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How to Use Tarot Cards in Balatro

Author: Hunter Mar 24,2025

It didn’t take long for Balatro to carve out its niche in the gaming world, captivating players with its addictive gameplay. While many aspects of the game are well-explored, the use of Tarot cards often flies under the radar. Let's delve into how you can effectively use Tarot cards in Balatro to enhance your gaming experience.

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 have the option to buy individual Tarot cards directly from the Shop. Another way to obtain Tarot cards is by discarding a card marked with a Purple Seal.

Using Tarot Cards

Tarot cards are consumable items, ready to be used immediately upon acquisition. To use a Tarot card, simply select it from the top right corner of the screen. Upon selection, you’ll see a list of cards eligible for the Tarot card’s effect. Choose the number of cards as indicated by the Tarot card, confirm your selection, and watch as the Tarot card's magic takes effect on your chosen cards.

All Tarot Cards

There are 22 unique Tarot cards in Balatro, each offering distinct effects that can significantly alter your gameplay strategy. Here’s a comprehensive look at each Tarot card and its effect:

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 add a layer of depth to Balatro, distinguishing it from traditional poker games. While cards that change the suits of your deck might not always be advantageous, mastering their use can significantly boost your performance. Once you familiarize yourself with these powerful tools, Tarot cards can become a game-changer in your Balatro runs.