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Mastering Tarot Cards in Balatro: A Guide

by Mila Apr 09,2025

It didn’t take long for Balatro to make a significant impact in the gaming community, captivating players with its addictive gameplay. One of the game's unique features, Tarot cards, often goes underappreciated. Here's a comprehensive guide on how to utilize Tarot cards effectively 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 most straightforward method is purchasing Arcana Packs from the in-game Shop. Additionally, you might find individual Tarot cards available for purchase in the Shop. Another way to obtain them is by discarding a card with a Purple Seal, which can sometimes yield a Tarot card.

Using Tarot Cards

Tarot cards in Balatro are consumable items. Once you have a Tarot card, you can immediately use it by selecting it from its designated spot in the top right corner of your screen. Upon selection, you'll see a set of cards that the Tarot card can affect. Choose the number of cards as indicated by the Tarot card, confirm your selection, and watch as the Tarot card's effect is applied to the chosen cards.

All Tarot Cards

There are 22 unique Tarot cards in Balatro, each with its own set of effects. Here's a detailed breakdown:

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 are a key element that sets Balatro apart from traditional poker games. While some players might initially overlook their potential, especially those cards that change the suits of cards in your deck, mastering their use can significantly enhance your gameplay. Once you become familiar with the effects of each Tarot card, you'll find them to be invaluable tools in your Balatro runs.

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