It didn’t take long for Balatro to make a place for itself in the gaming world, leaving many of us hooked on its gameplay. However, one aspect of gameplay that often goes underappreciated is the use of Tarot cards. So, let's dive into how to effectively utilize Tarot cards in Balatro.
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Getting Tarot Cards in Balatro
Screenshot by The Escapist
Before you can leverage the power of Tarot cards, you need to acquire them. The primary way to obtain Tarot cards is through Arcana Packs, which you can purchase in the in-game Shop. Additionally, you'll often have the option to buy individual Tarot cards directly from the Shop. Another method to get Tarot cards is by discarding a card that bears a Purple Seal.
Using Tarot Cards
Tarot cards are consumable items, meaning you can use them immediately upon acquisition. To use a Tarot card, select it from its designated spot in the top right corner of the screen. Upon selection, a set of cards that the Tarot card can affect will appear. You'll then choose the number of cards indicated by the Tarot card, confirm your selection, and the Tarot card’s effects will be applied to the cards you've chosen.
All Tarot Cards
There are 22 unique Tarot cards in Balatro, each with distinct effects that can significantly alter your gameplay experience.
| 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 | Allows you to increase the rank of up to two cards by one. |
| The Hanged Man | Allows you to destroy up to two cards. |
| Death | Allows you to convert the left card into the right card when picking two cards. |
| 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 | Allows you to convert up to three cards to Diamonds. |
| The Moon | Allows you to convert up to three cards to Clubs. |
| The Sun | Allows you to convert up to three cards to Hearts. |
| Judgement | Creates a random Joker if you have room. |
| The World | Allows you to convert up to three cards to Spades. |
Tarot cards are a key element that sets Balatro apart from traditional poker games. While some players may initially overlook their utility, especially the cards that change the suits of cards in your deck—since their usefulness can depend on your current run—mastering Tarot cards can greatly enhance your Balatro gameplay. Once you become familiar with their potential, Tarot cards can be a game-changer in your runs.
