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"Master Tarot Cards in Balatro: A Guide"

by Elijah May 13,2025

It didn’t take long for Balatro to captivate the gaming community, with many players becoming hooked on its engaging gameplay. One often underappreciated aspect 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 first need to acquire them. The primary method is through Arcana Packs, which you can purchase in the in-game Shop. Alternatively, you may find individual Tarot cards available for purchase in the Shop. Another way to obtain them is by discarding a card with a Purple Seal.

Using Tarot Cards

Tarot cards are consumable items, meaning you can use them immediately upon acquisition. To do so, select the Tarot card from its slot in the top right corner of the screen. Upon selection, a set of cards eligible for the Tarot card’s effect will appear. Choose the number of cards specified by the Tarot card, confirm your selection, and watch as the card’s effects are applied to your chosen cards.

All Tarot Cards

Balatro features 22 unique Tarot cards, each with its own distinct effect. Here's a detailed breakdown:

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 unique layer of strategy to Balatro, distinguishing it from traditional poker games. While some players might overlook the potential of Tarot cards, especially those that alter card suits, they can be incredibly beneficial once you master their use. Understanding and leveraging the effects of these cards can significantly enhance your gameplay and lead to more successful Balatro runs.

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