Binding of Isaac characters guide: complete list of all 34 normal and Tainted characters, exact unlock requirements, stat tiers, and starting items.
Binding of Isaac Characters — All 34, Unlock Conditions and Strength Tiers
The Binding of Isaac: Repentance has 34 playable characters (17 normal + 17 Tainted dark versions), each with its own starting stats, exclusive items and completion marks. If you searched "binding of isaac characters," you want the complete list, the unlock conditions, and an honest answer on which ones are good — this guide delivers all three.
Official resources: Steam store page · IGN game page · Official wiki Characters page · Wikipedia (Rebirth)
Where the 34 Characters Come From
| Source | Characters |
|---|---|
| Base game (11 at Rebirth launch) | Isaac, Magdalene, Cain, Judas, ???, Eve, Samson, Azazel, Lazarus, Eden, The Lost |
| Afterbirth (+2) | Lilith, Keeper (added in a later update) |
| Afterbirth+ (+2) | Apollyon, The Forgotten (Booster Pack) |
| Repentance (+2) | Bethany, Jacob and Esau |
| Repentance (+17) | A Tainted version of each of the 17 above |
Unlock Conditions Quick Table (Normal Characters)
| Character | Unlock condition |
|---|---|
| Isaac | Default |
| Magdalene | Have more than 7 red heart containers in a single run |
| Cain | Hold 55 coins at once |
| Judas | Beat Satan |
| ??? | Beat Mom's Heart 10 times |
| Eve | Make 2 Devil deals in a single run |
| Samson | Beat Mom's Heart on 2 consecutive runs |
| Azazel | Make 3 Devil deals in a single run |
| Lazarus | Beat Mom's Heart 4 times |
| Eden | Donate 879 coins to the Greed Donation Machine |
| The Lost | The secret puzzle (Missing Poster etc.) — see the story guide |
| Lilith | Beat Boss Rush with Magdalene |
| Keeper | Donate 1000 coins to the Greed Donation Machine |
| Apollyon | Beat Mega Satan |
| The Forgotten | Broken Shovel puzzle (timed boss + Boss Rush) |
| Bethany | Beat Mother (Corpse route) |
| Jacob and Esau | Beat Mother twice |
Tainted Characters: What They Are and How to Unlock Them
- What they are: dark-mirror versions of the 17 normal characters with twisted, exaggerated mechanics — Tainted Isaac gets two pedestal choices but only an 8-slot inventory; Tainted Cain runs on a full crafting system.
- How to unlock them: clear the endgame route (Hush → Mother → reverse ascent) back to Home, open the red room next to Mom's bedroom with the Red Key / Cracked Key, and touch the Tainted version with the matching normal character.
- Mechanical differences: Tainted characters have fewer completion marks (3-in-1 groups) but every one of them is a completely new playstyle.
Start with Isaac (the D6 reroll is the best item-learning tool in the game); pick Magdalene if you want sustain (free healing); try Azazel for an immediately strong start (short laser + flight). Leave glass cannons like The Lost and Tainted Jacob for later.
Strength Tiers (Community Consensus, Fluctuates With Patches)
| Tier | Characters |
|---|---|
| Strong and flexible | Isaac, Azazel, Lilith, Tainted Isaac, Tainted Lilith, Tainted Cain (god-tier in skilled hands) |
| Reliable survival | Magdalene, Bethany, Samson |
| High risk, high reward | The Lost, Tainted Lost, Tainted Jacob, Tainted Eve |
| Unique mechanics | Keeper (coin HP), The Forgotten (two forms), Jacob and Esau (two-character control) |
Strength depends heavily on item pools and personal skill: Tainted Cain is a creator-god for players who plan their crafts and a dead starter for everyone else. Pick characters as gameplay modules, not as a tier ranking.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many characters are in Binding of Isaac?
34: 17 normal + 17 Tainted versions (added in Repentance). The normal roster breaks down as Rebirth 11 + Afterbirth 2 + Afterbirth+ 2 + Repentance 2.
How do you unlock characters in Isaac?
Each has its own condition: Magdalene (7 red hearts), Cain (55 coins), Judas (beat Satan), Eden (donate 879 coins), etc. Tainted characters unlock via the Red Key at Home — see the mark sections in the Dead God guide.
Which character is the strongest?
For general flexibility: Isaac/Azazel/Lilith; for skill ceiling: Tainted Cain/Tainted Isaac. Characters are playstyle modules rather than a ranking — pick the mechanics that fit you.
What are Tainted characters?
Dark variants of the 17 normal characters (Repentance) with exaggerated mechanics (Tainted Isaac's 8-slot inventory, Tainted Cain's crafting, etc.). Each unlocks and tracks marks independently.
Which character should a beginner pick?
Isaac (D6 item learning), Magdalene (healing and tankiness), or Azazel (strong start). The Lost, Tainted Lost and Tainted Jacob are expert challenges — don't start there.
For more guides, builds, and strategies, check out our The Binding Of Isaac Hub.
Related Guides
- Isaac Story and Endings — the narrative behind the characters
- Isaac Platinum God — character marks and 100%
- The Binding of Isaac Rebirth Items — characters and item synergies
- Isaac Spindown Dice Guide — Best Item ID Conversions
- Binding of Isaac Charged Shot & Weapon Synergies
Last updated: August 12, 2026.
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