It didn’t take long for Balatro to carve out a niche in the gaming world, captivating players with its addictive gameplay. Yet, one feature often flies under the radar: the use of Tarot cards. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to harness the power of Tarot cards in Balatro.
Getting Tarot Cards in Balatro
Before you can wield the mystical power of Tarot cards, you need to acquire them. The primary method is through purchasing Arcana Packs in the Shop. You can also opt to buy individual Tarot cards directly from the Shop. Another way to snag these cards is 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 your screen. When you select a Tarot card, a selection 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 unique Tarot cards in Balatro, each with its own distinct effect. Here’s a detailed breakdown:
| Card | Effect |
|---|---|
| The Fool | Creates the last Tarot or Planet card used during your current run. |
| The Magician | Enhances two cards to Lucky Cards. |
| The High Priestess | Creates up to two Planet cards if you have the space for them. |
| The Empress | Enhances two cards to Mult Cards. |
| The Emperor | Creates up to two random Tarot cards if you have the space for them. |
| The Hierophant | Enhances two cards to Bonus Cards. |
| The Lovers | Enhances one card to a Wild Card. |
| The Chariot | Enhances one card to a Steel Card. |
| Justice | Enhances one card 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 | Increases the rank of up to two cards by one. |
| The Hanged Man | Allows you to destroy up to two cards. |
| Death | Converts the left card into the right card when two cards are selected. |
| Temperance | Grants the total sell value of all current Jokers up to $50. |
| The Devil | Enhances one card to a Gold Card. |
| The Tower | Enhances one card to a Stone Card. |
| The Star | Converts up to three cards to Diamonds. |
| The Moon | Converts up to three cards to Clubs. |
| The Sun | Converts up to three cards to Hearts. |
| Judgement | Creates a random Joker if you have room. |
| The World | Converts up to three cards to Spades. |
Tarot cards are a key element that sets Balatro apart from traditional poker games. While some players might overlook their potential, especially the cards that change the suits of cards in your deck, mastering their use can significantly enhance your gameplay. These cards may not always be beneficial depending on your current run, but with practice, you'll find them invaluable in navigating the challenges of Balatro.
