Balatrosold over 1 million copies in less than a month, which is no small feat for an indie game, especially one that was mostly made by just one person. The roguelike poker-like that’s stolen the hearts of millions,Balatrohas just continued to knock it out of the park this year, releasing a mobile port in September, and winning three trophies atthis year’s Game Awards, including the all-important Best Indie category.
If its accolades didn’t prove just how highly-ratedBalatrois, then its collaborations do. Over the last few months,Balatrohas crossed over with 16 fellow video games, showing just how revered the game is among other indie and AAA developers.
Every Balatro Crossover Explained
Balatro’s Friends of Jimbo 1 Pack Explained
Released back in August,Balatro’s first ‘Friends of Jimbo’ free DLC added four new packs of cards to the deck-builder, each one based on a fellow video game:
CD Projekt Red’sThe Witcher 3: Wild HuntheadlinedBalatro’s very first crossover, with Geralt, Yennefer, and Dandelion joining the game as the King, Queen, and Jack of Spades, respectively.Dave the Diverjoined the ranks of the Diamonds, with the eponymous mariner being joined by his friends Cobra and Bancho.Among Us' Red Crewmate took all three spots for Hearts. And finally,Vampire Survivors' Bisconte Draculó, Queen Sigma, and Poe Ratcho joined the Clubs, with the latter holding his now-iconic bulb of garlic.
Balatro’s Friends of Jimbo 2 Pack Explained
Balatro’s second Friends of Jimbo pack released in October, and once again added four decks to the game based on fellow video game properties:
The Hearts sawBinding of Isaac’s titular tragic hero join the fun, along with his Mom’s disembodied leg, and his dismembered cat, Guppy. The Clubs gotSlay the Spire’s Defect, Silent, and Ironclad. Diamonds addedStardew Valley’s Pierre, Marnie, and Lewis to the roster. And finally,Cyberpunk 2077joined its CD Projekt Red sibling in the Spades, delivering cards based on Johnny Silverhand, Jackie Welles, and Rogue Amendiares.
BothDave the DiverandCyberpunk 2077have returned the favor, adding entire quests based on playingBalatro/findingBalatrocards.
Balatro’s Friends of Jimbo 3 Pack Explained
The third, and currently final, Friends of Jimbo pack was released earlier in December, coinciding withBalatro’s Game Awards wins. Unlike its two predecessors, this pack doubles the number of cards and crossovers, adding eight new decks to the game:
In the latestBalatroupdate, the Spades receive cards from bothShovel KnightandDon’t Starve, with the former adding the titular armored explorer, Shield Knight, and The Enchantress, while the latter adds Wilson, Charlie, and Maxwell.
The Hearts suit received cards fromCult of the LambandDivinity: Original Sin 2.Cult of the Lamb’s cards added the wooly cult leader, his evil mirror version Goat, and Ratau, whileDivinity: Original Sin 2added the Red Prince, Lohse, and Fane.
Clubs received cards fromPotion CraftandWarframe.Potion Craft’s Mushroomer, Herbalist, and Fellow Alchemist were all added toBalatro, alongsideWarframe’s Mag, Volt, and Excalibur.
Finally, the Diamonds received cards fromEnter the Gungeonand1000xResist.Enter the Gungeon’s Sniper Shell, Shotgun Kin, and Bullet Kin were all added to the deck-builder, along with1000xResist’s Watcher, Iris, and Principal.
Balatro
WHERE TO PLAY
Balatro is a poker-inspired roguelike deck builder all about creating powerful synergies and winning big.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.Combine valid poker hands with unique Joker cards to create varied synergies and builds. Earn enough chips to beat devious blinds, all while uncovering hidden bonus hands and decks as you progress. You’re going to need every edge you can get in order to reach the boss blind, beat the final ante and secure victory
