Using Tarot Cards Effectively in Balatro: A Guide
*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
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
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 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.






