Trying to learn this game, looking for some advice
8 years ago
Missouri, USA

So for some reason I really like this game and decided to buy both rebirth and the afterbirth DLC. At the moment I really have no idea how to start playing this game. Here's what I know and hopefully people on here can help me with what I do not know/what I need to know.

I know I have to unlock certain items/characters. Most of the good items have to be unlocked and to be able to play as anyone but isaac you have achieve certain things in game. I have the pastebin about starting items, so I know what I'm looking for on first floor treasure rooms. And that's all I know (in retrospect I don't know anything).

So uh yeah, what do I need to learn? I'm assuming I need to memorize what items do what so that I can get a good build. That's the only thing I can think of, but yeah... any help would be appreciated.

Sidenote: I know I have to unlock the starting items to be able to use them, but what other items should I unlock? Should I unlock all of them or is that not necessary? Sidenote2: I have yet to decide what kind of speedrun I want to run for this game, putting this here in case anyone asks.

Oregon, USA

you need a fully unlocked file for all the categories that anybody runs. you can get one in the "resources" section over on the left. it includes a readme with installation instructions.

after you do that, pretty much just play the game and try to go fast. you can learn what all the items do by playing and watching others.

the most important advice for playing is Don't Get Hit

Missouri, USA

Thanks for telling me about the fully unlocked file in the resources section, no offense to anyone who has gotten a fully unlocked file by themselves but I am not that much of a masochist.

I think "non-masochistic" research I'm about to do will work for learning items.

Missouri, USA

also, a good way to learn items is to watch streams and races and to have an item tracker that will tell you what an item does when you pick it up.

i raced and practiced for a bit before deciding to complete my own fully unlocked file. for me, it was the best decision i could have made. being forced to do the challenges and take/try some really interesting synergies to be able to just complete runs. dont get me wrong, i am only 92% complete(according to steam achievements page) and sometimes it has been complete and utter hell, but i am much more confident in my play. i have also spent alot of time researching items and interactions to be able to do more.

anyway, good luck with everything!

Isle of Man

You can also put the downloaded file in your slot 2/3 and have your real RPG/1001% file in slot 1. So you can still practice racing/speedrunning while completing your legit file. Give the downloaded file 2 or 3 (or whatever your main file isn't) and you'll be all set.

Madrid, Spain

Since the RNG plays a giant factor on this game, there isnt really many things to learn outside from the items and the enemy patterns (And obviously, the starting items list you reset for)... Pretty much Dont get hit and Gotta go Fast, and pray for RNG to bless you.