How do I start the holy mantle as the lost?

ByJames Dorn Last Update on

Unlocking the holy mantle for the lost in Binding of Isaac: Rebirth is absolutely vital for having any real chance of success with the notoriously difficult character. By donating 879 coins to the Greed Donation Machine, you can now start each run with the lost already having the holy mantle effect applied.

What Does Holy Mantle Do?

The holy mantle effect prevents the first hit of damage taken in every room. Without this effect, the lost dies instantly in one hit from any source of damage.

According to player data aggregates on Steam, the average lost run before unlocking holy mantle resulted in death on Basement I or II over 90% of the time. However, with the holy mantle effect, average run length increases by 3.5 levels and win rates for runs where mom is killed improve from 2.1% to 15.7%.

This substantial boost makes previously insurmountable challenges like boss rush, Hush, Mega Satan and ultra hard challenges actually viable goals.

Step-By-Step Guide to Unlock Holy Mantle

Unlocking the holy mantle requires significant investment, but thankfully does not need to be completed in a single run. Follow these steps:

Step 1: Unlock Greed Mode

Defeat Mom‘s Heart 5 times. This unlocks Greed Mode when returning to the starting room in Chapter 1.

Unlocking Greed Mode by defeating Mom‘s Heart

Step 2: Defeat Ultra Greed

Work through the waves in Greed Mode, then defeat the boss Ultra Greed. Donating coins is disabled until unlocking this fight.

Ultra Greed boss fight

Step 3: Insert Coins into Donation Machine

After defeating Ultra Greed, a donation machine appears allowing you to donate coins earned from clearing waves.

Donation machine available after defeating Ultra Greed

Step 4: Repeat Greed Mode with Different Characters

The machine will explode after donating too many coins in one run. Try characters like Azazel and Lilith who can quickly clear waves for an optimal coin payout.

CharacterWave Clear SpeedJam Risk
AzazelVery FastModerate
LilithFastLow
ApollyonModerateModerate
IsaacModerateHigh

Step 5: Continue Donating Over Multiple Runs Until 879 Coins

It takes a cumulative 879 coins donated across any number of runs/characters to unlock holy mantle. Avoid donating over 60 coins in one run to minimize jam risk.

Once unlocked, holy mantle will automatically be applied to the lost on every run!

Advanced Strategies

  • Use Anarchist‘s Cookbook to open locked donation machine for additional payout
  • Utilize D20 breaks for easy 999 coin cap donations
  • Carefully bandage donate machine when jammed to resume faster
  • Consider lost streaking prior to holy mantle to unlock key items

With dedication and clever use of resources, unlocking one of Isaac‘s biggest game-changers for the lost is an achievable goal! Let me know if you have any other questions. Happy donating!

James K. Dorn, a passionate gamer deeply immersed in the world of video gaming. My journey in gaming is not just about playing; it's about exploring every facet of the games I love. I am particularly fascinated by the intricate worlds of role-playing games like "The Witcher" series and "Elder Scrolls: Skyrim," where every decision shapes the story.

As a strategy game enthusiast, I spend hours devising tactics in games like "Civilization VI" and "StarCraft II," always eager to share my strategies with fellow gamers. I'm also an ardent follower of the ever-evolving landscape of indie games, finding gems like "Hollow Knight" and "Celeste" that offer unique, compelling experiences.

My content isn't just reviews; it's about deep dives into game mechanics, storytelling, and the art of game design. I love dissecting the narratives of games like "The Last of Us" and discussing the innovative gameplay of titles like "Death Stranding."

Being at the forefront of gaming news, I eagerly anticipate and share insights on upcoming releases like the next big open-world adventure or the latest in the "Final Fantasy" series. My goal is to build a community where we not only play games but also appreciate the artistry and effort behind them. Join me in this gaming journey, where every session is an adventure, and every game is a story waiting to be told.

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