The Binding of Isaac

Top-down action roguelike with randomized dungeons and transformative items

Edmund McMillen, Florian Himsl · Published by Edmund McMillen · Released Sep 28, 2011

Reviews: Very Positive; 95% of 63K
Recent reviews: Very Positive; 87% of 171 in 30 days
Playing now: 133; peak 24h 145
Steam Deck: Playable
Last update: 1 year ago; Nov 5, 2024

What is The Binding of Isaac?

A top-down, single-player action roguelike set in a basement of randomly generated rooms. As Isaac, you shoot enemies with tears, dodge attacks, collect items that alter his form and abilities, uncover secrets, and fight bosses after fleeing his mother’s demand for a sacrifice.

For you if...

+you enjoy difficult runs shaped by random items and rooms
+you like experimenting with item combinations and unlocks
+you want dark themes and a grim soundtrack

Not for you if...

−you dislike restarting after deaths or unreliable random outcomes
−you want a relaxed, forgiving action game
−you want multiplayer rather than a single-player challenge

What players say

95% of 62,899 reviews are positive · 87% of 171 in the last 30 days

Players praise the repeatable randomized runs, item combinations, challenge, and soundtrack. The most common complaint is that the original feels clunky, unbalanced, and dated beside Rebirth; some players also report crashes, slow startup, and controller setup problems.