Balatro Jokers Tier List – Complete (March 2026) Guide

If you’re looking to dominate Balatro’s challenging Gold Stake runs, you need the ultimate Joker tier list that separates the game-changers from the dead weight. After analyzing hundreds of runs and consulting the community’s best minds, I’ve created the most comprehensive Balatro Jokers tier list available anywhere.

This isn’t just another opinion-based ranking – I’ve dug deep into the mechanics, synergies, and win rates to bring you data-driven insights that will transform your gameplay. Whether you’re struggling to beat Ante 8 or aiming for consistent Gold Stake clears, this tier list will be your roadmap to success.

The Best Balatro Jokers Tier List: Quick Overview (March 2026)

Tier	Description	Key Characteristics
S+ Tier	Game-breaking Jokers that define runs	Unlimited scaling, universal synergy, win-condition
S Tier	Run-carriers with incredible value	Strong scaling, flexible, high impact
A Tier	Solid performers with good synergy	Reliable scaling, deck-specific strength
B Tier	Above average with situational value	Niche utility, moderate scaling
C Tier	Average Jokers with limited potential	Low scaling, highly situational
D Tier	Below average with minimal impact	Weak effects, requires heavy support
F Tier	Avoid unless desperate	Negative value, dead slots

Understanding Joker Mechanics: The Foundation (2026)

Before diving into the rankings, let’s establish the core mechanics that make certain Jokers superior to others. Based on the official Balatro Wiki and extensive gameplay analysis, here are the key factors that determine Joker quality:

Joker Types Explained

The Balatro Wiki categorizes Jokers into seven functional types, each serving different strategic purposes:

• +c (Chips Jokers): Provide raw chip bonuses – essential early game
• +m (Additive Mult Jokers): Add flat multipliers – good foundation
• Xm (Multiplicative Mult Jokers): Multiply your score – essential for late game
• ++ (Chips & Additive Mult Jokers): Hybrid benefits – versatile
• !! (Effect Jokers): Special abilities – highly variable
• … (Retrigger Jokers): Score cards multiple times – scaling potential
• +$ (Economy Jokers): Generate money – early game crucial

Critical Joker Terminology

Understanding these terms is vital for maximizing Joker effectiveness:

• “When Scored”: Effects trigger only when cards contribute to your poker hand
• “Contains”: Triggers when your hand includes the specified poker hand type
• “Is”: Requires your entire hand to be exactly that poker hand type
• “In Deck”: Effects based on remaining cards in your deck
• “In Full Deck”: Counts all cards regardless of location
• “Retrigger”: Scores cards multiple times, stacking all effects

S+ Tier Jokers: The Game-Breakers

These Jokers aren’t just good – they’re run-defining. If you see any of these in the shop, buy them immediately without hesitation.

Blueprint

Effect: Copies the ability of Joker to the right Rarity: Rare Cost: $6 Type: !!

Blueprint is arguably the most powerful Joker in Balatro. At worst, it’s a copy of your best current Joker. At best, it enables incredible flexibility and scaling throughout your run. The ability to rearrange Jokers and copy different effects at different times makes it unparalleled.

Why S+ Tier:

• Unlimited scaling potential when paired with other strong Jokers
• Enables complex strategies by copying different effects as needed
• Works with virtually any build or strategy
• Can copy scaling, economy, or scoring effects as required

Pro Strategy: Use Blueprint to copy early game economy Jokers, then move it to copy scaling Jokers, and finally position it to copy your primary scoring Joker before boss blinds.

Brainstorm

Effect: Copies the ability of leftmost Joker Rarity: Rare Cost: $6 Type: !!

Brainstorm offers similar value to Blueprint but with positional constraints. While slightly less flexible than Blueprint, it still enables incredible scaling and synergies.

Why S+ Tier:

• Consistent copying of your primary Joker
• Excellent when paired with Blueprint for exponential scaling
• Enables focused strategies around a single powerful Joker
• Less micromanagement than Blueprint while maintaining high power

Pro Strategy: Place your most important Joker in the leftmost slot, then use Brainstorm to double its effect. Combine with Blueprint for triple effects on your key Joker.

Triboulet

Effect: Played Kings and Queens each give x2 Mult when scored Rarity: Legendary Cost: $8 Type: Xm

Triboulet is a Legendary Joker that can single-handedly carry runs to victory. While only obtainable through Soul Spectral cards (1/5 chance), its impact is undeniable.

Why S+ Tier:

• Massive multiplicative scaling with face cards
• Works in virtually any deck that uses face cards
• Can generate enormous multipliers in late game
• Legendary rarity makes it a game-changing pull

Pro Strategy: Focus on collecting Kings and Queens early. Use Tarot cards to enhance them and consider DNA to duplicate your best face cards for maximum Triboulet value.

S Tier Jokers: The Run-Carriers

These Jokers might not be as game-breaking as S+ tier, but they can consistently carry runs to victory with proper support.

Vampire

Effect: Gains X0.2 Mult per Enhanced card played, removes card Enhancement Rarity: Uncommon (being nerfed to Rare) Cost: $5 Type: Xm

Vampire is a scaling machine that gets stronger as you enhance your cards. While it’s receiving nerfs in upcoming patches, it remains one of the most reliable scaling Jokers.

Why S Tier:

• Consistent scaling throughout the run
• Works with any deck that uses card enhancements
• Uncommon rarity makes it relatively accessible
• Excellent transition from early to late game

Pro Strategy: Enhance cards early to fuel Vampire’s scaling. Consider keeping some enhanced cards specifically for Vampire triggers even if they’re not optimal for your poker hands.

Cavendish

Effect: X3 Mult 1 in 1000 chance this card is destroyed at the end of round Rarity: Common Cost: $4 Type: Xm

Cavendish provides an unconditional X3 mult that works in every deck. The destruction chance is negligible in practice, making this an incredibly consistent and powerful Joker.

Why S Tier:

• Unconditional high multiplier
• Works in any deck without setup
• Common rarity makes it very accessible
• No scaling required – immediate impact

Pro Strategy: Only appears after Gros Michel destroys itself in the same run. If you see Gros Michel early, consider the long-term value of potentially unlocking Cavendish.

The Duo, The Trio, The Family

Effect: X2/X3/X4 mult for Pair/Three of a Kind/Four of a Kind Rarity: Common Cost: $3/$4/$5 Type: Xm

These three Jokers form the backbone of many successful runs, providing reliable multipliers for the most common poker hands.

Why S Tier:

• Reliable multipliers for frequently played hands
• Can be used together for powerful combinations
• Common rarity makes them accessible
• Scale naturally as you improve your poker hands

Pro Strategy: Collect all three for maximum value. They work particularly well together in decks focused on pairs, three-of-a-kind, and four-of-a-kind hands.

Spare Trousers

Effect: Gains +2 Mult if played hand contains a Two Pair Rarity: Rare Cost: $5 Type: +m

Spare Trousers is the best scaling additive mult Joker in the game. It starts weak but can grow to enormous proportions throughout a run.

Why S Tier:

• Excellent scaling potential
• Triggers on all hand types, not just Two Pair
• Provides consistent value throughout the run
• Works well with diverse strategies

Pro Strategy: Play multiple weaker hands early to quickly stack Spare Trousers’ multiplier. Once sufficiently scaled, you can transition to optimal hands without losing the bonus.

Canio

Effect: Gains X1 mult when a face card is destroyed Rarity: Legendary Cost: $8 Type: Xm

Canio rewards deck manipulation and sacrifice strategies. While it requires setup, its scaling potential is enormous.

Why S Tier:

• Massive scaling potential with proper setup
• Synergizes well with destruction strategies
• Legendary impact when properly supported
• Works with face-card focused decks

Pro Strategy: Use Hanged Man Tarot cards to destroy face cards efficiently. Consider glass cards for additional destruction triggers.

Campfire

Effect: Gains X0.5 Mult for each card sold, resets when Boss Blind is defeated Rarity: Rare Cost: $5 Type: Xm

Campfire is a late-game monster that can rescue seemingly lost runs. Its ability to scale rapidly through card selling makes it incredibly powerful in the final antes.

Why S Tier:

• Explosive late-game scaling
• Can generate enormous multipliers quickly
• Excellent economy-to-power conversion
• Game-saving potential in difficult situations

Pro Strategy: Save money and cards specifically for Campfire scaling before boss blinds. Consider selling lower-value Jokers to fuel Campfire’s growth.

A Tier Jokers: Solid Performers

These Jokers are reliable and can carry runs when properly supported, though they lack the raw power of S and S+ tier Jokers.

Hiker

Effect: Every played card permanently gains +4 Chips when scored Rarity: Rare Cost: $5 Type: +c

Hiker provides permanent upgrades to your cards, creating snowballing value throughout the run.

Why A Tier:

• Permanent card improvements
• Scales well with longer runs
• Works in any deck
• Consistent value generation

Pro Strategy: Play Hiker early to maximize the number of card upgrades. Consider keeping Hiker for several antes before selling for a late-game Joker.

DNA

Effect: Clone a card in your deck Rarity: Rare Cost: $5 Type: !!

DNA enables incredible deck consistency by duplicating key cards. This is particularly valuable for focused strategies.

Why A Tier:

• Enables consistent draws of key cards
• Powerful for synergistic decks
• Works well with enhancement strategies
• Flexible utility

Pro Strategy: Use DNA on your most important card (enhanced face cards, key poker cards, etc.). The duplicated card will fuel your primary strategy.

Perkeo

Effect: Creates a negative copy of one consumable in your possession every time you leave the shop Rarity: Legendary Cost: $8 Type: !!

Perkeo generates incredible value through consumable duplication, enabling complex strategies and consistent access to key effects.

Why A Tier:

• Unlimited consumable generation
• Enables complex strategies
• Excellent economy value
• Synergizes with consumable-focused builds

Pro Strategy: Focus on collecting high-value consumables (Tarot, Planet, Spectral cards) that Perkeo can duplicate. Consider the shop economy implications carefully.

Yorick

Effect: Rewards you with permanent multipliers as you snag consumables Rarity: Legendary Cost: $8 Type: ++

Yorick encourages consumable collection and provides scaling rewards for doing so.

Why A Tier:

• Rewards consumable collection
• Consistent scaling throughout run
• Works with diverse strategies
• Legendary impact potential

Pro Strategy: Prioritize consumable collection when Yorick is active. The permanent multipliers add up significantly over time.

Mr. Bones

Effect: If you fail a Blind but manage to score at least 25% of the target, Mr. Bones sacrifices itself and lets you win anyways Rarity: Rare Cost: $5 Type: !!

Mr. Bones is an insurance policy that can save runs from disastrous endings.

Why A Tier:

• Run-saving potential
• Enables riskier strategies
• Excellent for high-stakes play
• Consistent safety value

Pro Strategy: Use Mr. Bones as a safety net for difficult blinds or when attempting risky strategies. It’s particularly valuable in Gold Stake runs.

B Tier Jokers: Above Average

These Jokers have situational value and can perform well in specific builds or strategies, but they lack the universal appeal of higher tiers.

Photograph

Effect: X2 Mult whenever the first card in your played hand scores Rarity: Uncommon Cost: $4 Type: Xm

Photograph provides consistent but limited scaling. It’s reliable but not exceptional.

Why B Tier:

• Consistent effect
• Works with any deck
• Limited scaling potential
• Requires proper card positioning

Pro Strategy: Position your strongest card first in your hand to maximize Photograph’s effect. Consider retrigger effects for additional value.

Smiley Face

Effect: +5 Mult for every face card you score in your hand Rarity: Common Cost: $3 Type: +m

Smiley Face provides reliable additive mult for face-card focused decks.

Why B Tier:

• Consistent with face cards
• Limited scaling potential
• Deck-specific value
• Common accessibility

Pro Strategy: Focus on face-card heavy hands to maximize Smiley Face’s value. Works well with other face-card synergies.

Hologram

Effect: Starts at X1 Mult and permanently gains x0.25 Mult every time you add a new playing card to your decks Rarity: Uncommon Cost: $4 Type: Xm

Hologram scales with deck expansion, providing consistent but slow growth.

Why B Tier:

• Consistent scaling
• Encourages deck expansion
• Slow growth rate
• Requires card acquisition

Pro Strategy: Buy cards frequently to fuel Hologram’s growth. Consider economy Jokers to support this strategy.

Supernova

Effect: Adds Mult based on how many times the scoring hand has been played during the run Rarity: Rare Cost: $5 Type: Xm

Supernova rewards consistent play of the same poker hands, making it valuable for focused strategies.

Why B Tier:

• Rewards consistent play
• Good for focused strategies
• Retroactive scaling
• Hand-type limitation

Pro Strategy: Focus on one or two primary poker hands throughout the run to maximize Supernova’s value.

C, D, and F Tier Jokers: Limited Value

These Jokers range from average to actively harmful. While they might have niche uses, they generally should be avoided unless absolutely necessary.

C Tier Examples:

• Scholar: +20 Chips and +4 Mult for every scored Ace – too situational
• Hanging Chad: Retriggers first card scored – limited scaling
• Constellation: Gains X0.1 Mult for every Planet Card used – too slow
• Gros Michel: +15 Mult but 1 in 6 chance to destroy – unreliable

D Tier Examples:

• Matador: +8 Mult if played hand contains a Straight Flush – too rare
• The Idol: Gains X0.5 Mult when a Planet card is used – slow scaling
• Juggler: +3 Mult for each Joker sold – requires sacrifice
• Splash: +12 Mult if played hand contains a Flush – hand-specific

F Tier Examples:

• Pareidolia: +4 Mult if played hand contains a High Card – weakest hand
• Loyalty Card: +6 Mult if played hand contains a Full House – situational
• Dusk: +8 Mult if played hand contains a Straight Flush – extremely rare
• Jolly Joker: +8 Mult if played hand contains a Pair – outclassed

2026 Advanced Strategies and Synergies

Early Game Strategy (Antes 1-3)

Focus on economy and chip generation. Prioritize:

• Economy Jokers (+$) for money generation
• Chip Jokers (+c) for immediate score improvements
• Additive Mult Jokers (+m) for foundation building

Key Early Game Jokers: Credit Card, 8 Ball, any +c or +m Joker

Mid Game Strategy (Antes 4-6)

Transition to scaling and multiplicative effects:

• Acquire at least one Xm Joker for late-game potential
• Build synergies around your primary poker hand type
• Begin selling early-game Jokers for scaling Jokers

Key Mid Game Jokers: Spare Trousers, Vampire, Hiker

Late Game Strategy (Antes 7-8)

Maximize multiplicative scaling and synergies:

• Focus on Xm Jokers and stacking effects
• Use Blueprint/Brainstorm for exponential scaling
• Prioritize consistent scoring over risky strategies

Key Late Game Jokers: Campfire, Blueprint, Brainstorm, Triboulet

Deck-Specific Joker Recommendations

Flush Decks

• Best Jokers: Droll Joker, Crafty Joker, Constellation
• Strategy: Focus on flush consistency and planet card usage

Straight Decks

• Best Jokers: Crazy Joker, Devious Joker, Supernova
• Strategy: Build around straight consistency and hand repetition

Pair/Three-of-a-Kind Decks

• Best Jokers: The Duo, The Trio, The Family, Spare Trousers
• Strategy: Maximize pair consistency and multi-hand combinations

High Card Decks

• Best Jokers: Photograph, Hanging Chad, any retrigger Joker
• Strategy: Focus on single powerful cards and retrigger effects

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overvaluing Early Game Jokers: Don’t get too attached to +c and +m Jokers in the late game
2. Ignoring Economy: Poor economy management can cripple your scaling potential
3. Neglecting Synergies: Jokers work best together – plan your combinations
4. Underestimating Multiplicative Scaling: Xm Jokers are essential for late-game success
5. Poor Joker Positioning: Position matters for effects like Blueprint and Brainstorm

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes a Joker S+ tier?

S+ tier Jokers have unlimited scaling potential, universal synergy, and can single-handedly win runs. They typically combine multiple beneficial effects or enable exponential scaling through copying mechanics.

How do I get Legendary Jokers?

Legendary Jokers can only be obtained through Soul Spectral cards, which have a 1/5 chance of containing any Legendary Joker. They cannot appear in regular shops.

What’s the difference between additive and multiplicative multipliers?

Additive multipliers (+m) add flat amounts to your score, while multiplicative multipliers (Xm) multiply your entire score. Multiplicative multipliers are exponentially more valuable in the late game.

How important is Joker positioning?

Position is crucial for Jokers like Blueprint (copies right) and Brainstorm (copies leftmost). Always consider positioning when arranging your Jokers.

Should I sell early game Jokers?

Yes, generally you should sell early game economy and chip Jokers once you have established scaling and multiplicative effects. The money can fuel better late-game purchases.

What’s the best way to scale Jokers?

Focus on acquiring multiplicative multipliers (Xm) and use copying effects (Blueprint, Brainstorm) to duplicate their power. Consistent triggers and synergies are key to effective scaling.

How do I handle the destruction chance on Jokers like Gros Michel?

The destruction chance is usually negligible (1 in 1000 for Cavendish, 1 in 6 for Gros Michel). Play normally and consider the long-term value – Gros Michel’s destruction unlocks Cavendish.

What’s the most underrated Joker?

Hologram is often overlooked but provides consistent scaling throughout the run. It’s particularly valuable in longer runs where you can accumulate many card additions.

How do I build around specific poker hands?

Collect Jokers that specifically benefit your target hand type (The Duo/Trio/Family for pairs, Droll/Crafty for flushes, etc.) and use Tarot cards to enhance those strategies.

What’s the best general-purpose Joker?

Blueprint is the most versatile Joker, working well with any strategy and providing incredible flexibility throughout the run.

Conclusion

This comprehensive Balatro Jokers tier list should serve as your definitive guide to Joker selection and strategy. Remember that while tier lists provide excellent guidance, the best Joker is always the one that fits your current run’s strategy and needs.

The key to Balatro success is adaptability – use this tier list as a foundation, but don’t be afraid to experiment and find the combinations that work best for your playstyle. With practice and the strategic insights from this guide, you’ll be clearing Gold Stake runs with consistency.

Keep this guide bookmarked for quick reference during your runs, and remember that the meta is always evolving. Stay flexible, experiment with new combinations, and most importantly, have fun mastering the incredible depth of Balatro’s Joker system!

Looking for more games that break the mold like Balatro? Check out our guide to the Best Games That Make You Think Outside The Box 2025 for more innovative gaming experiences that challenge conventions.