There is a difference between what triggers an unlock and what people assume triggers it. How to Unlock Birthright Isaac is a good example of that gap.
Anything marked optional really is optional, so skip it without guilt. People often blame the game when the actual cause is a setting they changed weeks ago. If the item is account-wide, you only need to do this once ever.
The short answer
The unlock fires on a specific condition rather than on progress in general, so aim directly at that condition instead of playing more.
What the requirement actually is
If something here stops matching what you see on screen, the game has probably changed a value in an update. Most advice on this topic assumes you already know half the answer, which is exactly the problem. Give the first attempt an honest try before deciding the method does not work. People often blame the game when the actual cause is a setting they changed weeks ago.
People often blame the game when the actual cause is a setting they changed weeks ago. Check the collection screen rather than your inventory to confirm it registered. There is a fast way and a safe way, and they are not the same thing.
How to tell it worked
People often blame the game when the actual cause is a setting they changed weeks ago. Most advice on this topic assumes you already know half the answer, which is exactly the problem. There is a fast way and a safe way, and they are not the same thing.
- Write down what you changed, so you can undo it if the result gets worse.
- Check the version you are running before following any step-by-step advice.
- Back up your save if the game gives you the option.
- Test one change at a time instead of five at once.
- Restart fully after a change rather than trusting a quick reload.
The quickest way to meet it
If something here stops matching what you see on screen, the game has probably changed a value in an update. Give the first attempt an honest try before deciding the method does not work. Most advice on this topic assumes you already know half the answer, which is exactly the problem. Small details matter more than they should here, so read the order of steps carefully.
The approach below has been checked against the current version rather than a patch from two years ago. People often blame the game when the actual cause is a setting they changed weeks ago. Unlocks that depend on a hidden counter are the ones that generate the most bad advice.
Mistakes worth avoiding
- Following a guide written for an older version and assuming nothing moved.
- Skipping the preparation step because it looks boring, then repeating the hard part four times.
- Giving up one attempt before the point where it usually clicks.
- Changing several settings at once, then having no idea which one helped.
Frequently asked questions
Can it be missed permanently?
A few unlocks are tied to a point of no return. If yours is, the guide above flags the last safe moment to do it.
Does difficulty affect this unlock?
In most cases no. Difficulty changes rewards more often than it changes unlock conditions.
Is there a faster method?
Usually yes, and usually it is riskier. The route above trades a little speed for a much lower chance of having to start over.
Bookmark this if you expect to look up how to unlock birthright isaac again after the next update.