Home News "Master Tarot Card Usage in Balatro: A Guide"

"Master Tarot Card Usage in Balatro: A Guide"

Author : Peyton Update : Apr 26,2025

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

Getting Tarot Cards in Balatro

Balatro Arcana Packs in Shop

Screenshot by The Escapist

To wield the magic of Tarot cards, you first need to acquire them. The primary method is by purchasing Arcana Packs from the Shop. Alternatively, you can opt 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, which means you can use them immediately upon acquisition. Simply select a Tarot card from its slot in the top right corner of the screen. Once selected, you’ll be presented with 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 effects transform the chosen cards.

All Tarot Cards

Balatro boasts 22 unique Tarot cards, each with distinct effects that can alter your gameplay significantly. Below is 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 are a key element that distinguishes Balatro from traditional poker games. While some players might initially overlook their utility, especially cards that alter card suits, mastering Tarot cards can significantly enhance your Balatro experience. With practice, you'll find that these cards can turn the tide of your gameplay, making them a valuable asset in your Balatro runs.