Surprise Release: Balatro Now Available on Game Pass – Get Ready to Play!

Balatro, a popular card-based roguelike from Local Thunk, is now on Xbox Game Pass. It comes with a new free DLC called Friends of Jimbo Pack 4, featuring characters from big titles like Dead by Daylight, Civilization 7, and Fallout.

This announcement was made during Microsoft’s ID@Xbox showcase. Game Pass subscribers can dive into Balatro right now. The new DLC adds exciting cosmetic card skins inspired by favorite characters from various games.

Unlike earlier DLCs that leaned towards indie games, Friends of Jimbo Pack 4 showcases more blockbuster characters. Players can now feature Vault Boy from Fallout, Ezio from Assassin’s Creed, The Journalist from Bugsnax, and The Hillbilly from Dead by Daylight on the backs of their decks.

The DLC also includes characters from Assassin’s Creed Shadows, Rust, Slay the Princess, and even Critical Role’s Percival. It’s currently available on all platforms.

Balatro debuted on Xbox, PC, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch a year ago, with a mobile version launched last September. The game has sold over five million copies, despite receiving an 18+ rating that is now being changed to PEGI 12 in the EU.

Since its launch, Balatro has introduced more cards through updates, featuring crossovers with popular franchises like The Witcher, Among Us, and Vampire Survivor.

Eurogamer praised Balatro, calling it one of their top games of 2024. Reviewer Katharine described it as “a work of marvelous depth and winning simplicity.”