The wildly popular poker-inspired deck builder, Balatro, is getting a free gameplay update in 2025 as a thank you to its dedicated community. This exciting update promises new strategies and gameplay elements, enhancing what many already consider a perfectly balanced and addictive experience. In addition, the recent “Friends of Jimbo 3” cosmetic pack introduced new face cards inspired by popular games like 1000xRESIST, Cult of the Lamb, Don’t Starve, Divinity: Original Sin 2, Enter the Gungeon, Potion Craft, Shovel Knight, and Warframe.
While we await the official gameplay update’s release date, the Nexus Mods community has been busy creating their own enhancements. From complete gameplay overhauls to quality-of-life improvements, there’s a mod for every Balatro player. We’ve explored dozens of Nexus Mods and compiled a list of 10 of the best to try out in the meantime.
Stickers Always Shown
Stickers Always Shown mod for Balatro
Created by SirMaiquis, this mod is a must-have for players pursuing the Completionist++ achievement. Balatro applies Stake Stickers to each Joker purchased before Ante 8, tracking your progress in completing runs with different Jokers. These stickers are typically only visible on the Collection page, but this mod displays them during gameplay. This visual aid simplifies tracking progress for the 1,200 stickers associated with the game’s 150 Jokers and 8 Stakes.
Fancy Decks
Fancy Decks mod for Balatro
Tired of Balatro’s pixel art? “Fancy Decks” by JS303 revamps the card backs with vibrant, high-contrast designs. Each of the 15 Balatro decks receives a unique, psychedelic makeover, with the Magic and Plasma Decks standing out as particularly impressive.
Deck Jokers
Deck Jokers mod for Balatro
Congressional’s “Deck Jokers” mod introduces five new Jokers drawn directly from your deck, expanding gameplay possibilities. These Jokers don’t affect your official Joker count and offer unique effects based on the Jokers already in your hand or deck. For example, the legendary Homie Joker grants a x3 multiplier when at the top of your deck. The mod also includes two new Spectral cards, three new challenges, a Joker Deck, and the Joker-exclusive Green Seal, which moves the Joker to the top of your draw pile at the start of a round.
Uncap Hermit
Uncap Hermit mod for Balatro
For players who enjoy breaking the game and maximizing their economy, infarctus’s “Uncap Hermit” mod is a game-changer. By removing the $20 cap on the Hermit Tarot card, this mod allows for exponential cash growth, enabling aggressive rerolls, shopping sprees, and powerful Joker combos. While it can make the game easier, it also allows for experimentation with different builds and pushing the limits of each run.
Big and Bold
Big and Bold mod for Balatro
peucerko’s “Big and Bold” mod enhances accessibility by significantly increasing the size of numbers and letters on cards. Face cards are replaced with their corresponding letter (J, Q, or K). This mod is particularly helpful for players with visual impairments, ensuring clarity in every move.
Pokermon
Pokermon mod for Balatro
InertSteak’s “Pokermon” mod introduces all 151 Generation 1 Pokémon as Jokers, along with Energy cards for upgrades. Legendary Jokers can appear, and Arcana Packs can contain Great Balls and Pokéballs to create more “Pokermon” cards. Many “Pokermon” can evolve, and some offer additional buffs based on the presence of other “Pokermon.” This mod seamlessly integrates Pokémon mechanics into Balatro, making it a must-have for Pokémon fans.
Mika’s Mod
Mika's Mod for Balatro
Mikadoe’s “Mika’s Mod” is a comprehensive overhaul, adding 60 new Jokers to the game’s existing 150. These new Jokers introduce innovative mechanics, such as the Batman Joker, which gains +1 multiplier for each non-lethal hand played. The mod also includes new decks, like the Jokers for Hire deck, which offers unlimited Joker slots for wild combinations.
Hidden Aces Edition
Hidden Aces Edition mod for Balatro
Jewtron’s “Hidden Aces” rebalances Balatro’s core systems, giving players greater control. Starting with four discards instead of three, four consumable slots instead of two, doubled blind rewards, and stronger Tarot cards, this mod offers a less challenging experience, ideal for players looking for better odds and a chance to explore all Joker interactions.
Black Seal
Black Seal mod for Balatro
infarctus’s “Black Seal” mod introduces a new seal that can potentially unlock a large number of Joker slots. The Black Seal adds Negative to a random Joker when played alone and then removes itself from the deck, preventing overpowered gameplay.
Choose First Shop Joker
Choose First Shop Joker mod for Balatro
Knowing the importance of the first shop in Balatro, infarctus’s “Choose First Shop Joker” mod allows players to select the Joker that appears, even if it’s yet to be unlocked. This chosen Joker will always be Negative, offering a strategic advantage from the start.
