100
The result is a surprisingly layered and extremely addictive game, with pixelated retro graphics. Cleverly designed too, as all the bleeps and effects constantly provide little shots of dopamine, much like a jackpot, slot machine or coin toss from the luna park. The addition of jokers and bonus cards made available seemingly at random make each game different, and replayability almost endless.
90
Balatro is excellent all around. The concept is simple, and while the various card types seem overly complicated, the game remains easy to understand no matter how many rules there are. It's utterly enjoyable to the point where you'll keep coming back no matter how many times you lose to a boss with a ridiculous modifier. For anyone who likes card games, Balatro is a must-have.
90
A unique and damn addictive card-based roguelite that borrows basic rules from poker, only to effortlessly turn them on their head using jokers, tarot cards, and celestial bodies. Countless possibilities, synergies, and combinations ensure hours of fun that you won't want to tear yourself away from.
9
Jogo para viciados em poker.
Jogo que faz você ficar horas jogando sem perceber que já se passaram pelomenos 12horas. Recomendo , mas cuide-se e tome banho!
10
Balatro is the most addictive game that I have ever played. I don't normally 100% games but I did with this game and I still play it daily.
9
Really enjoying this game. I was playing it for free on xbox gamepass but gonna have to buy it on steam. I can see myself playing this for hours on end.
Balatro
Released On:
Feb 20, 2024
Metascore
Universal Acclaim
90
User score
Generally Favorable
8.4
My Score
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All Platforms
Based on 35 Critic Reviews
90
Based on 9 Critic Reviews
90
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Based on 11 Critic Reviews
90
Based on 4 Critic Reviews
95
tbd
iOS (iPhone/iPad)
Based on 3 Critic Reviews
tbd
tbd
Metascore
Universal Acclaim
90
100% Positive
32 Reviews
32 Reviews
0% Mixed
0 Reviews
0 Reviews
0% Negative
0 Reviews
0 Reviews
Dec 12, 2024
100
The result is a surprisingly layered and extremely addictive game, with pixelated retro graphics. Cleverly designed too, as all the bleeps and effects constantly provide little shots of dopamine, much like a jackpot, slot machine or coin toss from the luna park. The addition of jokers and bonus cards made available seemingly at random make each game different, and replayability almost endless.
Feb 28, 2024
97
Balatro is as good as Slay the Spire was. It's a roguelike deckbuilder, but beginning from a poker deck. The concept is both original and fun. Its modifier cards offer almost unlimited possibilities, making each run unique in its own way. Balatro gives you hours and hours of entertaining and we can just wait for new content in the future. One of the best games of the year so far.
User score
Generally Favorable
8.4
84% Positive
1578 Ratings
1578 Ratings
11% Mixed
197 Ratings
197 Ratings
5% Negative
94 Ratings
94 Ratings
Apr 22, 2026
10
Balatro is the most addictive game that I have ever played. I don't normally 100% games but I did with this game and I still play it daily.
Apr 16, 2026
10
simply an addictive game from all points of view, really awesome, buy it with full confidence.
Apr 5, 2024
90
A unique and damn addictive card-based roguelite that borrows basic rules from poker, only to effortlessly turn them on their head using jokers, tarot cards, and celestial bodies. Countless possibilities, synergies, and combinations ensure hours of fun that you won't want to tear yourself away from.
Mar 5, 2024
90
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?).
Feb 26, 2024
90
Balatro is a brilliant take on the rogue lite genre. Video poker fans will be grinning ear to ear playing this truly terrific card game that is hard to put down.
Feb 19, 2024
90
The wonderful and terrible thing about Balatro is that, unlike with other roguelikes, I never got frustrated getting bounced back to the start. I almost always felt like I’d had the slate wiped clean of the web of synergistic collectables governing my ill-fated moves and this time, I was sure to succeed. Especially as my efforts in the game unlocked new perks or decks I could use when jumping back in. The combination of simple drag-and-drop controls and a continuous flow of numbers-go-up dopamine hits is irresistible. You’ve been warned.
Feb 21, 2024
80
It's easy to get a kick out of seeing how high the scores can get, but the game is as much about the gambles you take and the planning along the way. There's a deceptive simplicity to Balatro due to its roots in poker, and it uses that to its advantage to reel you in while regularly finding new ways to surprise you.
Mar 30, 2026
10
Amazing roguelike, the peak of dopamine farming gaming, watch numbers go up and get hyped as f**k as you play and discovers new jokers to modify your game and your idea of what is possible to be achieved.
Mar 12, 2026
7
Basically a poker game with interesting joker to play with its enjoyable but for a week after that you'll be bored of it
Feb 23, 2026
7
Very good engine building texas hold ’em poker themed roguelike. Decent visuals and music. Game is just way too short and easy. At first it sure feels like a masterpiece.
Mar 10, 2026
4
Simplemente no es para mi. No me gustan los rogue like, pero como este es de poker y me volví ludópata hace poco lo quise probar. Me gusta el concepto y las mecánicas pero es mega repetitivo y me aburrí al toque.A la gente le gusto muchisimo pero estos juegos a mi me aburren.
Aug 30, 2025
4
The game is okay, but I don’t see a clear purpose or long-term goal. It’s fun to play a few times, but then what? Some kind of multiplayer mode would make it more engaging.
Summary The poker roguelike. Balatro is a hypnotically satisfying deckbuilder where you play illegal poker hands, discover game-changing jokers, and trigger adrenaline-pumping, outrageous combos.
Platforms:
- PC
- PlayStation 5
- PlayStation 4
- Nintendo Switch
- Xbox Series X
- Xbox One
- iOS (iPhone/iPad)
- Nintendo Switch 2
Initial Release Date:Feb 20, 2024
Developer:
- LocalThunk
Publisher:




























