How Many Endings Does Binding of Isaac Have? A Comprehensive Guide
The Binding of Isaac, a roguelike action-adventure game renowned for its challenging gameplay and dark, biblical themes, boasts a surprisingly complex array of endings. The answer to the question “How many endings does Binding of Isaac have?” isn’t as simple as providing a single number. The game’s different versions and downloadable content (DLC) significantly impact the total. Let’s break it down to provide a clear picture:
The original The Binding of Isaac features an Epilogue and 11 unique endings. The Wrath of the Lamb DLC added another 2 endings, bringing the total to over 13 endings in this original iteration of the game. However, with the release of The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth and its subsequent DLCs, the number of endings has expanded dramatically.
In The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth, there are 16 endings. The Afterbirth DLC introduces an additional 2 endings, bringing the count to 18. Afterbirth+ further increased the total with another 2 endings, making it 20 in total at that stage. The final significant expansion, Repentance, adds another 2 endings, culminating in a total of 22 distinct endings in the most complete version of the game. Therefore, while the game began with 13+ endings, the current version of The Binding of Isaac, with all DLCs, features 22 unique endings.
These endings are unlocked by defeating specific bosses in different chapters of the game. Each ending is then viewable in the game’s ‘stats’ section, often accompanied by the game’s credits. It’s important to note that unlocking the endings requires beating the game multiple times, which is a core element of the game’s replayability.
Understanding the Endings and How to Unlock Them
The Original Endings
The original game’s 11 endings, plus the two from Wrath of the Lamb, are unlocked by beating the final boss on different difficulties or with different characters. Each playthrough and victory brings players closer to seeing all these initial endings.
Rebirth, Afterbirth, Afterbirth+, and Repentance Endings
The shift from the original to Rebirth brought a complete overhaul of the game’s engine and structure. The 16 endings in Rebirth, along with the additional 6 across Afterbirth, Afterbirth+, and Repentance, are unlocked by defeating bosses at the end of chapters 3 through 6. These battles are not easy, and you’ll need to master the game’s mechanics, items, and synergies to unlock all the endings. The true ending, unlocked in the Repentance DLC, is acquired by following a particular path and completing additional objectives, making it the culmination of the game’s journey.
Unlocking the True Ending
Reaching the true ending in The Binding of Isaac: Repentance is a significant undertaking. It requires finding and utilizing the Knife item, navigating to the red door at the end of the Mausoleum/Gehenna 2, and defeating a challenging boss located behind the door. This true ending represents the definitive conclusion to the narrative and is considered by most players the final objective to achieve in the game.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about The Binding of Isaac Endings
1. Are the endings just different cutscenes?
Yes and no. While the endings generally consist of different cutscenes, each ending represents a different narrative conclusion based on your actions and the bosses you defeat. Some endings provide more context to Isaac’s troubled situation.
2. Can you view all endings at any time?
Once unlocked, you can view all unlocked endings in the ‘stats’ section of the menu. However, you must unlock each ending through gameplay first.
3. Does character choice affect the endings?
While character choice impacts gameplay, it doesn’t directly change which ending is shown, but rather the route you take and what boss you are likely to fight to trigger specific endings. Unlocking the endings often involves defeating specific bosses, no matter the character.
4. Do you have to beat the game multiple times to see all endings?
Yes, unlocking all the endings requires multiple playthroughs of The Binding of Isaac. The endings are structured as a progression, requiring players to beat the game with different methods and to defeat increasingly more challenging bosses.
5. Does each ending come with the game’s credits?
Yes, the game’s credits typically roll after each ending, regardless of whether it’s a standard or a “true” ending.
6. What is the significance of the true ending?
The true ending in Repentance offers the most complete narrative conclusion and resolves many of the game’s mysteries. It’s the most challenging ending to unlock and thus the most rewarding.
7. How long does it take to unlock all endings?
Unlocking all endings depends on your skill and experience. For some players, it may take dozens or even hundreds of hours. The game is designed to be very replayable, which encourages exploration of each ending.
8. What is the chronological order of playing the different versions of the game?
The correct order is: Rebirth, then Afterbirth, then Afterbirth+, and finally, Repentance. Each subsequent expansion adds content on top of the previous ones and requires the previous versions to play.
9. Does the Binding of Isaac have a canon ending?
While the narrative is open to interpretation, many players consider Ending 12 (where Isaac locks himself in the chest) to be the canon ending as it implies that the entire game may be Isaac’s delusions.
10. What is the main theme or message of the game?
The game’s themes are complex, exploring childhood trauma, religious fanaticism, and escapism. Isaac’s struggles and the game’s many endings are often interpreted as a representation of these themes.
11. Is The Binding of Isaac religious?
While heavily inspired by biblical stories, the game is not designed to be explicitly religious or anti-religious. Its use of religious iconography often aims to create a dark, symbolic narrative.
12. How do you unlock Blue Baby?
Blue Baby is unlocked by completing the game 10 times. Afterwards, Isaac will find him in a chest during the ending cutscene.
13. How do you unlock the Polaroid and Negative?
The Polaroid is unlocked by killing Isaac five times, and the Negative is unlocked by killing Satan five times. After this, Mom will always drop one or both of these items.
14. What is the hardest room in the game?
Many players consider rooms from the Scarred Womb or Corpse to be the most difficult in the game, with the Corpse featuring the hardest bosses.
15. What is considered the “ultimate” version of The Binding of Isaac?
The Binding of Isaac: Repentance is generally considered the most complete and ultimate version of the game, including content from all previous expansions, along with hundreds of additional features and improvements.
The Binding of Isaac’s numerous endings are a testament to the game’s depth and replayability. Each ending offers a glimpse into Isaac’s complex situation, with the true ending providing a sense of closure for dedicated players. The game’s dark themes and challenging gameplay make unlocking these endings a uniquely rewarding experience.