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Using Tarot Cards Effectively in Balatro

Author:Kristen Update:May 02,2025

It didn’t take long for Balatro to make a place for itself in the gaming world, leaving many of us addicted to its gameplay. However, one aspect of gameplay feels like it’s often overlooked. So, here’s how to use Tarot cards in Balatro.

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Getting Tarot Cards in Balatro

Balatro Arcana Packs in ShopScreenshot by The Escapist

Before you can harness the power of Tarot cards, you need to acquire them. The most straightforward way to obtain Tarot cards is by purchasing Arcana Packs from the Shop. You'll also frequently have the option to buy individual Tarot cards directly from the Shop. Another method to gain Tarot cards is by discarding a card with a Purple Seal.

Using Tarot Cards

Tarot cards are consumable items, meaning you can use them immediately upon acquiring them. To do so, simply select the Tarot card from its slot in the top right corner of the screen. Upon selection, a set of cards eligible for the Tarot card's effect will appear. Choose the number of cards as indicated by the Tarot card, confirm your selection, and watch as the Tarot card's effects are applied to the chosen cards.

All Tarot Cards

There are 22 Tarot cards in Balatro, each with unique effects that can significantly influence your gameplay.

CardEffect
The FoolCreates the last Tarot or Planet card used during your current run.
The MagicianTwo cards are enhanced to Lucky Cards.
The High PriestessCreates up to two Planet cards if you have the space for them.
The EmpressTwo cards are enhanced to Mult Cards.
The EmperorCreates up to two random Tarot cards if you have the space for them.
The HierophantTwo cards are enhanced to Bonus Cards.
The LoversOne card is enhanced to a Wild Card.
The ChariotOne card is enhanced to a Steel Card.
JusticeOne card is enhanced to a Glass Card.
The HermitDoubles Money (up to $20)
The Wheel of Fortune1 in 4 chance to add Foil, Holographic, or Polychrome to a random Joker.
StrengthPick up to two cards to increase their rank by one.
The Hanged ManPick up to two cards to destroy.
DeathPick two cards and convert the left card into the right card.
TemperanceReceive the total sell value of all current Jokers up to $50.
The DevilOne card is enhanced to a Gold Card.
The TowerOne card is enhanced to a Stone Card.
The StarPick up to three cards to convert to Diamonds.
The MoonPick up to three cards to convert to Clubs.
The SunPick up to three cards to convert to Hearts.
JudgementIf you have room, it creates a random Joker.
The WorldPick up to three cards to convert to Spades.

Tarot cards are a unique feature that sets Balatro apart from traditional poker games. While some players may overlook their potential, especially the cards that change the suits of cards in your deck, these can be incredibly beneficial once you understand how to utilize them effectively. Depending on your current run, not all suit-changing effects will be useful, but mastering the use of Tarot cards can significantly enhance your Balatro experience.