is The Binding of Isaac a Bible game?

The game’s themes and plot are inspired by the Biblical story of the Binding of Isaac, however it is a grotesque and dark twist on these themes.

Is Repentance DLC free?

No, Repentance is a paid DLC. You must purchase it separately from the other DLCs.

What is the rarest enemy in The Binding of Isaac?

The rarest enemy is Henry, designed to do nothing and have an extremely low chance of spawning.

What is the easiest character to unlock in The Binding of Isaac?

Lazarus is one of the easiest characters to unlock, as it only requires a few soul hearts to unlock.

Conclusion

Achieving 100% completion in The Binding of Isaac: Repentance is a long and challenging endeavor, taking on average around 595 hours. It’s a testament to the game’s incredible depth and replayability. For those willing to commit the time and effort, the rewards are immense, offering a unique and enriching gaming experience. From mastering diverse characters to unlocking every item and defeating every boss, the journey to “Dead God” is as demanding as it is rewarding, proving why The Binding of Isaac: Repentance is considered a modern classic in the roguelike genre.