Balatro Joker Tier List: Best Jokers Ranked
Balatro, an indie card roguelike, has made waves by earning a Game of the Year nomination at the 2024 Game Awards. A key feature of this game is its wide array of Jokers—buff cards that players can acquire during their runs. Not all Jokers are created equal, and understanding which ones to prioritize can be the difference between a successful run and an early defeat. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of the best Jokers in Balatro, ranked from top to bottom.
Legendary Balatro Jokers: Canio Stands Out
Among the five Legendary Jokers, Canio is the most noteworthy. This Joker excels in destroying Face Cards, a seemingly daunting task with immense rewards. With ten destroyed Face Cards, Canio grants a massive X11 Multiplier, making it a formidable asset and the top choice among legendary Jokers.
Rare Balatro Jokers: Power of Brainstorm, Blueprint, and Baseball Card
Rare Jokers like Brainstorm and Blueprint offer unique abilities that can turn the tide of any game. These Jokers mimic the effects of adjacent Jokers, effectively doubling their power. This replication can lead to powerful combinations, particularly when paired with Holograms or Cavendishes, enhancing your strategy significantly.
Another rare Joker, the Baseball Card, provides a X1.5 Multiplier for each Uncommon Joker held. While its effect is limited to Uncommon Jokers, it can propel you past Ante Eight and into Endless Mode, proving invaluable when better Jokers aren’t available.
Uncommon Balatro Jokers: Hologram, Throwback, and Fibonacci
Uncommon Jokers like the Hologram shine by offering a X0.25 Multiplier each time a new card is added to your deck. This Joker amplifies your strategy and is a reliable choice for increasing your game’s momentum.
Throwback holds its ground as one of the most potent Jokers, gaining X0.25 Mult per Blind skipped. By the eighth Ante, this can translate to a X4 Multiplier, propelling you into high Mult values and potentially into the thousands when combined with other Multipliers.
Fibonacci builds a flat Multiplier each time specific cards like Ace, two, three, five, or eight are played, adding up to a +40 Mult. When paired with Throwback, it can further enhance your strategy, creating a powerful combination that multiplies your overall score significantly.
Common Balatro Jokers: The Utility of Cavendish, Misprint, and Raised Fist
Despite being a common Joker, Cavendish offers an impressive X3 Multiplier with a minimal risk of destruction (0.001 percent chance). This Joker requires no setup and fits seamlessly into any strategy, making it a reliable option.
Misprint, often one of the first Jokers players encounter, provides a random flat Multiplier that can be surprisingly beneficial during early runs. Despite its unpredictability, it often delivers significant bonuses, aiding in the initial stages of gameplay.
Raised Fist, offering a Multiplier based on the worst card in your hand, effectively doubles that value. When transformed into a Polychrome or Holographic card, Raised Fist can sustain its utility deep into the Endless Mode.
Strategies for Maximizing Jokers in Balatro
Understanding the strengths of each Joker in Balatro is crucial for crafting a winning strategy. Pairing high-value Jokers like Canio with support Jokers such as Brainstorm and Blueprint can create a formidable deck. Utilizing Uncommon Jokers like Throwback and Fibonacci can significantly boost your score, allowing you to navigate through tougher levels and challenges.
Incorporating a balanced mix of Legendary, Rare, Uncommon, and Common Jokers into your strategy ensures that you are well-equipped for any situation, maximizing your potential to progress far into the game.
In conclusion, Balatro offers a rich variety of Jokers, each with unique powers that can shape your gameplay experience. By understanding and leveraging these Jokers’ abilities, players can enhance their strategies, overcome challenges, and achieve new heights in this card roguelike adventure.
