Balatro, a poker roguelite game, has amazed its players with its unexpected twists and turns during each playthrough.
In an interesting twist, LocalThunk, the game’s developer, has confirmed that what seemed like a glitch is actually an intentional feature.
This so-called exploit, showcased in a YouTube video by BelenosBear, revolves around the Misprint joker card, particularly the random text that flickers in its ability description.
If you pause during a game and check your card collection, focusing on the Misprint card, you might notice random sequences of numbers, letters, and symbols flashing. These sequences are not just gibberish; they actually predict the next card you’ll draw. For example, a sequence ending in “4S” means the four of spades is next, while “9H” indicates the nine of hearts.
BelenosBear shared this discovery on X, and Balatro’s official account not only acknowledged it but also revealed it has been part of the game since its launch. They first posted a GIF of Joker smiling, then followed it up with this:
Balatro is available on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, and PC. The game will also launch on iOS and Android, including a special Balatro+ version for Apple Arcade, on September 26.
Sometimes, we find hidden gems where we least expect them.