The Binding of Isaac / Unlocks guide
The Binding of Isaac original character unlocks: Cain, Magdalene and Judas
Exact early unlock requirements for the 2011 Flash edition.
Edition covered
The 2011 Flash game and its free base-game updates. Wrath of the Lamb and its Eternal Edition changes are excluded unless named for comparison. Rebirth, Afterbirth and Repentance have different unlocks. Pictures are from the original Steam app, including one between-floor dream scene.
4 characters · one picture per entry · open a picture for full size.
Unlocks
Quick notes
- Original character requirements. These requirements belong to the original game.
- Plan a run around one requirement. An unlock can matter more than one shop purchase.
- Unlocks persist between attempts. A new character is permanent once earned, while the current run’s items normally disappear when it ends.
- Check the edition before following a guide. Samson, trinkets and alternate floors belong to Wrath of the Lamb, while tainted characters belong to much later Rebirth expansions.
Plan a run around one requirement
| Objective | Preserve | Useful decision |
|---|---|---|
| Cain | Coins | Skip unnecessary purchases below 55 coins |
| Magdalene | Maximum red health | Avoid trades that remove needed heart containers |
| Judas | Survival through Womb II | Take defensive upgrades over risky trades |
| A first Mom victory | Health and reliable damage | Learn the stomp warning before chasing speed |
References
| Reference | Website |
|---|---|
| The Binding of Isaac publisher listing | store.steampowered.com |
| Original Isaac: Magdalene | bindingofisaac.fandom.com |
| Original Isaac: Cain | bindingofisaac.fandom.com |
| Original Isaac: Judas | bindingofisaac.fandom.com |
| Original Isaac: Rooms | bindingofisaac.fandom.com |
| Original Isaac: Items | bindingofisaac.fandom.com |