Balatro-priskutt gjør det til det tryggeste valget denne Steam-sommeren

Balatro has been one of the surprise hits in the gaming world since its February 2024 release. Developed solo by LocalThunk, this card-based roguelike takes the familiar rules of poker and turns them into a fresh, strategic challenge where you’re essentially playing god with the deck. It’s a game that grabbed attention by winning big at The Game Awards 2024 and quickly gained a passionate fan base thanks to viral gameplay clips and its addictive “just one more run” vibe.

Now, as part of Steam’s annual Summer Sale, the game is available at a 10% discount—a deal that’s one of the safest bets you can make. This price drop is a perfect chance for anyone who hasn’t tried Balatro to dive in, or for existing fans to pick up the game on a new platform.

Balatro’s reach has expanded beyond consoles and Windows PC. In September 2024, a mobile port called Balatro+ launched on iOS through Apple Arcade, making the game truly accessible everywhere, alongside titles like Fortnite and Minecraft. The mobile version kept the core gameplay intact but added the convenience of playing on the go, which quickly led to players like me sinking hours into the game on their phones.

Balatro’s gameplay is simple to grasp but tough to master. You’re not just playing poker—you’re experimenting with rules and decks that constantly challenge your strategy. The game hooks players with its mix of luck, skill, and deck-building roguelike elements. It’s easy to lose track of time as you chase the next high score or unlock the last chip to complete your collection.

I spent my entire three-month free Apple Arcade trial glued to Balatro+, and when the trial ended, I bought the paid version on iOS just to keep playing. Thankfully, all my progress transferred over smoothly. However, when Balatro became a free game on PlayStation Plus in May, I found myself starting fresh again on a new platform. That didn’t matter much, though, because the game’s pull is strong enough to make you jump between devices without losing interest.

A funny quirk is the MacBook Air situation—although I could play Baldur’s Gate 3 on it, I couldn’t use my paid Balatro copy without Apple Arcade. To play without a subscription, you have to buy Balatro again on Steam, which felt like double-dipping but was worth it for the seamless experience.

Despite how much progress I’ve made, I keep hitting frustrating walls, like trying to unlock every chip in the red and blue Anaglyph deck. This part of the game can make you rage-quit more than once, but it also keeps you coming back for more. Even the creator mentioned facing a mental health crisis during the final stretch of development, but still plays regularly, having only just completed the game 100%.

At the time of writing, the Balatro price on Steam is 10% off during the Summer Sale, which runs until July 10. Considering how easy it is to add games to your Steam library and the addictive nature of Balatro, this discount makes buying the game a solid, safe investment for any card game or roguelike fan.

We’ve also written about another safe gambling simulator, CvolerPit, which offers a horror-styled setting with a total adrenaline rush. It’s crazy stuff that pushes the boundaries of tension and risk in gaming.

Balatro stands out because it balances the familiar mechanics of poker with fresh twists and roguelike progression that keeps every run feeling unique. The game’s simple visuals and sound design hide a deep, rewarding experience that’s easy to pick up but hard to put down.

If you’ve been on the fence about Balatro, the Steam Summer Sale discount is a perfect opportunity to jump in. It’s one of those rare games that combines clever design with addictive gameplay, and at this price, it’s a gamble you won’t regret.

Balatro’s ongoing popularity and thoughtful development show that even solo projects can make a big impact when they bring something new and well-crafted to the table. Whether you’re a hardcore poker fan or just love roguelikes, Balatro’s price drop is worth a look.