Balatro+ in Apple Arcade

When Poker Meets Solitaire

Walkthrough, Guilds, Tips on this special game

Our Site Score

98/100

Balatro is, quite simply, a masterpiece. It is the most addictive game I have played in years. What looks like a poker game is actually a brilliantly designed engine-builder. You aren't playing against other players; you are playing against the math, and the goal is to break that math using a collection of bizarre Jokers. When you find a synergy that turns a simple Pair into a billion-point scoring hand, the dopamine hit is unparalleled.

The game's aesthetic is phenomenal—a lo-fi, psychedelic CRT look that perfectly complements the high-stakes feel of the gameplay. On mobile, it feels right at home; the touch controls are intuitive, and the 'just one more run' nature of the roguelike loop is perfect for handheld play. It is a deep, complex, and infinitely rewarding experience that defines the current era of indie gaming. If you download only one game from this list, let it be Balatro.

Reviewed on: Sun Apr 12 2026
Dinsun Avatar

Dinsun Review

Dinsun here. I don't give out 90s easily, but Balatro is special. It takes the basic structure of poker and turns it into a mathematical playground. The synergy between the 150+ Jokers is staggering. One minute you're struggling to make a Pair, and the next you're scoring billions of points with a Flush that breaks the game’s own rules.

The UI is perfect for mobile—it feels like it was always meant for a touch screen. It’s got that 'just one more run' quality that I haven't felt since Slay the Spire. My only warning: it will ruin your productivity. It’s smart, it’s stylish with its CRT-monitor aesthetic, and it’s deep enough to keep you occupied for months. Absolute essential.

Overall Stats

Pros & Cons

  • Limitless strategic depth
  • Perfect mobile UI
  • Satisfying progression
  • Extremely addictive
  • Visual effects can drain battery
  • Steep learning curve for high stakes

Technical Report

Performance: Very stable; some heat on older models during high-scoring rounds.

Accessibility:
  • High Contrast Cards
  • Screen Shake Toggle
  • CRT Filter Toggle

Audience Fit

Buy if: You love strategy, numbers, or roguelike deckbuilders.

Skip if: You hate card games or looking at numbers.

Similar Games:
  • Slay the Spire
  • Monster Train
  • Poker

Reviewer Context

  • Reviewer: Dinsun, 40yo Male
  • Hardware: iPhone 15 Pro
  • Playtime: 30 hours
  • Status: Unlocked all decks

The Game

Available on: Mac, Apple TV, iPhone, iPad, iPod

Version 1.4.9Wed Jun 11 2025

Store meta data changes.

Ratings & Reviews

4.9 out of 5 with 6444 Counts
Age Rating 13+

Game Overview

Balatro+ is the smash-hit poker roguelike that has taken the gaming world by storm. It's not a gambling game; it's a strategic deck builder where you use poker hands to score points and defeat increasingly difficult 'Blinds.' By collecting game-changing Jokers, Tarots, and Planet cards, you can create explosive synergies that lead to astronomical scores. With every run offering new possibilities and deep tactical choices, Balatro+ is an addictive, stylish, and endlessly replayable masterpiece of game design.

Featured In

Play Your Cards Right in Balatro
APPLE ARCADE
Play Your Cards Right in Balatro
Break—and remake—the rules in this acclaimed card battler.

Promotion Videos

Screenshots (Scroll Left & Right)

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News on this game

‘Balatro+’ Wins Apple Arcade Game of the Year

Today, Playstack and LocalThunk have announced that Balatro+ has been awarded Apple Arcade Game of the Year. This prestigious recognition...

XboxEra - Thu Jan 02 2025

Gameplays

Relevance Youtube Videos

Balatro+ | iPhone Gameplay | iOS | Filmed at 4K 60FPS - YouTube

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