How to Unlock Downpour in The Binding of Isaac: Repentance

You know what really bites? Water damage in your walls. If you don’t catch it soon enough, your walls start rotting away from the inside, which can really compromise the structural integrity of your home. And don’t even get me started on the possibility of mold. If the idea of water-logged walls alone isn’t enough to intimidate you, you ought to check out one of the new areas of The Binding of Isaac. Here’s how to unlock Downpour in The Binding of Isaac: Repentance.

Downpour is a new area added to The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth through the Repentance DLC. Originally created as part of the Antibirth fan mod, Downpour is a sort of in-between zone located between Chapter 1 (The Basement, The Cellar, Burning Basement) and Chapter 2 (The Caves, The Catacombs, Flooded Caves). It’s a completely optional area that you don’t have to visit if you don’t want to, but hey, more floors means more opportunities for pickups, even if they’re a little soggy.

How to Unlock Downpour in The Binding of Isaac: Repentance

To open the way to Downpour, you’ll first need to obtain the achievement “A Secret Exit,” which you earn from defeating Hush in ??? (or the “Blue Womb,” if you prefer) 3 times. When you have A Secret Exit, a special key-locked door will have a chance to spawn after you defeat the boss of The Basement/The Cellar I or II. Crack the door open and jump down the hole, and you’ll find yourself in the watery depths of Downpour.

Just to give you a small idea of what to expect, the flooded rooms of Downpour feature primarily water-based enemies with an affinity for ranged tear shots over physical attacks. While pits still function as usual for land-based enemies, some enemies can utilize the water pools to float freely over them. Speaking of, in some rooms, there’s a chance a group of Deep Gapers will emerge from the water after you clear out a room, so don’t get too comfortable. Spectral enemies like Wraiths may also be hiding in the water, though the thunderstorm outside the walls will occasionally reveal their positions with a bolt of lightning.