In the captivating world of Balatro, the choice of a starting deck sets the stage for an exhilarating journey filled with strategic decisions, unique effects, and thrilling challenges.
With 15 distinct decks to choose from, each offering its own set of benefits and gameplay dynamics, players are presented with a diverse array of options to tailor their gameplay experience and embark on a quest for victory.
Let’s delve into the intricacies of Balatro’s starting decks and explore the strategic nuances that define each choice.
| Starting Decks | Name | Effect and Unlock Condition |
 | Red | This card allows for an extra discard each round. Unlock Condition: This card is automatically unlocked from the start. |
 | Blue | This card grants an extra card to your hand each round. Unlock Condition: At least 20 items from your collection need to be uncovered. |
 | Yellow | At the start of the game, you receive a bonus of $10. Unlock Condition: At least 50 items from your collection need to be uncovered. |
 | Green | For every card left in your hand at the end of a round, you will receive $2, and for every card remaining in your discard pile, you will receive $1. However, no interest will be earned. Unlock Condition:At least 75 items from your collection need to be uncovered. |
 | Black | This card adds one Joker slot while reducing your hand size by one card each round. Unlock Condition: You must discover a minimum of 100 items from your collection. |
 | Magic | At the start of the run, the Crystal Ball voucher will be active, and you will have two copies of The Fool card. Unlock Condition: To fulfill this requirement, you need to win a run with the Red Deck on any difficulty setting. |
 | Nebula | You will begin the run with the Telescope voucher in effect, but one of your consumable slots will be unavailable. Unlock Condition: To fulfill this requirement, you need to win a run with the Blue Deck on any difficulty setting. |
 | Ghost | Spectral cards may become available for purchase in the shop, and you will start with a Hex card. Unlock Condition: To fulfill this requirement, you need to win a run with the Yellow Deck on any difficulty setting. |
 | Abandoned | You will begin the run with a deck that has no Face Cards in it. Unlock Condition: To fulfill this requirement, you need to win a run with the Green Deck on any difficulty setting. |
 | Checkered | At the start of the run, your deck will contain 26 Spades and 26 Hearts. Unlock Condition:To fulfill this requirement, you need to win a run with the Black Deck on any difficulty setting. |
 | Zodiac | You will begin the run with access to the Tarot Merchant, Planet Merchant, and Overstock. Unlock Condition: To fulfill this requirement, you need to win a run on any deck where the difficulty is Red Stake or higher. |
 | Painted | You will gain 2 additional hand slots, but you will lose one Joker slot. Unlock Condition: To fulfill this requirement, you need to win a run on any deck where the difficulty is Green Stake or higher. |
 | Anaglyph | Every time you defeat a Boss Blind, you will earn a Double Tag. Unlock Condition: You must complete a run on any deck with a difficulty level of at least Black Stake. |
 | Plasma | When determining the score for a played hand, both Chips and Mult are taken into account, with a base Blind size of X2. Unlock Condition: To fulfill this requirement, you need to win a run on any deck where the difficulty is Blue Stake or higher. |
 | Erratic | The Ranks and Suits of all cards in the deck are randomly shuffled. Unlock Condition: To fulfill this requirement, you need to win a run on any deck where the difficulty is Orange Stake or higher. |
The Array of Starting Decks
Balatro presents players with a rich selection of starting decks, each imbued with a specific effect that can significantly impact gameplay. While the Red deck is available by default, the remaining decks can be unlocked through various achievements and milestones within the game.
Here are some notable starting decks and their effects:
- Red Deck: Grants an additional discard every round.
- Blue Deck: Provides an extra hand every round upon discovering at least 20 items from your collection.
- Yellow Deck: Starts with an extra $10 upon discovering at least 50 items from your collection.
- Green Deck: Earn $2 per remaining hand and $1 per remaining discard at the end of each round, with no interest earned, unlocked upon discovering at least 75 items from your collection.
- Black Deck: Adds one Joker slot while reducing one hand every round, unlocked upon discovering at least 100 items from your collection.
Unlocking Advanced Decks and Rewards
Beyond the initial starting decks, players can unlock advanced decks by achieving victories with specific starting decks on varying difficulty levels. These advanced decks offer unique challenges and rewards, further enhancing the strategic depth and replay value of Balatro.
Some notable advanced decks include:
- Magic Deck: Begins the run with the Crystal Ball voucher active and two copies of The Fool, unlocked by winning a run with the Red Deck on any difficulty.
- Nebula Deck: Starts the run with the Telescope voucher active and sacrifices one consumable slot, unlocked by winning a run with the Blue Deck on any difficulty.
- Ghost Deck: Introduces Spectral cards in the shop and starts with a Hex card, unlocked by winning a run with the Yellow Deck on any difficulty.
- Zodiac Deck: Commences the run with Tarot Merchant, Planet Merchant, and Overstock, unlocked by winning a run on any deck with at least Red Stake difficulty.
Embracing Strategic Diversity and Challenge
The varied starting decks in Balatro offer players a spectrum of strategic options, challenges, and rewards, inviting them to experiment, strategize, and adapt to the dynamic gameplay environment. Each deck presents a unique set of benefits and constraints, shaping the player’s approach to scoring, resource management, and card interactions.
By carefully selecting and mastering the starting decks, players can unlock hidden potentials, uncover new strategies, and embark on thrilling adventures within the captivating realm of Balatro.
Whether aiming for victory with the Red Deck or conquering the challenges of advanced decks, players are bound to find a wealth of strategic depth, excitement, and rewards awaiting them as they navigate the intricate landscapes of card gameplay in Balatro.
