Tarot Cards in Balatro: A Guide

Author : Noah May 13,2025

It didn’t take long for Balatro to make a place for itself in the gaming world, leaving many of us hooked on its unique gameplay. Yet, one often overlooked aspect is the use of Tarot cards. Here's a comprehensive guide on how to use them effectively 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 first need to acquire them. The primary method is purchasing Arcana Packs from the in-game Shop. Additionally, you may have the opportunity to buy individual Tarot cards directly from the Shop. Another way to obtain these cards is by discarding a card that bears a Purple Seal.

Using Tarot Cards

Tarot cards are consumable items in Balatro, meaning you can use them immediately upon acquisition. To use a Tarot card, select it from the top right corner of your screen. A set of cards that the Tarot card can affect will appear, and you'll need to choose the number of cards specified by the Tarot card. Once you confirm your selection, the effects of the Tarot card will be applied to your chosen cards.

All Tarot Cards

There are 22 unique Tarot cards in Balatro, each offering distinct effects that can significantly alter your gameplay. Below is a detailed list of all Tarot cards and their effects:

CardEffect
The FoolCreates the last Tarot or Planet card used during your current run.
The MagicianEnhances two cards to Lucky Cards.
The High PriestessCreates up to two Planet cards if you have the space for them.
The EmpressEnhances two cards to Mult Cards.
The EmperorCreates up to two random Tarot cards if you have the space for them.
The HierophantEnhances two cards to Bonus Cards.
The LoversEnhances one card to a Wild Card.
The ChariotEnhances one card to a Steel Card.
JusticeEnhances one card 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.
StrengthAllows you to pick up to two cards to increase their rank by one.
The Hanged ManAllows you to pick up to two cards to destroy.
DeathAllows you to pick two cards and convert the left card into the right card.
TemperanceReceive the total sell value of all current Jokers up to $50.
The DevilEnhances one card to a Gold Card.
The TowerEnhances one card to a Stone Card.
The StarAllows you to pick up to three cards to convert to Diamonds.
The MoonAllows you to pick up to three cards to convert to Clubs.
The SunAllows you to pick up to three cards to convert to Hearts.
JudgementIf you have room, it creates a random Joker.
The WorldAllows you to pick up to three cards to convert to Spades.

Tarot cards are a key feature that sets Balatro apart from traditional poker games. Some players might initially overlook their potential, particularly the cards that alter the suits in your deck, as their usefulness can vary depending on your run's progress. However, mastering the use of Tarot cards can greatly enhance your gameplay and strategy in Balatro.