The Binding of Isaac

I just bought this game yesterday (on the Switch) .

I'm a big fan of rogue like dungeon crawlers + and have heard nothing but good things about TBoI .

I've played for a couple hours , but making it no further than a couple levels before dying . Upon death I was deleting my save file before starting another run .
I feel lost - I haven't a clue what 90% of these items do , and I'm unsure whether purchasing items from the item rooms is worth it .




I make this thread assuming some of my BX brethren have played TBoI , and am hoping for some general tips/advice for beginners .

Sidenote - is that Repentance DLC worth the $25 ?

+5   

The Binding Of Isaac is one of the best games I’ve ever played. I absolutely love it and I’m not saying it’s the greatest game on some THIS IS FACTS type sh1t, but on some personal/I’ve played a million games and this is one of my favorites-type sh1t. The DLC’s are OF COURSE worth it. BUT. Don’t buy any DLC for any game you’re not sure of my guy. That’s an easy rule. To answer your question, just play Rebirth to get yourself going. The add-ons/DLC make the game even more intense and adds even more items and synergies… if you’re not into dying all the time and you like to play easy games, this ain’t the game for you. I never say this for any other games because when I get a game, I’d put it on the hardest difficulty because I think that’s how the devs want the games to be played (for the most part). But Isaac my n1gga? Imma tell you to put that sh1t on the easiest difficulty from the jump. Yeah I’m not ashamed to admit I couldn’t beat the game for weeks my dude, but when I did

If you’re patient, you might find something you’ll truly love and enjoy like I do. Matter of fact, imma run that sh1t right now bro. Thanks for this and I wish you good luck.

Use this website. It helps me to this very day.

+3   

ive also put in ~25 hours on the game and still havent a clue as to what most items do

+1   

I had an epic run last night - I think it has more to do with being lucky in getting good trinkets and items .

Defeated Mom - unlocked Eve and Lazarus .

Are there any rewards for completing challenges ?

It's my 2nd favorite game of all time. I've bought it on 3 platforms. I like playing with mods on PC that give you all the item descriptions on screen. Like someone mentioned, this website is good.
Id suggest unlocking Azazel. He's kind of a cheat code. Id also suggest just going ahead and playing on hard mode. You unlock more stuff and its really not that much harder.

+2   

Yea Issac is easily the best roguelike I've ever played have over 50-60+ hours and own all dlc haven't even scratched the surface. Your goal is to beat the game with every character on hard and greed mode doing all three ending routes (heaven, hell, and chest) you will unlock a new character every time you make it through once with each character on hard. If you are having trouble just play through on normal to unlock nee items for your hard runs. Some items and characters are unlocked by certain item combinations on a run like eating 6 get bigger pills collecting all parts of guppy or your moms items etc. Game is unlimited fun and the repentance update adds full 4 player coop which is chaos but fun ah. My favorite game purchase ever outside of this Elden Ring. Game on young playa

+2   

I copped the Repentance DLC the other day ..

I've completed Runs with both Isaac and Magdeline .
Are there any final bosses after Mom's Heart (a simple yes or no will suffice)

Yes