Balatro is a Casual, Strategy game from LocalThunk with a 98% positive Steam review signal. Indie Lantern indexes it for players browsing by relaxing, single-player.
Game snapshot
- Developer
- LocalThunk
- Release year
- 2024
- Playtime
- Varies by player
- Price
- $11.99
- Review signal
- 98% positive
Screenshots
System requirements
PC
- Minimum
- Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system OS *: Windows 7, 8, 10, 11 x64 Processor: Intel Core i3 Memory: 1 GB RAM Graphics: OpenGL 2.1 compatible graphics card, integrated graphics Storage: 150 MB available space
- Recommended
- Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system
macOS
- Minimum
- OS: macOS 11 (Big Sur) or later Processor: Any Intel or Apple Silicon processor Memory: 1 GB RAM Graphics: 4 GB RAM Storage: 150 MB available space
From Steam reviews
Review notes
Balatro is worth a closer look if you want deckbuilding and exploration.
Best for players who want deckbuilding and exploration.
Check more carefully if you dislike repetition or grind.
deckbuilding
Play styleCard choices, deck shape, and synergies matter.
exploration
Play styleThe draw is moving through spaces, discovering details, and learning the world.
grindy
FrictionThe loop may feel repetitive if you dislike grind.
Steam review snapshots
[h1]Intro[/h1] [i]Balatro[/i] is a card game where you play [i]Poker[/i] hands.[b]My Playtime:[/b] 229.5h (100% achievement, finished the game for too many times to count) [list][*][i]First run[/i]: 3.1h [*][i]All decks in the easiest…the bosses are challenging and getting to discover more things as you keep playing (or losing) keeps you going.Why it fits
Best for players who want deckbuilding and exploration. Deckbuilding matters here, with card choices, deck shape, and synergies shaping the experience. It also has an exploratory feel, and it supports single-player play on Windows and macOS.
Who might skip it
Skip if you dislike repetition or grind.