It didn’t take long for Balatro to carve out a niche in the gaming world, captivating players with its addictive gameplay. One of the most intriguing yet often overlooked mechanics is the use of Tarot cards. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to leverage these cards to enhance your Balatro experience.
Getting Tarot Cards in Balatro
Screenshot by The Escapist
Before you can harness the power of Tarot cards, you need to acquire them. The primary method is through Arcana Packs, available for purchase in the Shop. You can also opt to buy individual Tarot cards directly from the Shop. Additionally, Tarot cards can be obtained by discarding a card with a Purple Seal.
Using Tarot Cards
Tarot cards are consumable items, meaning you can use them immediately upon acquisition. They are located in the top right corner of the screen. To use a Tarot card, select it, and a set of cards that it can affect will appear. Choose the number of cards specified by the Tarot card, confirm your selection, and watch as the card’s effects are applied to your chosen cards.
All Tarot Cards
There are 22 Tarot cards in Balatro, each with unique effects that can significantly impact your gameplay. Here’s a detailed breakdown:
| Card | Effect |
|---|---|
| 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. |
The Unique Role of Tarot Cards in Balatro
Tarot cards are a key element that sets Balatro apart from traditional poker games. While some players might initially overlook their utility, especially those that change the suits of cards in your deck, mastering these cards can significantly enhance your gameplay. The ability to manipulate your deck and enhance your cards can be a game-changer, making Tarot cards an essential tool for any serious Balatro player.
