The game *Balatro* has swiftly captivated players worldwide with its unique gameplay, drawing many into its addictive loop. Yet, one feature that often flies under the radar is the use of Tarot cards. Here's a comprehensive guide on how to leverage 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'll need to acquire them. The primary method is purchasing Arcana Packs from the in-game Shop. These packs are your gateway to a variety of Tarot cards. Additionally, keep an eye out for individual Tarot cards available for purchase in the Shop. Lastly, you can also obtain Tarot cards by discarding a card marked with a Purple Seal, adding an element of strategy to your gameplay.
Using Tarot Cards
Tarot cards in *Balatro* are consumable items, ready to be used as soon as you obtain them. You'll find them in the top right corner of your screen. To use a Tarot card, simply select it, and you'll be presented with a set of cards that the Tarot card can affect. Choose the number of cards specified by the Tarot card, confirm your selection, and watch as the Tarot card's unique effects are applied to the chosen cards.
All Tarot Cards
With a total of 22 Tarot cards, each brings its own distinct effect to the table. Here’s a breakdown of what each card can do for you:
| 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 | Increases the rank of up to two cards by one. |
| The Hanged Man | Allows you to destroy up to two cards. |
| Death | Converts the left card into the right card when two cards are chosen. |
| 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 | Converts up to three cards to Diamonds. |
| The Moon | Converts up to three cards to Clubs. |
| The Sun | Converts up to three cards to Hearts. |
| Judgement | Creates a random Joker if you have room. |
| The World | Converts up to three cards to Spades. |
Tarot cards are a key element that sets *Balatro* apart from traditional poker games. While some players might initially overlook their potential, especially the cards that change the suits of cards in your deck, understanding and utilizing Tarot cards can significantly enhance your gameplay. As you become more familiar with their effects, you'll discover how these cards can strategically benefit your runs in *Balatro*.
