Using Tarot Cards Effectively in Balatro: A Guide

It didn’t take long for *Balatro* to carve out a niche for itself in the gaming community, captivating players with its unique gameplay. Among its many intriguing elements, the use of Tarot cards often flies under the radar. Let's dive into how you can harness the power of Tarot cards in *Balatro* to enhance your gameplay experience.

Getting Tarot Cards in Balatro

Balatro Arcana Packs in Shop

Screenshot by The Escapist

Before you can leverage the mystical power of Tarot cards, you'll need to acquire them. The primary method to obtain Tarot cards is through Arcana Packs, available for purchase in the Shop. You might also find individual Tarot cards for sale in the Shop. Another way to snag these cards is by discarding a card that bears a Purple Seal.

Using Tarot Cards

Tarot cards in *Balatro* are consumable items, meaning you can use them immediately upon acquisition. To use a Tarot card, select it from its designated slot in the top right corner of the screen. Upon selection, a set of cards that the Tarot card can affect will appear. Choose the number of cards as indicated by the Tarot card, confirm your selection, and watch as the Tarot card's effects transform your chosen cards.

All Tarot Cards

*Balatro* features 22 distinct Tarot cards, each with unique effects that can dramatically alter your gameplay strategy. Here's a comprehensive list of all Tarot cards and their effects:

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 add a layer of depth and strategy to *Balatro*, distinguishing it from traditional poker games. While some players might initially overlook their potential, especially those that change card suits, understanding and utilizing Tarot cards can significantly enhance your *Balatro* runs. Mastering their use can be a game-changer, transforming your approach and boosting your chances of success.