Using Tarot Cards Effectively in Balatro: A Guide

Author : Emily May 24,2025

*Balatro* has quickly become a favorite among gamers, captivating us with its unique gameplay. One of the standout features, often underappreciated, is the use of Tarot cards. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to effectively utilize Tarot cards in *Balatro*.

Getting Tarot Cards in Balatro

Balatro Arcana Packs in Shop 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 also have the option to buy individual Tarot cards directly from the Shop. Another way to gain Tarot cards is by discarding a card with a Purple Seal.

Using Tarot Cards

Tarot cards are consumable items, allowing immediate use upon acquisition. To use a Tarot card, select it from the top right corner of the screen. A set of cards that the Tarot card can affect will appear, and you'll need 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

CardEffect
The FoolCreates the last Tarot or Planet card used during your current run.
The MagicianTwo cards are enhanced to Lucky Cards.
The High PriestessCreates up to two Planet cards if you have the space for them.
The EmpressTwo cards are enhanced to Mult Cards.
The EmperorCreates up to two random Tarot cards if you have the space for them.
The HierophantTwo cards are enhanced to Bonus Cards.
The LoversOne card is enhanced to a Wild Card.
The ChariotOne card is enhanced to a Steel Card.
JusticeOne card is enhanced to a Glass Card.
The HermitDoubles Money (up to $20)
The Wheel of Fortune1 in 4 chance to add Foil, Holographic, or Polychrome to a random Joker.
StrengthPick up to two cards to increase their rank by one.
The Hanged ManPick up to two cards to destroy.
DeathPick two cards and convert the left card into the right card.
TemperanceReceive the total sell value of all current Jokers up to $50.
The DevilOne card is enhanced to a Gold Card.
The TowerOne card is enhanced to a Stone Card.
The StarPick up to three cards to convert to Diamonds.
The MoonPick up to three cards to convert to Clubs.
The SunPick up to three cards to convert to Hearts.
JudgementIf you have room, it creates a random Joker.
The WorldPick up to three cards to convert to Spades.

Tarot cards significantly contribute to what makes *Balatro* unique and distinct from traditional poker games. While some players may initially overlook their potential, particularly the cards that alter the suits of your deck, their strategic value becomes evident once you familiarize yourself with their effects. Mastering the use of Tarot cards can greatly enhance your *Balatro* gameplay, offering new strategies and deepening the game's complexity.