It didn’t take long for Balatro to captivate the gaming community, leaving many players hooked on its engaging gameplay. However, one often overlooked aspect is the use of Tarot cards. Let's delve into how you can effectively use Tarot cards in Balatro to enhance your gaming 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, which you can purchase in the in-game Shop. Additionally, you may have the option to buy individual Tarot cards directly from the Shop. Another way to obtain Tarot 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 acquiring them. To do so, select the Tarot card from its position in the top right corner of the screen. A selection of cards that the Tarot card can affect will appear, allowing you to choose the number of cards specified by the Tarot card. Once you confirm your selection, the Tarot card's effects are applied to the chosen cards.
All Tarot Cards
There are 22 unique Tarot cards in Balatro, each with distinct effects that can significantly impact your gameplay. Here’s a detailed look at each card and its effect:
| 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. |
Tarot cards are a unique feature that sets Balatro apart from traditional poker games. While some players might overlook the utility of Tarot cards, especially those that change card suits, mastering their use can significantly enhance your gameplay. Once you understand how to leverage these cards, they can become a powerful tool in your Balatro runs.
