A bad item in Isaac isn’t even worth picking up since it will either do nothing for you or actively hurt your run. A good item can salvage a run by providing helpful effects or by beefing up your stats. The best items can win a run all on their own so long as you know what to do with them—RNG willing, of course.
5. Death Certificate
This item really shouldn’t be on the list, but it is simply because it is technically the literal best item in the game. The Death Certificate takes you to a special floor where you can pick an item that you want. Most of the items are up for grabs save for a special few. By definition, an item that guarantees you the best item in the game is just as good as the best item in the game.
4. Dead Cat
Dead Cat’s effect is very simple; it gives you nine lives. Since you normally only have one life, you can abuse your newfound longevity in Demon Rooms to get top-tier items. It’s also a godsend on difficult characters like the Lost, who normally dies in a heartbeat. Just be careful when picking it up; it sets your heart containers to one upon pickup.
3. Holy Mantle
One free hit in every room may not sound like much, but that chip damage easily builds up over time. It also lets you enter and exit curse rooms for free, giving you access to a new source of items and resources for no cost at all.
2. Godhead
The task of unlocking Godhead is no joke, but once you do, you have one of the single best items in the Isaac of Isaac. A sizable damage up, a damaging holy aura around your tears, and a homing effect—what more could you ask for from a single item?
1. R Key
Want access to a full run’s worth of shops, item rooms, boss items, Angel and Devil deal chances, and everything else that comes with a run? Want to beat both ??? and the Lamb in the same run? Well, here you go. All it costs you is your Active item and your time. Good luck.
For help with an item that certainly isn’t the best in the game, go check out All Pandora’s Box Effects in The Binding of Isaac on Pro Game Guides!
