Balatro is a poker-inspired roguelike deck builder focused on creating powerful synergies and winning big. The core of the game is to combine valid poker hands with unique Joker cards to create varied and powerful builds. Your goal is to earn enough chips to defeat a series of devious "blinds," all while uncovering hidden bonus hands and decks as you progress toward the final ante.
The game offers endless possibilities, as every card you pick up, discard, or add to your collection can dramatically alter the course of your run. Immerse yourself in Balatro’s distinctive psychedelic world, accompanied by a synthwave soundtrack designed to help you enter the ultimate roguelike flow state. With each run, you will improve your collection and discover new cards and secrets.
To achieve victory, you must deftly deploy an array of potent tools:
- Joker Cards: With 150 Jokers, each offering unique abilities, these are the core of your strategy. Each Joker also has 5 potential variants that can add further game-changing effects.
- Decks: Start each run by choosing from 15 different decks, each with its own distinct modifiers that shape your initial approach.
- Tarot Cards: Use 22 variants of Tarot cards to enhance and modify your standard playing cards.
- Planet Cards: Collect 11 different Planet cards to help level up your possible poker hands, making them score more chips.
- Vouchers: Find 32 Voucher cards to provide permanent buffs that last for your entire current run.
In addition to these tools, the game features an in-depth campaign mode with 8 difficulties, as well as challenge and seeded runs for endless replayability. You can also make use of a detailed stats screen to study your best hands and most-used Jokers from past attempts.