Home > News > "Mastering Tarot Cards in Balatro: A Guide"

"Mastering Tarot Cards in Balatro: A Guide"

Author : Gabriel

Apr 04,2025

It didn’t take long for *Balatro* to carve out its niche in the gaming world, captivating players with its unique gameplay. However, one feature that often flies under the radar 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 purchasing Arcana Packs available in the in-game Shop. Additionally, you might find individual Tarot cards available for purchase within the Shop. Another way to obtain Tarot cards is by discarding a card that has 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, simply 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, allowing you to choose the specified number of cards. Once you've made your selection and confirmed it, the effects of the Tarot card will be applied to the chosen cards.

All Tarot Cards

*Balatro* features 22 distinct Tarot cards, each with its own unique effects that can significantly alter your gameplay:

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 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, they can be incredibly powerful once you understand their mechanics. Mastering Tarot cards can significantly enhance your *Balatro* runs, making them an essential tool in your gaming arsenal.