How to Unlock the Forgotten in [Game Name]: A Comprehensive Guide

Unlocking the Forgotten in [Game Name] is a challenging but rewarding endeavor. This elusive character boasts unique abilities and gameplay mechanics that can significantly enhance your runs. However, obtaining the Forgotten requires completing a specific set of tasks in a single run, demanding precision, skill, and a bit of luck. This comprehensive guide will walk you through each step, providing detailed instructions and helpful tips to increase your chances of success.

Prerequisites

Before embarking on your quest to unlock the Forgotten, ensure you meet the following prerequisites:

* **Unlock the Mom fight:** You must have defeated Mom at least once. This unlocks the Basement II trapdoor, a crucial element in the process.
* **Familiarity with the Game:** A solid understanding of item synergies, enemy patterns, and boss strategies is essential. The challenge requires efficient play and quick decision-making.
* **Patience and Perseverance:** Unlocking the Forgotten often takes multiple attempts. Don’t get discouraged if you fail initially; learn from your mistakes and adapt your strategy.

Step-by-Step Guide to Unlocking the Forgotten

The process of unlocking the Forgotten involves several distinct stages, each with its own set of challenges:

Step 1: The Broken Shovel

The first step is to obtain the Broken Shovel. This is achieved by defeating Mom within the first minute of the run. This is the most time-sensitive and arguably the most difficult part of the entire process.

* **Start a New Run:** Begin a new run with any character you feel comfortable with. Characters with high starting damage or innate abilities like Isaac with his D6 or Azazel with his short-range Brimstone can significantly increase your chances of success.
* **Prioritize Damage:** Focus solely on acquiring items that increase your damage output. Ignore defensive or utility items unless they directly contribute to your damage. Look for items like:
* **Items increasing Damage:** Mutant Spider, Polyphemus, Magic Mushroom, Cricket’s Head, The Pact, Pentagram
* **Items increasing Firing Rate:** The Inner Eye, Soy Milk (with caution, as it can decrease damage), Chocolate Milk
* **Items with good synergies:** Brimstone, Mom’s Knife, Technology
* **Speed is Key:** Move quickly through each floor. Don’t waste time exploring unnecessary rooms or fighting optional enemies. Your primary goal is to reach Mom as fast as possible.
* **Boss Rush Preparation (Optional):** Some players find it helpful to unlock the Boss Rush before attempting this. While optional, knowing the boss patterns can shave valuable seconds off your Mom fight. However, this adds an extra layer of difficulty, so weigh the pros and cons.
* **Mom Fight Strategy:** When you reach Mom, focus on maximizing your damage output. Prioritize dodging her attacks and exploiting her weaknesses. Use your bombs strategically to deal additional damage.
* **Defeat Mom Within One Minute:** If you manage to defeat Mom within the one-minute time limit, the Broken Shovel piece will drop. If you fail, you’ll need to restart the run.

Step 2: The Earthquake and the Second Shovel Piece

After obtaining the Broken Shovel, the next step involves triggering an earthquake on the Basement II floor. This earthquake unearths the second piece of the Shovel, allowing you to complete the item.

* **Take Damage on Basement II:** On the Basement II floor, you must take damage from an enemy. This is crucial for triggering the earthquake. Avoid taking damage on Basement I, as it will not count towards the requirement.
* **The Earthquake Trigger:** After taking damage on Basement II, a visual earthquake effect will occur. The screen will shake, indicating that the second Shovel piece is about to appear.
* **Locate the White Fire:** After the earthquake, a specific fire in the level will turn white. This fire marks the location of the second Shovel piece. Be thorough in your search, as the fire’s location can vary.
* **Bomb the White Fire:** Once you find the white fire, use a bomb to destroy it. This will reveal the second piece of the Shovel. Pick it up to combine it with the first piece, forming the complete Shovel item.
* **Dealing with Curse of the Maze:** If you get Curse of the Maze, focus on exploring every room quickly. Memorize the level layout to avoid getting disoriented and wasting time.

Step 3: Dying in the Womb/Utero

With the completed Shovel in your possession, you must now carry it to the Womb/Utero floor and die while holding it. This seemingly counterintuitive step is essential for progressing to the next stage.

* **Proceed to the Womb/Utero:** Continue through the subsequent floors, aiming to reach the Womb or Utero. Do not drop or replace the Shovel item. Ensure you keep it in your inventory.
* **Find a Suitable Enemy:** Once you reach the Womb/Utero, identify an enemy that can easily damage you. Avoid enemies with unpredictable attacks that might kill you instantly. Consider using:
* **Stationary Turrets:** Turrets like the ones found in the Womb are ideal, as they provide consistent damage without moving.
* **Slow-Moving Enemies:** Slow-moving enemies like the basic Womb enemies allow you to control the pace of the damage.
* **Die While Holding the Shovel:** Allow the enemy to reduce your health to zero while you are holding the Shovel. When you die, the Shovel will be consumed, and you will hear a specific sound cue, confirming that the step has been completed correctly.
* **Avoiding Unnecessary Risks:** Don’t take unnecessary risks by fighting bosses or challenging difficult rooms. Your primary goal is to die in the Womb/Utero while holding the Shovel. Focus on survival until you find an opportunity to take damage.

Step 4: The Coffin and the Forgotten

After dying in the Womb/Utero with the Shovel, you will respawn as a new character – The Soul. The final step is to find and enter a specific coffin located in the Dark Room. This will finally unlock the Forgotten.

* **You are Now The Soul:** Upon respawning, you will be playing as The Soul, a ghost-like character with unique abilities. He can fly and is immune to ground-based hazards.
* **Reach the Dark Room:** Continue through the remaining floors, aiming to reach the Dark Room. The route to the Dark Room typically involves defeating It Lives, proceeding to Sheol, and then finally entering the Dark Room.
* **Locate the Coffin:** Within the Dark Room, search for a specific coffin that is highlighted with a faint blue glow. This coffin is not always in the same location, so explore the entire floor thoroughly.
* **Enter the Coffin:** Once you find the glowing coffin, interact with it to enter. This will trigger a cutscene and unlock the Forgotten as a playable character.
* **Beware of Enemies:** The Dark Room is filled with powerful enemies. As The Soul, you have limited health and rely on your flight ability to avoid damage. Prioritize dodging attacks and using your spectral form to your advantage.
* **Alternative Routes to the Dark Room:** If you have items or abilities that allow you to skip floors, such as the Red Key or We Need to Go Deeper!, you can use them to reach the Dark Room more quickly. However, ensure you are adequately prepared for the challenges that await you.

Tips and Strategies for Success

Unlocking the Forgotten is a challenging task, but these tips and strategies can increase your chances of success:

* **Character Choice:** Choose a character that suits your playstyle and offers an advantage in terms of damage output or survivability. Isaac with the D6, Azazel, or Cain are popular choices.
* **Item Synergies:** Focus on acquiring items that synergize well together. Powerful item combinations can significantly increase your damage output and make the process easier.
* **Practice and Patience:** Don’t get discouraged if you fail initially. Practice the steps, learn from your mistakes, and adapt your strategy. Persistence is key to unlocking the Forgotten.
* **Understand Enemy Patterns:** Familiarize yourself with the attack patterns of different enemies and bosses. This will help you dodge attacks and avoid unnecessary damage.
* **Utilize Bombs Strategically:** Bombs can be used to clear obstacles, damage enemies, and reveal secret rooms. Use them wisely to maximize their effectiveness.
* **Don’t Be Afraid to Restart:** If you get a bad start or encounter unfavorable item drops, don’t hesitate to restart the run. It’s better to start fresh than to waste time on a run with low chances of success.
* **Keep Track of Time:** Pay attention to the time, especially when attempting to defeat Mom within the one-minute time limit. Use a timer or a stopwatch to keep track of your progress.

Troubleshooting and Common Issues

* **Not Getting the Broken Shovel:** If you’re not getting the Broken Shovel after defeating Mom, ensure you are defeating her within the one-minute time limit. Use a timer to accurately track your progress.
* **Earthquake Not Triggering:** If the earthquake is not triggering on Basement II, ensure you are taking damage from an enemy on that floor. Taking damage on Basement I will not count.
* **Can’t Find the White Fire:** If you’re having trouble finding the white fire, explore the entire Basement II floor thoroughly. The fire’s location can vary, so leave no room unchecked.
* **Dying with the Shovel Not Working:** Ensure you are dying in the Womb/Utero while holding the Shovel. If you drop or replace the Shovel before dying, the step will not be completed correctly.
* **Can’t Find the Coffin:** If you’re having trouble finding the coffin in the Dark Room, explore the entire floor thoroughly. The coffin’s location can vary, so leave no room unchecked. Look for a faint blue glow that distinguishes the correct coffin from the others.

Conclusion

Unlocking the Forgotten in [Game Name] is a challenging but rewarding experience. By following this comprehensive guide and implementing the tips and strategies provided, you can increase your chances of success and add this unique character to your roster. Remember to be patient, persistent, and adaptable, and you’ll eventually conquer the challenges and unlock the Forgotten’s full potential. Good luck, and have fun!