The world of many games expands through the tireless effort of a dedicated community. The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth is no exception. This pixel art roguelike earned broad acclaim from critics and players alike, and the developer action introduced a workshop for mods that sparked even greater interest and extended the project’s lifespan. The following selection gathers the best and latest mods for The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth.
Earlier we shared an article highlighting cool improvements that deserve a look.
How to install mods
After The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth released in 2014, three major DLCs expanded the story, added unique artifacts, new locations, and fresh enemies:
- Afterbirth – released in 2015.
- Afterbirth+ – released in 2017.
- Repentance – released in 2021.
Some changes may only be compatible with specific game versions, so users should compare the downloaded update numbers before installing.
There are two ways to install mods. Each option is listed below:
- Extract the change files along the path Drive:/Program Files (x86)/Steam/SteamApps/common/The Binding of Isaac Rebirth/resources.
- Move the entire mod folder to Libraries/Documents/My Games/Binding of Isaac Afterbirth+ Mods.
The second method tends to suit players who have any version of the game, starting with Afterbirth+ and beyond. It’s important to note that some improvements may conflict with each other, and such conflicts are usually indicated in each mod description. Similar issues can arise when installing multiple enhancements for items.
Steam users can install mods through the Workshop. Here’s how:
- Launch Steam.
- Click on Community and then Workshop.
- Enter The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth in the search box and navigate to the game page.
- In the changes listing, enter the name of the mod you want.
- Open the mod page and click Subscribe.
- Return to the game and load the upgrade after downloading.
There is also an unofficial method to manually download mods from Steam. To do this, follow these steps:
- Find the desired mod in the workshop.
- Open the mod page and copy its URL, for example a typical link to a workshop item.
- Open the link in a browser and share it into the Steam client as instructed.
- Click Download to obtain the game files for the mod from the online Steam client.
- Once downloaded, place the mod in the preferred folder.
16-bit refreshed
A reimagining of the classic pixel art to resemble 16-bit SNES and GBA aesthetics. The update starts with Repentance, though compatibility issues may occur with other mods. There is also an option to install POG for Good Items, a small enhancement that works with 16-Bit Renewed. The hero may react with visible frustration when encountering higher quality artifacts.
To download
Sky mode
SkyMod alters the core gameplay, adding variety while preserving balance. It reinforces weaker characters and mediocre items, reduces the presence of certain artifacts, and increases challenge in special and dark rooms. The main locations remain unchanged to maintain the original experience.
To download
External item descriptions
External Item Descriptions remains a popular Steam Workshop mod. It displays on-screen, detailed information about all artifacts, including trinkets, runes, cards, pills, and collectibles. Players can customize font, indicators, and other visuals. The mod supports Russian language, works with most custom mods, and is compatible with Afterbirth+ and Repentance.
To download
Alpha Birth Pack
This global modification includes several packages: Mom’s Closet, All That Is Unholy, and The End Times. They add new items, enemies, characters, runes, and challenges. All three upgrades can work together or separately on the Afterbirth+ version.
Download Package 1Download Package 2Download package 3
Specialist dance for good items
A small mod that makes the hero dance to the music when an item of the fourth quality is found. It works on the Repentance version with all characters intact.
To download
Planetarium Opportunity
One of the most popular enhancements for the Repentance version, this mod shows on-screen the probability of a planetarium on the current floor. All artifacts, collectibles, and modifiers are included in the calculation. The planetarium’s appearance requires meeting all the conditions, and items that affect its probability do not appear until advancing to the next floor to update the current layout.
To download
Do you install mods for Binding of Isaac?
Improved Boss Bars
This modification updates the classic boss health bar. It offers unique bars for the player and introduces a variety of icons for each major enemy, plus more than 30 distinct stripe designs. Improved Boss Bars runs on Repentance and remains compatible with most mods, provided no changes affect the boss health panel design. For extra visibility, a Boss Rush Wave Counter is recommended to display a waves counter on screen.
To download
Quarry
This upgrade opens a new area featuring fresh enemies, items, stone combinations, bomb interactions, explosives, and a challenging hidden boss. Quarry is stable on Afterbirth+ and runs on Repentance, though some bugs may exist in the current version.
To download
Revelations
This mod adds two chapters with unique content across locations, bosses, enemies, items, and characters. The hero must control Sarah or Charon to face deadly traps in catacombs and on the glacier. The upgrade works on Afterbirth+ and requires StageAPI and Mod Compatibility Hack.
To download
The garden
The Garden mod introduces a new location and related content. Players can discover new items, undergo transformations, confront a unique boss, tackle challenges and curses, and enjoy new effects and music. The update starts on Afterbirth+.
To download
Genesis+ revived
A refreshed version of Afterbirth+ global mod that adds over 90 artifacts, two new characters, and 30 unique enemies. While still in development, it has become more stable. The author also includes items in the collection:
- HD Contrast Shader Pack – a set of shaders that increase brightness, adjust contrast, and refresh the color range.
- Genesis+ Music Pack – a collection of exclusive musical pieces.
To download
Good trip
A small, popular change that enables quick travel between previously cleared rooms. A mini-map appears in the screen corner showing all found items, and it can be fixed elsewhere if desired. It runs smoothly on Afterbirth+ and Repentance.
To download
Real collaboration
The upgrade adds local co-op in Afterbirth+. Up to four players can team up, keeping their own items, trinkets, cards, and tablets without sharing discoveries with the host. Several extra settings exist for each hero. Note that multiplayer has already been added to Repentance, so it is best not to install this mod on that version.
To download
Old Wardrobe
This mod adds a wardrobe to customize character appearance. Each floor features a closet in the first room, and using the wardrobe pauses the game timer. It supports multiplayer and is compatible with Afterbirth+ and Repentance.
To download
Custom Mr Dollys
This upgrade grants each character a small doppelganger pet that perfectly mirrors the hero’s current appearance. The ally provides no combat aid. For players seeking practical adjustments, Mei adds a new hero with telekinetic powers to the game.
To download
Which mod is the best in the collection?
Source: VG Times