Now that Balatro is available on mobile, here are some tips to get you started.
Bet.
Balatro, now available on mobile devices, has created quite a buzz, and upon trying it out, I've noticed that it’s a great game. However, its tutorial doesn’t seem to provide an effective introduction to achieve the necessary success that engages the player. During my first few hours, even though I met the set objectives, the feeling was more of stumbling into success rather than achieving it through a planned strategy. The learning process felt somewhat rushed, focusing more on the basic aspects of the game and less on strategic tips that could enhance the experience.
The main mechanic of the game is to accumulate enough poker chips to surpass a set total, known as "blind." To do this, it is necessary to create the ideal poker hand that maximizes the amount of chips won. Initially, I had difficulty understanding how the scoring worked. The numbers appeared quickly, and I didn’t comprehend their meaning or origin. Understanding how the scoring is calculated is essential to make the most of the earning potential.
Each hand has a simple mathematical formula: Total chips won = value of the chips from the cards x multiplier score. This equation varies depending on the type of poker hand, and the more powerful the hand, the greater the equation. There’s no need to memorize the hierarchies of hands or the values of the equations, as pressing the "Run Info" button provides a reference list. It’s worth mentioning that this formula changes based on the cards played and the modifiers obtained.
In the beginning, it took me longer than I would have liked to understand how everything worked, but once I managed to get it, everything clicked. The real fun in Balatro lies in maximizing those equations and the cards as much as possible. A crucial aspect of the game to understand from the start is that money is fundamental. For each blind, there’s a set number of hands to accumulate enough chips, and if you’re not satisfied with the cards, you can discard them in search of better options. Winning more money requires winning the blinds with the fewest hands and discards.
The game also offers additional ways to generate income through special cards and bonuses that can be unlocked. For example, in the store, you can buy cards that modify or increase the value of hands, as well as tokens that provide powerful benefits. It’s advisable to use a special deck that gives an extra amount of money at the start. Additionally, some bonuses allow you to win larger amounts by overcoming “boss blinds,” which are more challenging and come with negative effects.
A standout feature of Balatro is its ability to replicate the thrill of opening loot boxes without requiring spending on microtransactions. At the end of each blind, you can visit a shop to purchase cards and upgrades. Some of the jokers available can increase bonuses for meeting certain criteria, resulting in exponential growth in scoring potential.
It’s important to note that, unlike other roguelikes, in Balatro you don’t retain skills or items after a failure; everything is lost, including the money. So it’s wise to spend what you have before risking losing it all.
Lastly, a warning: games in Balatro are brief and fluid, which can be an issue for those with responsibilities. After playing for hours without realizing it, I decided to implement an app blocker to limit my daily access to the game and prevent it from interfering with my other activities.
