Balatro
Reviewed by Sophie Nguyen | 28 Apr 2026 | PC, Nintendo Switch, PS5, Xbox
The Most Addictive Deck-Builder of the Year
LocalThunk's solo-developed Balatro arrived quietly and proceeded to consume hundreds of hours from players worldwide. Built on a foundation of poker hands, it layers jokers, tarot cards, and planet cards into a system of such elegant complexity that each run feels like solving a different puzzle.
Simple Rules, Infinite Depth
The premise is straightforward: play poker hands to score points and beat escalating blind targets. The genius lies in the joker system — up to five jokers can be active simultaneously, each modifying scoring in ways that stack, multiply, and interact with each other in often unexpected ways. Discovering a powerful synergy mid-run produces a dopamine hit that rivals any triple-A production.
One More Run
Balatro's greatest achievement is its pacing. Runs last between 30 minutes and two hours depending on your build, making it equally suited to a quick session or a marathon evening. The unlockable decks, stakes, and joker pool ensure that even after dozens of hours, new combinations continue to emerge.
Pros
- Endlessly replayable run structure
- Elegant, deep synergy system
- Satisfying progression of unlocks
- Excellent on portable platforms
Cons
- Minimal narrative or world-building
- RNG can occasionally feel punishing
- Limited visual variety across runs
Verdict
Balatro is a masterclass in game design — a title that proves a single developer with a brilliant idea can produce something that stands alongside the best the industry has to offer. It is essential for any fan of roguelikes, card games, or strategy.