The default pick is Isaac
Isaac is the character the game hands you first. He starts with three red hearts and an empty item slot.
That plain start makes him a clean learning tool. Nothing in his kit hides a mistake you made.
His low heart count means a bad floor can end a run early. Learning to avoid damage matters more than raw output here.
Magdalene trades speed for safety
Magdalene begins with more red hearts than Isaac. She also moves slower, and that cost shows in every dodge.
The extra health forgives a rough start. It buys you time to learn enemy patterns.
If chip damage ends your runs more often than spikes, Magdalene is the gentler introduction.
Cain rewards careful aim
Cain starts with an edge to his damage output. He also carries a bit of luck from the start.
That luck improves your odds on drops and pickups. It turns more rooms into small wins.
Cain suits a player who already dodges well and wants a faster clear.
Choosing by playstyle
Pick the character that matches the mistake you make most. Dying to health loss points to Magdalene, while slow clears point to Cain.
You can switch at any time between runs. There is no wrong first choice, only a slower or faster lesson.
Next: Common Isaac mistakes and How a run works.