Jokers are the cornerstone of any Balatro build. These special cards provide passive abilities that modify your scoring, deck, or gameplay. You can hold a limited number of Jokers, so choosing the right ones and creating strong synergies is paramount. Jokers come in different rarities (Common, Uncommon, Rare, Legendary) and have a wide range of effects, from simple chip/multiplier bonuses to complex interactions with specific card types or hand plays. Always consider how a new Joker fits into your existing strategy.
Jokers are categorized by their effects:
- Chip Boosters: Add flat chip values to your score.
- Multiplier Boosters: Add or multiply your 'Mult' value.
- Hand Modifiers: Change how certain poker hands are scored or formed.
- Card Modifiers: Interact with specific card properties (e.g., suits, ranks, enhancements).
- Economy Jokers: Provide money bonuses or shop discounts.
- Scaling Jokers: Gain strength over time or with specific conditions.