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Using Tarot Cards Effectively in Balatro: A Guide

Author : Aaron

May 05,2025

It didn’t take long for Balatro to carve out a niche in the gaming world, captivating players with its addictive gameplay. Yet, one feature often flies under the radar: the use of Tarot cards. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to harness the power of Tarot cards in Balatro.

Getting Tarot Cards in Balatro

Balatro Arcana Packs in Shop Screenshot by The Escapist

Before you can wield the mystical 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 snag these cards is by discarding a card with a Purple Seal.

Using Tarot Cards

Tarot cards are consumable items, ready to be used as soon as you obtain them. To activate a Tarot card, select it from its slot in the top right corner of the screen. A selection 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 will be applied to the chosen cards.

All Tarot Cards

There are 22 unique Tarot cards in Balatro, each with distinct effects that can significantly alter your gameplay. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

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 selected.
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, mastering their use can significantly enhance your gameplay. These cards may not always be beneficial depending on your current run, but with practice, you'll find them invaluable in navigating the challenges of Balatro.