Balatro

MightyBalatro header image
91

Top Critic Average

100%

Critics Recommend

Eurogamer
4 / 5
PC Gamer
91 / 100
IGN
9 / 10
Metro GameCentral
9 / 10
Game Informer
9.5 / 10
GameSpot
9 / 10
Shacknews
9 / 10
IGN Italy
9 / 10
Creators: LocalThunk, Playstack
Release Date: Feb 20, 2024 - Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, PC, Xbox One, PlayStation 4
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Balatro Trailers

Balatro - Launch Trailer | THE POKER ROGUELIKE thumbnail

Balatro - Launch Trailer | THE POKER ROGUELIKE

Balatro - Release Date Trailer | THE POKER ROGUELIKE thumbnail

Balatro - Release Date Trailer | THE POKER ROGUELIKE


Balatro Screenshots

Critic Reviews for Balatro

Poker goes into the blender and emerges in fine form.

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A roguelike deckbuilder debut already worth of joining Slay the Spire and Monster Train at the King's table. Essential.

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A deck-building poker roguelike of endlessly satisfying proportions, Balatro is the sort of fun that threatens to derail whole weekend plans.

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An expertly constructed and intricate roguelite deck builder that draws on the language and concept of poker, before twisting it with an infinity of modifiers, unlocks, and delicately balanced risk and reward.

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Balatro is an ingenious and entertaining roguelike and one of my favorite games of the year. Playing it has become a near-obsession; everything feels perfectly designed to encourage you to keep trying because that next run could be the run of your life. Even after hours of play, I still can’t overcome Balatro’s biggest challenge: putting it down.

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Balatro's ingenious combination of poker and roguelite gameplay creates an intoxicating combination that's hard to pull away from.

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I never would have expected that a roguelike could work so well in a card game before I played Balatro. It’s simple and guides you in so well, but escalates quickly and is happy to crush your run at any moment with the smallest strokes of misfortune. That’s what makes the variety of jokers and bonus cards so fun to explore. Every new option provides an opportunity to buck the house advantage. It leads to an appealing gameplay loop that kept me wanting to try all sorts of new angles and strategies. Balatro is something far out of the ordinary, and heaven forbid it ever makes its way to mobile because my casual time will powerless against it (please?).

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A smart and engaging re-implementation of the classic poker game, including hundreds of different cards and special effects.

Review in Italian | Read full review


Industry Coverage

Balatro Mobile Port Has Unexpected Problem

Balatro Mobile Port Has Unexpected Problem

Gamers criticize a change that was introduced in the newly released Android and iOS versions of roguelike deck builder Balatro.

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One of 2024's Best Games Is Now at the Top of the iOS and Android Sales Charts

One of 2024's Best Games Is Now at the Top of the iOS and Android Sales Charts

One of the highest-rated games of 2024 is finally available on mobile, having debuted at the top of both Play Store and App Store sales charts.

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Wild Balatro Exploit Lets You Cheat at the Game

Wild Balatro Exploit Lets You Cheat at the Game

A new exploit is uncovered in Balatro, adding another layer of strategy to the unique card game's already complex and deep gameplay.

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The Witcher is Crossing Over With One of 2024's Highest-Rated Games

The Witcher is Crossing Over With One of 2024's Highest-Rated Games

The Witcher 3 crosses over with one of the highest-rated games of 2024, furthering the legacy of the highly awarded game with yet another collab.

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