Balatro fans, get ready for a fresh collectible that’s as unique as the game itself—a custom playing card deck inspired by the hit poker roguelike. More than a year after its debut, Balatro continues to win hearts with its addictive game loop and straightforward rules. Its charm has led to an impressive OpenCritic score of 92, a slew of awards at The Game Awards 2024—including Best Independent Game and Best Debut Indie Game—and a booming fanbase that has helped it sell over five million copies as of January 2025.

Soon… pic.twitter.com/n7waaU53ui

— Balatro (@BalatroGame) March 17, 2025

A Deck with a Twist

The new deck isn’t your run-of-the-mill set of cards. In addition to the classic 52 cards, it features four special jokers that capture the spirit of Balatro: Joker, Juggler, Blueprint, and Gros Michel. Priced at $16, this limited-edition deck is already available for preorder on Fangamer. And if you’re hungry for more Balatro swag, the official website offers a variety of merchandise, from T-shirts and hoodies to coffee mugs.

Rising Popularity and Unexpected Success

Balatro’s journey has been nothing short of astonishing. When the game first hit the scene in February 2024, few expected it to become a runaway success. Yet, within the first eight hours, the game pulled in over $1 million. Its surge in popularity was further boosted by a mobile release in September 2024, which contributed to nearly half of its total sales.

LocalThunk, the solo developer behind Balatro, has been candid about his surprise at the game’s success. Despite initially rating his own work conservatively—an eight out of ten—he couldn’t have imagined Balatro resonating so deeply with both players and critics.

Merch, Crossovers, and Future Updates

Balatro isn’t just about groundbreaking gameplay; it’s also become a hub for creative collaborations. The game’s Friends of Jimbo series has already treated fans to themed card skins. The December 2024 update, Friends of Jimbo 3, featured skins inspired by titles like Shovel Knight, Warframe, Cult of the Lamb, and Divinity: Original Sin 2. Then, in February’s Friends of Jimbo 4 patch, characters from Assassin’s Creed, Bugsnax, Critical Role, Fallout, Rust, Civilization 7, and Slay the Princess made their mark in the Balatro universe.

Looking forward, LocalThunk has promised a major gameplay update for 2025 that will introduce fresh strategies and ideas, ensuring that Balatro remains as innovative and engaging as ever.

The Community and Beyond

Balatro’s rapid rise is a testament to the power of community and the appeal of a well-crafted game. Its blend of simple, addictive mechanics and a universe full of quirky characters has not only captured the attention of gamers worldwide but also inspired a growing range of merchandise and creative crossovers.

For those who’ve been following Balatro from the start or are just discovering its allure, the new playing card deck is a must-have. It’s more than just a collectible—it’s a piece of a game that has redefined what an indie title can achieve.

As Balatro continues to evolve and surprise, one thing is clear: this isn’t just a game; it’s a phenomenon that’s here to stay. Stay tuned for more updates and exclusive drops, and be sure to grab your deck while supplies last.