To "bomb angels" in The Binding of Isaac means to use a bomb on the angel statues found in an Angel Room to initiate a boss fight. This strategic action allows you to battle these powerful foes for valuable rewards, most notably the crucial Key Pieces required to unlock the final boss, Mega Satan.
Understanding Angel Room Encounters
Angel Rooms are special challenge rooms that can appear after defeating a boss, typically replacing a Devil Room offer if certain conditions are met (like avoiding red heart damage or sacrificing health at a Donation Machine). Within these rooms, you'll often find a large, static angel statue. This statue isn't just scenery; it's a dormant enemy that can be awakened.
The process of "bombing an angel" involves:
- Locating an Angel Statue: These are distinct, large statues found within Angel Rooms.
- Placing a Bomb: You must place a bomb directly at the base of the statue.
- Activating the Statue: Once the bomb explodes, the statue will animate and transform into an angelic boss, ready to attack you.
Steps to Summon and Defeat an Angel
Engaging an angel boss for its rewards is a straightforward process:
- Enter an Angel Room: Successfully generate and enter an Angel Room after defeating a floor boss.
- Identify the Angel Statue: Look for the large, winged statue within the room.
- Place a Bomb: Position any type of bomb (regular bomb, golden bomb, etc.) at the rock formation at the very bottom of the angel statue.
- Initiate Combat: The explosion will shatter the rock, awakening the angel. It will then fly up and begin its attack patterns.
- Defeat the Angel: Engage in a boss fight, utilizing your tears and items to defeat the angel. Be prepared, as these enemies can be challenging.
Rewards for Defeating Angels
Defeating an angel boss yields specific rewards crucial for progressing through the game or gaining powerful items. The drops depend on whether you've already collected the necessary Key Pieces:
| Condition | Reward | Description |
|---|---|---|
| First Angel Defeated | Key Piece 1 | This is the first of two special key pieces required to unlock the door to the Mega Satan boss fight. |
| Second Angel Defeated | Key Piece 2 | This is the second and final key piece. Once you possess both Key Piece 1 and Key Piece 2, the large door in the Chest/Dark Room will be permanently unlocked, granting access to the Mega Satan encounter. |
| Both Key Pieces Already Owned | 2 Soul Hearts | If you have already collected both Key Piece 1 and Key Piece 2, defeating an angel will typically reward you with two Soul Hearts, providing a valuable health boost. |
| Both Key Pieces Owned (Rare Chance) | Random Angel Room Item (very small chance) | In rare instances, if you already possess both Key Piece 1 and Key Piece 2, defeating an angel might drop a random item that would normally be found in an Angel Room. This is a highly sought-after but infrequent reward. |
Strategic Considerations
Bombing angels is a deliberate choice. While it costs you one bomb and initiates a boss fight, the rewards are often worth the expenditure, especially if you are aiming for the Mega Satan unlock. Always weigh the cost of the bomb and your current health against the potential benefits of the key pieces or additional soul hearts.
