Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteRepentance is an expansion built on top of The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth, not a separate game. Rebirth is the 2014 base game. Repentance, released in 2021, adds a large amount of new content, and on Steam you need to own Rebirth to play it.
Rebirth and Repentance at a glance
| Point of comparison | The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth | The Binding of Isaac: Repentance |
|---|---|---|
| Type of release | Base game | Major expansion, sold as an accumulated edition |
| Release date | November 4, 2014 (Steam listing) | March 31, 2021 (Steam listing) |
| Needs another game to run? | No | Yes, on Steam it requires Rebirth |
| Content it includes | The base Rebirth game | Rebirth, Afterbirth, and Afterbirth+ content, plus new material |
| New items | Not stated in the sources checked for this article | 130+ new items, more than 700 items in total (Steam listing, Nicalis and Edmund McMillen) |
| New enemies and bosses | Not stated in the sources checked for this article | 100+ new enemies and 25+ new bosses (Steam listing, Nicalis and Edmund McMillen) |
| Physical packaging | Not covered by the sources checked for this article | Standard retail package and a Leviathan Box with a booklet (Nicalis store) |
Do you need Rebirth to play Repentance?
On Steam, yes. The Repentance store listing states: “This content requires the base game The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth on Steam in order to play.” Buying Repentance alone on Steam will not give you a playable game unless you also own Rebirth.
![Juggernaut (From 'The Binding of Isaac: Repentance') [Metal Cover]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41tFW9OWItS._SL160_.jpg)
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The same listing describes Repentance as containing content from Rebirth, Afterbirth, and Afterbirth+, along with hundreds of additional features and improvements. That description explains why Repentance is sold as the most complete version of the game, but it does not remove the Steam requirement to own the base game. The Steam requirement is specific to Steam, so check the store listing on your own platform before buying.
What Repentance adds
Repentance is more than a set of extra items. Its alternate path adds new chapters, a final boss, and an ending, so players who only know Rebirth’s story will reach content they have not seen before. The expansion also introduces new playable characters, enemies, bosses, challenges, achievements, room layouts, and items.
#1 Best Overall
- Regret and reborn
The Steam listing claims “OVER 500 HOURS” of new gameplay. This is the publisher’s marketing claim, not an independently measured playtime figure, so treat it as a rough indication of scale rather than a guaranteed length.
Physical editions of Repentance
Nicalis sells a physical Repentance package. Its store describes a standard retail edition and a Leviathan Box, which includes a booklet. The Leviathan Box description also mentions two exclusive promotional cards for The Binding of Isaac: Four Souls, a tabletop card game connected to the video game. Four Souls is not needed to play Repentance.
Rank #2
- Follow Isaac on his journey to find bizarre treasures that change Isaac’s form, giving him super human abilities and enabling him to fight off droves of mysterious creatures, discover secrets, and fight his way to safety.
- A randomly generated action-shooter with heavy RPG and roguelike elements, with over 500 items and weapons 1,000+ hours of gameplay, and 5 unique modes of play.
- 14 playable characters, 20 professionally animated cartoon endings, over 50 unique bosses, and 30+ Challenge modes!
- Over 6,000 rooms with over 4 billion possible combinations.
- Bestiary! (enemy collection page that keeps track of everything you kill in game)
The Nicalis description does not say whether the physical package includes Rebirth, so read the box contents before buying if you do not already own the base game. Retail and online stock also changes, so confirm availability with the seller.
Repentance+ on Nintendo Switch 2
Nintendo UK lists a Repentance+ release for Nintendo Switch 2 on November 19, 2026. As of this article’s date, October 8, 2026, that release is scheduled, not out. Nintendo’s listing is the source for the date, so check it again before buying if you are planning around launch day.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Which version should you buy?
- Choose Rebirth if you want the original 2014 game and its base content, or you are not sure you want the expansion yet.
- Choose Repentance if you want the largest and most complete version of the game, with the new chapters, final boss, and additional items and enemies. On Steam, own Rebirth first or buy both.
- Choose a physical Repentance edition if you want a boxed copy and the Four Souls promotional cards. Confirm what the package includes and that it is for your console or platform.
- Wait for Repentance+ on Switch 2 only if you own a Switch 2 and can wait until its scheduled November 19, 2026 release.
In short, Rebirth is the base game and Repentance is the expanded version built on it. For most players who want the full experience, Repentance is the one to get, provided you have Rebirth on the platform where you are buying.
Quick Recap
Best Value
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
