The hit indie game Balatro is now available on Android! Released on consoles and PC in February by Playstack and developed by LocalThunk, it quickly became a 2024 gaming sensation.

This roguelike deck-builder puts a unique twist on classic card games like Poker and Solitaire. At its heart, Balatro challenges you to build the best poker hands while battling tricky bosses and managing a constantly evolving deck.

Understanding Balatro's Gameplay

You'll face bosses known as "Blinds," each imposing unique restrictions on your gameplay. Your goal is to outmaneuver these Blinds by collecting chips and crafting powerful poker hands, ultimately surviving to conquer Ante 8's challenging final boss Blind.

Each hand introduces new Jokers, each with unique abilities that can either hinder your opponents or provide crucial advantages. Some Jokers might boost your score or add funds for in-game purchases.

Deck customization is key. Planet cards modify specific poker hands, offering opportunities to enhance certain hand types. Tarot cards, meanwhile, can alter a card's rank or suit, sometimes adding extra chips.

Balatro features two modes: Campaign and Challenge. With over 150 Jokers, every playthrough offers a fresh experience. Check out the intriguing trailer below!

A Roguelike Deck-Builder with a Poker Twist

Balatro masterfully blends strategic gameplay with unpredictable card draws. The constant element of surprise—the next Joker or bonus hand—is what makes it so engaging. The pixel art visuals, reminiscent of classic CRT displays, add to the game's charm.

If you enjoy roguelikes and deck-building, Balatro is a must-try. Download it now for $9.99 from the Google Play Store.

Don't forget to also check out our coverage of Heroes Of History: Epic Empire, a new game where you forge alliances with ancient cultures.