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How to Use Tarot Cards in Balatro

by Savannah Mar 19,2025

Balatro's captivating gameplay has quickly hooked many, but a key element often gets overlooked: Tarot cards. Let's explore how to use them effectively.

Acquiring Tarot Cards in Balatro

Screenshot by The Escapist

To utilize Tarot cards, you first need to obtain them. The primary method is through Arcana Packs, available for purchase in the in-game Shop. Individual Tarot cards can also be bought directly from the Shop. Alternatively, discarding a card with a Purple Seal will sometimes yield a Tarot card.

Using Tarot Cards

Tarot cards are single-use items. Once acquired, select a card from the top-right corner of your screen. The game will then display compatible cards you can apply the effect to. Choose the number of cards indicated by your selected Tarot card, confirm your choice, and the effect will be applied.

All Tarot Cards and Their Effects

There are 22 unique Tarot cards, each with a distinct effect:

Card	Effect
The Fool	Creates a copy of the last Tarot or Planet card used in your current run.
The Magician	Enhances two cards to Lucky Cards.
The High Priestess	Creates up to two Planet cards (if space allows).
The Empress	Enhances two cards to Mult Cards.
The Emperor	Creates up to two random Tarot cards (if space allows).
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 your money (up to $20).
The Wheel of Fortune	25% 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	Destroys up to two cards.
Death	Transforms one selected card into another.
Temperance	Gives you 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 space allows).
The World	Converts up to three cards to Spades.

While the suit-changing cards might seem less useful depending on your game state, mastering Tarot cards can significantly improve your Balatro runs. Their unique abilities add a layer of strategy beyond traditional card game mechanics.

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