How to Play The Binding of Isaac: Four Souls 2nd Edition

Quick answer

To play The Binding of Isaac: Four Souls 2nd Edition, each player picks a starting character, shuffles the treasure, monster, and loot decks, and places the four soul counters nearby. On your turn, you take up to two actions: play loot cards, buy treasure from the shop, or attack a monster. The first player to collect four souls wins.

What you need before your first turn

The 2nd Edition box includes updated cards with clearer wording and enhanced backgrounds, so you do not need to print errata or memorize old rulings. Set aside space for three separate decks (treasure, monster, loot) and a discard pile for each. Each player needs a character card and a way to track health and items. You can use the included counters or grab a few coins and dice from another game. The rulebook in the 2nd Edition is the final authority, but this guide follows the same flow.

How the turn order works in Four Souls

A turn has three phases: start, action, and end. In the start phase, resolve any effects that say 'at the start of your turn' and refill your hand to the loot limit (usually three cards). In the action phase, you may take two actions in any order. An action is one of the following: play a loot card, buy a treasure item, or attack a monster. You can also use activated abilities on your character or items; each use counts as an action unless the card says otherwise. The end phase is when you discard down to the hand limit and pass the turn. The most common mistake is treating 'buy' and 'attack' as free actions. They are not. If you buy a treasure and then attack, that is your whole turn. Plan which two actions matter most before you start.

How to attack monsters and roll dice

To attack a monster, declare your target, then roll a six-sided die. If the result is equal to or higher than the monster's evasion, you hit and deal damage equal to your attack stat. If you roll lower, you miss and the monster deals its damage to you. Some monsters have special abilities that trigger on a hit or miss. After you resolve the attack, if the monster's health is zero, you gain its reward (often a soul, treasure, or a one-time effect). The 2nd Edition updated wording makes these triggers clearer, but you still need to read each monster card carefully. A common mistake is forgetting that you can only attack one monster per action. You cannot split your attack between two monsters unless a card explicitly allows it.

How to buy treasure and use the shop

The shop is not a separate board; it is the treasure deck. When you take the buy action, you pay the cost shown on the top card of the treasure deck (usually 3 coins, but some cards cost more or less). You may buy any number of items with a single buy action, as long as you can pay the total cost. Bought items go directly into your play area and stay there. You can use their abilities on later turns. If you cannot afford any treasure, you can still take the buy action to discard the top card and reveal the next one. That is a legal move, but it uses your action for no immediate gain. A frequent mistake is forgetting that you must pay the cost before you see the next card. You cannot shop around.

How to win: collecting four souls

You win the moment you collect your fourth soul. Souls come from three main sources: defeating certain monsters, playing specific loot cards, and buying certain treasure items. Some souls are 'soul cards' that you place in your play area; others are tokens or effects that count as a soul. The 2nd Edition clarifies which cards count as souls and when they are gained. Keep your souls visible so everyone can see how close you are to winning. The most common mistake is forgetting that some monsters drop a soul only if you deal the final damage. If another player finishes the monster, you get nothing. Coordinate or compete accordingly.

Four Souls 2nd Edition turn checklist

1. Start phase: Resolve 'start of turn' effects, then refill your hand to the loot limit (usually three cards). Checkpoint: if you forget to refill, you will have fewer options during your actions.
2. Action phase: choose two actions: Pick any two: play a loot card, buy treasure, or attack a monster. Activated abilities also count as actions unless stated otherwise. Checkpoint: say your two actions out loud before you start, so you do not accidentally take three.
3. Resolve attacks: Roll a die, compare to the monster's evasion, deal damage or take damage, then claim rewards if the monster dies. Checkpoint: only the player who deals the final damage gets the soul or reward.
4. End phase: Discard down to your hand limit, then pass the turn to the left. Checkpoint: if you have more than the limit, discard before the next player starts.

Product facts

• The Binding Of Isaac: Four Souls (2nd Edition): Inspired by the hit video game, players collect treasure, defeat monsters, and be the first to collect four souls. Discover killer combos, enhance your abilities, betray your companions and win! UPDATED: This is the Second Edition of The Binding of Isaac: Four Souls. All cards have been updated with enhanced backgrounds and updated wording for clarity. The 2nd Edition's updated wording reduces rules disputes, so you can focus on the turn order and soul race instead of checking old FAQs.