Balatro, the highly successful roguelike deckbuilder developed by solo developer LocalThunk, is now available on Xbox Game Pass. The game, which blends poker mechanics with roguelike progression, saw significant acclaim throughout 2024, earning multiple Game Awards and selling over 5 million copies by January 2025.
At its core, Balatro tasks players with achieving score requirements by playing poker hands of five or fewer cards across eight escalating levels called antes, each containing three rounds. Players can utilize any traditional poker hand, from a high card to a straight flush. Success hinges on strategically altering the initial hand dealt.
Between rounds, players can visit an in-game shop to purchase enhancements. These include additional cards to bolster hands and tarot cards that can add points or increase scoring multipliers. Planet cards further boost points for specific poker hands, potentially making a common hand like a pair more valuable than a rarer one like four-of-a-kind. Progress through the game encourages specialization in one or two hand types to maximize scoring potential.
The roguelike elements are largely driven by the game's extensive collection of Joker cards. With 150 unique Jokers available, each offering distinct effects, players can dramatically alter their strategies. Some Jokers provide temporary boosts, like the Popcorn joker, which adds a +20 multiplier that decreases by four points each round. Others, such as the Cavendish, offer a substantial 3x multiplier to the entire hand. Players start with five Joker slots, but can acquire more as they progress.
Achieving high scores, especially in the later stages and the infinite play mode, requires combining Jokers that multiply the overall score, such as Cavendish, Gros Michel, and Baron. The order in which Jokers are placed is crucial, following a specific order of operations: points Jokers on the far left, followed by additional multipliers, and then X multipliers. Some Jokers even duplicate the effects of others, like Blueprint and Brainstorm.
While the game's systems can seem complex initially, Balatro encourages learning through experimentation. The discovery of new Jokers and the engaging gameplay loop, accompanied by its soundtrack, contribute to a satisfying experience. As players become more familiar with the mechanics, the game can provide a sense of mastering its systems, making players feel like they are