The community behind many games continues to push the envelope, and The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth is no exception. This pixel-art roguelike has earned broad praise from players and critics alike, and the official mod workshop released by the developers extended the game’s lifespan and sparked renewed interest. The following collection highlights the best and most recent mods for The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth.
Earlier, another article featured standout improvements that readers may want to explore.
How to install mods
Since The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth launched in 2014, the developers released three major DLCs that expand the story, add artifacts, new locations, and fresh enemies:
- Afterbirth – released in 2015.
- Afterbirth+ – released in 2017.
- Repentance – released in 2021.
Some changes work only with specific game versions, so users should compare the update numbers before downloading.
Mods can be installed in two ways, with each method described below:
- Extract the modification files to 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 use Afterbirth+ and later. It is important to note that some tweaks may conflict with one another, and this is usually noted in each mod’s description. Conflicts can also occur when applying multiple item mods at the same time.
Steam users can install mods through the Workshop by following these steps:
- Open Steam.
- Navigate to Community and then Workshop.
- Search for The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth and open the game page.
- In the list of changes, search for the desired mod and open its page.
- Open the mod page and click Subscribe.
- Launch the game to load the mod after download completes.
Note: Some players prefer manual downloads from Steam Workshop. The process involves finding a mod in the workshop, copying the URL, visiting the link, and using the Online Steam Client option to download the files, then placing the archive in the preferred folder. Always ensure the mod version aligns with the game version to avoid compatibility issues.
Download a mod from Steam
There is an unofficial method to manually grab mods from Steam. The steps are straightforward: locate the desired mod in the workshop, copy its URL, follow the link, paste the URL back into the Steam client, and click Download. When the mod appears, use the Download from Online Steam Client option to fetch the game files, then place the mod in the chosen directory. This approach remains compatible with most mod setups, though players should be mindful of version compatibility across Afterbirth+ and Repentance.
16-bit refreshed
This popular mod reimagines the base pixel art to resemble 16-bit SNES and GBA aesthetics. It starts with Repentance, but users may encounter instability when pairing it with certain other mods. A supplementary option, POG for Good Items, enhances compatibility with 16-Bit Renewed. It also makes the hero growl with annoyance when encountering high-quality artifacts. To download, users can follow the mod page instructions and ensure the version aligns with their game build.
sky mode
SkyMod reshapes the core gameplay to add unexpected twists while preserving the overall balance. Players will notice stronger, yet fair, challenges, fewer powerful artifacts, and tougher rooms, with no major overhaul to the map layout. The result is a fresh feel without breaking the game’s foundation. To download, follow the mod page directions.
External item descriptions
Among the most popular Steam Workshop mods, External Item Descriptions shows detailed information about all artifacts on screen, including trinkets, runes, cards, pills, and collectibles. Players can customize font styles, indicators, and other visuals. The mod supports Russian language, works with most other mods, and remains compatible with Afterbirth+ and Repentance. To download, head to the mod page and follow the installation steps.
Alpha Birth Pack
This global mod bundle includes several sub-packages: Mom’s Closet, All That Is Unholy, and The End Times. They introduce new items, enemies, characters, runes, and challenges. All three upgrades can function together or separately on the Afterbirth+ version. Download Package 1, Download Package 2, and Download package 3 from the mod page.
Specialist dance for good items
A compact mod that triggers a celebratory dance for the hero when discovering a fourth-quality item. It works on Repentance with all characters in good condition. To download, visit the mod page and follow the instructions.
Planetarium Opportunity
One of the most popular upgrades for Repentance, Planetarium Opportunity displays the on-screen probability of encountering a planetarium on the current floor. All relevant items, collectibles, and modifiers factor into the calculation. Players must satisfy specific requirements to see a planetarium, and items affecting its probability aren’t shown until the next floor is loaded to refresh the layout and statistics. To download, follow the mod page guidance.
Do you install mods for Binding of Isaac?
Improved Boss Bars
This mod updates the boss health bars with unique visuals for each foe. It adds a variety of icons and more than 30 distinct stripe designs. Improved Boss Bars works on Repentance and plays nicely with most mods, so long as it doesn’t alter the layout of boss health panels. To complement this, the Boss Rush Wave Counter is recommended to display a wave counter for tougher enemies on screen. To download, follow the mod page directions.
quarry
This upgrade places players in a new zone featuring new enemies, items, rock combinations, bomb interactions, and a notoriously challenging hidden boss. Quarry runs on Afterbirth+ and Repentance, though there may be some bugs in the current build. To download, use the mod page instructions.
Revelations
Revelations adds two chapters with a wealth of unique content, including new locations, bosses, enemies, items, and characters. The hero will need to choose between Sarah or Charon to navigate deadly catacombs and glacial terrains. The upgrade is compatible with Afterbirth+ only and requires StageAPI and Mod Compatibility Hack. To download, follow the mod page steps.
The garden
The Garden mod introduces a new location and related content, offering fresh items and transformation opportunities, along with a unique boss, challenge, and curse. Players can expect new visual effects and an enhanced musical score as the mod starts on Afterbirth+. To download, follow the mod page instructions.
Genesis+ revived
A refreshed version of Afterbirth+’s global mod that adds more than 90 artifacts, two new characters, and 30 unique enemies. Development continues, with fewer bugs. The author also includes items such as an HD Contrast Shader Pack that boosts brightness and color clarity, and the Genesis+ Music Pack with original compositions. To download, follow the mod page steps.
good trip
A compact upgrade that enables fast travel between explored rooms. A mini-map appears in the upper-right corner, showing found items and allowing quick relocation. The mod works smoothly on Afterbirth+ and Repentance. To download, visit the mod page.
real collaboration
This upgrade adds local co-op to the game in Afterbirth+. Up to four players can adventure together, collect their own items and artifacts, and customize settings for each hero. Note that Repentance already includes multiplayer, so it is recommended not to install this mod for that version. To download, follow the mod page steps.
Old Wardrobe
Older Wardrobe adds a wardrobe to customize character appearance. A clothes closet appears in the first room on each floor, and using the wardrobe pauses the game timer. The mod supports multiplayer and is compatible with Afterbirth+ and Repentance. To download, follow the mod page steps.
Custom Mr Dollys
This upgrade gives each character a tiny doppelganger pet that perfectly mimics the hero’s appearance. The ally does not assist in combat. For players who enjoy practical tweaks, Mei adds a new hero with telekinetic powers to the game. To download, follow the mod page steps.
Which mod is the best in the collection?
Source: VG Times