How to Use Tarot Cards in Balatro

Balatro has quickly captivated gamers, but one often-overlooked gameplay element is the strategic use of Tarot cards. Let's explore how to harness their power.

Getting Tarot Cards in Balatro

Screenshot by The Escapist

To use Tarot cards, you first need to acquire them. The primary method is purchasing Arcana Packs from the in-game Shop. Individual Tarot cards are also often available for direct purchase. Finally, discarding a card bearing a Purple Seal will sometimes yield a Tarot card.

Using Tarot Cards

Tarot cards are single-use items. To activate one, select it from the top-right corner of the screen. You'll then see which cards in your hand are eligible for its effect, along with the number of cards the Tarot card affects. Choose your target cards, confirm your selection, and watch the Tarot card's effect transform your hand.

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	Increase the rank of up to two cards by one.
The Hanged Man	Destroy up to two cards.
Death	Convert one selected card into another.
Temperance	Receive 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	Convert up to three cards to Diamonds.
The Moon	Convert up to three cards to Clubs.
The Sun	Convert up to three cards to Hearts.
Judgement	Creates a random Joker (if space allows).
The World	Convert up to three cards to Spades.

While Balatro's Tarot card system sets it apart from traditional poker, its nuances might be initially overlooked. Mastering the suit-changing cards, in particular, requires strategic timing. However, with practice, Tarot cards become a powerful tool to enhance your Balatro gameplay.