It didn’t take long for Balatro to carve out a niche in the gaming community, captivating players with its addictive gameplay. One element that often flies under the radar is the use of Tarot cards. Let's dive into how to effectively use Tarot cards in Balatro.
Getting Tarot Cards in Balatro
Screenshot by The Escapist
To harness the power of Tarot cards, you first need to acquire them. The primary method is through purchasing Arcana Packs available in the in-game Shop. Alternatively, you can opt to buy individual Tarot cards directly from the Shop. Another way to snag these mystical cards is by discarding a card with a Purple Seal during your gameplay.
Using Tarot Cards
Tarot cards are consumable items, ready to be used as soon as you obtain them. You'll find them in the top right corner of your screen. Simply select a Tarot card, and a selection of cards will appear that it can be applied to. Choose the number of cards specified by the Tarot card, confirm your choice, and watch as the card's effects are applied to your selection.
All Tarot Cards
There are 22 unique Tarot cards in Balatro, each offering distinct effects that can significantly influence your gameplay. Here's a comprehensive list:
Card | Effect |
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The Fool | Creates the last Tarot or Planet card used during your current run. |
The Magician | Two cards are enhanced to Lucky Cards. |
The High Priestess | Creates up to two Planet cards if you have the space for them. |
The Empress | Two cards are enhanced to Mult Cards. |
The Emperor | Creates up to two random Tarot cards if you have the space for them. |
The Hierophant | Two cards are enhanced to Bonus Cards. |
The Lovers | One card is enhanced to a Wild Card. |
The Chariot | One card is enhanced to a Steel Card. |
Justice | One card is enhanced to a Glass Card. |
The Hermit | Doubles Money (up to $20) |
The Wheel of Fortune | 1 in 4 chance to add Foil, Holographic, or Polychrome to a random Joker. |
Strength | Pick up to two cards to increase their rank by one. |
The Hanged Man | Pick up to two cards to destroy. |
Death | Pick two cards and convert the left card into the right card. |
Temperance | Receive the total sell value of all current Jokers up to $50. |
The Devil | One card is enhanced to a Gold Card. |
The Tower | One card is enhanced to a Stone Card. |
The Star | Pick up to three cards to convert to Diamonds. |
The Moon | Pick up to three cards to convert to Clubs. |
The Sun | Pick up to three cards to convert to Hearts. |
Judgement | If you have room, it creates a random Joker. |
The World | Pick up to three cards to convert to Spades. |
Tarot cards are a key feature that sets Balatro apart from traditional poker games. While some players might initially overlook their potential, especially the cards that change the suits of cards in your deck, mastering their use can significantly enhance your gameplay. Once you become familiar with their effects, Tarot cards can become a powerful tool in your Balatro strategy.