If you’re searching how to use tarot cards in Balatro, you’re in the right place. Tarot cards are one of the most powerful mechanics in the game, yet they’re also one of the easiest ways to accidentally ruin a run. Used correctly, they permanently upgrade your deck and massively improve your odds. Used poorly, they lock you into weak hands with no recovery.
This guide explains exactly how tarot cards work in Balatro, how to use them properly, when to use them, and what each tarot card actually does, so you never waste another Arcana pack again.
What Are Tarot Cards in Balatro
Tarot cards in Balatro are consumable cards that permanently modify playing cards in your deck. Unlike Jokers, tarot cards do not sit passively. Once used, their effects stay on the selected cards for the rest of the run unless overwritten.
Most tarot cards affect:
• Card rank
• Card suit
• Multipliers
• Money generation
• Deck size and consistency
You usually obtain tarot cards through Arcana Packs, shop purchases, or specific rewards during a run.
How to Use Tarot Cards in Balatro
Using tarot cards is mechanically simple but strategically deep.
To use a tarot card:
• Open your inventory after acquiring one
• Select the tarot card
• Choose the highlighted eligible playing cards
• Confirm to apply the effect permanently
Once applied, the tarot card is consumed, and the affected cards remain upgraded for the rest of the run.
When Should You Use These Cards
Timing matters more than the tarot card itself.
Early Game
Use tarot cards to stabilize your deck. Enhancing frequently drawn cards or suits helps build consistency.
Mid Game
This is where tarot cards shine. You should start reinforcing your strongest hands and building synergy with Jokers.
Late Game
Only use tarot cards if they directly strengthen your winning strategy. Random upgrades at this stage usually hurt more than help.
All Cards Explained
Each tarot card has a specific purpose. Here’s what they do and when they’re best used.
| Tarot Card | Effect | Best Use |
|---|---|---|
| The Fool | Copies the last tarot used | Repeating powerful upgrades |
| The Magician | Adds multiplier effects | Scaling score |
| The High Priestess | Creates Planet cards | Upgrading hand levels |
| The Empress | Enhances multiple cards | Early consistency |
| The Emperor | Grants tarot options | Strategic flexibility |
| The Hierophant | Boosts money generation | Economy builds |
| The Lovers | Adds Wild cards | Suit-based decks |
| The Chariot | Adds Steel cards | High-risk scoring |
| Justice | Adds Glass cards | Burst damage |
| The Hermit | Doubles money | Shop control |
| Wheel of Fortune | Random Joker upgrade | Gamble strategies |
| Strength | Increases rank | Reliable hands |
| Death | Removes cards | Deck thinning |
| Temperance | Converts enhancements | Optimization |
| The Devil | Adds Gold cards | Long-term scaling |
| The Tower | Destroys cards | Resetting weak decks |
| The Star | Enhances Hearts | Flush strategies |
| The Moon | Enhances Clubs | Suit focus |
| The Sun | Enhances Diamonds | Consistency |
| Judgement | Creates a Joker | Build defining |
| The World | Enhances all suits | Late-game power |
Best Tarot Card Combos
Tarot cards become extremely strong when chained correctly.
• The Fool copying Justice or Magician
• Death after upgrades to remove weak cards
• Lovers combined with suit-focused Jokers
• Temperance refining a cluttered deck
• Strength applied to commonly drawn ranks
Smart combinations turn average decks into winning engines.
Common Mistakes
Most players lose runs because of these mistakes.
• Using tarot cards immediately without a plan
• Enhancing cards that rarely appear
• Ignoring Joker synergy
• Over-upgrading instead of refining
• Destroying cards without thinning logic
Tarot cards should always support a clear deck goal.
How Tarot Cards Work With Jokers
Tarot cards and Jokers are designed to work together.
If a Joker rewards a specific suit, enhance that suit.
If a Joker rewards multipliers, stack multiplier tarot effects.
If a Joker benefits from fewer cards, use Death carefully.
This synergy is why experienced players consistently win.
Should You Save or Sell Tarot Cards
Not every tarot card should be used immediately.
• Save tarot cards if they don’t fit your build yet
• Sell tarot cards if money matters more than upgrades
• Never force a tarot card into a bad deck
Patience is often rewarded more than impulse.
Why Tarot Cards Matter So Much in Balatro
Tarot cards in Balatro turn pure randomness into player control by letting you permanently shape your deck instead of reacting to bad draws. Because every tarot use is irreversible, smart timing and clear deck goals matter far more than luck. Players who plan their tarot usage, enhance only meaningful cards, and build around synergies consistently outperform those who use tarot cards impulsively, making this mechanic one of the most important skills to master in the game.
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