If you’re diving into Balatro, you know that Jokers can make or break your run. In this comprehensive Balatro Joker tier list for version 1.0.1f, I’ve ranked every Joker card from best to worst to help you optimize your deck-building strategy. Whether you’re a newcomer or a seasoned player, understanding which Jokers provide the most value will significantly improve your win rate. This tier list is based on extensive gameplay testing, community feedback, and analysis of each Joker’s versatility, power level, and synergy potential.
Before we dive into the tier list, let me explain the key factors I considered when ranking these Jokers:
| Name | Tier | Effect | Synergy | Best Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blueprint | S | Copies another Joker’s effect | Duplicate effects | Any build with a powerful Joker |
| Triboulet | S | +50 Mult when hand is played | High-scoring hands | Flush-focused decks |
| Ceremonial Dagger | S | +100 Mult for each empty Joker slot | Minimal Joker builds | Runs with few Jokers |
| Space Joker | S | X2 Mult on final scoring | Scaling builds | Late-game scoring boosts |
| Perkeo | S | Creates a copy of a random consumable | Resource generation | Any deck needing more resources |
| Name | Tier | Effect | Synergy | Best Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cavendish | A | +20 Mult for each discard | Discard-focused decks | High-discard strategies |
| Baron | A | +15 Mult for each King held | King-heavy decks | Royal-focused builds |
| Mime | A | Retriggers all played cards | Multi-card hands | Straight and Flush builds |
| Greedy Joker | A | +30 Mult when money is above $100 | Economy-focused | Wealth accumulation strategies |
| Lustful Joker | A | +40 Mult for each Heart card | Heart flush decks | Flush builds with Hearts |
| Wrathful Joker | A | +25 Mult when at 1 or fewer discards | Risky playstyles | Aggressive, low-discard runs |
| Gluttonous Joker | A | +20 Mult for each card played | Large hand sizes | Five-card hand strategies |
| Name | Tier | Effect | Synergy | Best Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Joker | B | +20 Mult | General purpose | Early game scoring boost |
| Zany Joker | B | +15 Mult and +1 hand size | Hand size builds | Decks needing extra cards |
| Crazy Joker | B | +10 Mult for each different suit | Multi-suit hands | Balanced deck builds |
| Droll Joker | B | +25 Mult when playing a Pair | Pair-focused decks | Pair-heavy strategies |
| Sly Joker | B | +20 Mult when playing Three of a Kind | Three of a kind builds | Mid-game scoring |
| Wily Joker | B | +30 Mult when playing Four of a Kind | Four of a kind builds | Late-game scoring |
| Clever Joker | B | +40 Mult when playing a Straight | Straight builds | Straight-focused decks |
| Devious Joker | B | +50 Mult when playing a Flush | Flush builds | Flush-focused decks |
| Name | Tier | Effect | Synergy | Best Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Misprint | C | Random Mult each hand (1-100) | Unpredictable builds | High-risk, high-reward |
| Lucky Joker | C | +1 reroll per round | Shop optimization | Finding specific Jokers |
| Hiker | C | +1 hand size | Hand size builds | Decks needing more cards |
| Weathered Joker | C | +15 Mult when below $25 | Economy management | Poor economy runs |
| Raised Fist | C | +10 Mult for each enhancement | Enhanced card builds | Decks with many enhancements |
| Banner | C | +5 Mult for each voucher owned | Voucher-focused builds | Voucher collection strategies |
| Name | Tier | Effect | Synergy | Best Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stone Joker | D | +5 Mult for each Stone card | Stone card builds | Niche Stone decks |
| Wood Joker | D | +5 Mult for each Wood card | Wood card builds | Niche Wood decks |
| Glass Joker | D | +5 Mult for each Glass card | Glass card builds | Niche Glass decks |
| Retention Joker | D | Keeps 1 card after hand is played | Card retention | Very specific strategies |
| Stuntman | D | +2 Mult for each discard this round | Discard-focused decks | Weak discard synergy |
Blueprint is arguably the most powerful Joker in Balatro version 1.0.1f. Its ability to copy another Joker’s effect essentially doubles your best Joker’s impact, creating exponential power scaling. I find it particularly devastating when paired with S-tier Jokers like Space Joker or Ceremonial Dagger, as it can lead to astronomical scoring potential. The only limitation is that you need at least one other powerful Joker already in play, making it slightly weaker in the early game but absolutely game-changing once established.
Triboulet provides a massive +50 Mult simply for playing a hand, which is incredibly valuable throughout your entire run. What makes it S-tier is its consistency – unlike many Jokers that require specific conditions, Triboulet’s bonus applies to every hand you play. I’ve found it especially effective in flush-focused decks where you’re consistently playing high-value hands. Its straightforward power and lack of complex requirements make it one of the most reliable Jokers you can acquire.
Ceremonial Dagger offers a unique and powerful scaling effect that rewards minimalism in your Joker selection. With +100 Mult for each empty Joker slot, it encourages a focused, high-impact approach to deck building. I’ve discovered that runs with Ceremonial Dagger often outperform those packed with mediocre Jokers, as the sheer multiplier value quickly becomes overwhelming. It’s particularly potent in the mid-to-late game when you can strategically limit your Joker choices to maximize the empty slot bonus.
Space Joker provides a straightforward yet devastating X2 Mult on final scoring, effectively doubling your points at the most crucial moment. What places it in S-tier is its universal applicability – regardless of your deck composition or strategy, doubling your final score is always valuable. I’ve found it especially powerful in scaling builds where your base Mult is already high, as the multiplicative effect becomes increasingly dramatic. It’s one of those Jokers that can single-handedly turn a losing run into a victorious one.
Perkeo introduces a resource generation aspect that’s unmatched by other Jokers. By creating a copy of a random consumable each round, it provides incredible value and flexibility throughout your run. I’ve found that Perkeo’s strength lies in its ability to generate additional planet cards, tarot cards, or other consumables that can dramatically accelerate your deck’s development. In longer runs, the resource advantage it provides often becomes insurmountable, making it a top-tier choice for players who value sustainability and options.
Cavendish rewards discard-focused strategies with +20 Mult for each discard, making it the cornerstone of any discard-heavy build. What places it in A-tier is its scaling potential – as you increase your discard capabilities through other cards and vouchers, Cavendish’s contribution grows exponentially. I’ve found it particularly effective when paired with discard-enhancing vouchers and other discard-synergistic Jokers, creating a powerful engine that can generate enormous Mult values through careful hand management.
Baron specializes in King-focused strategies, providing +15 Mult for each King held in your hand. This makes it an excellent choice for royal-focused builds that aim to maximize the value of face cards. I’ve discovered that Baron truly shines when combined with other King-enhancing effects and cards that allow you to hold multiple Kings simultaneously. While more specialized than some A-tier Jokers, in the right deck, Baron can provide consistent and substantial scoring boosts that rival even some S-tier options.
Mime offers a unique and powerful effect by retriggering all played cards, effectively doubling the impact of every card in your hand. This places it firmly in A-tier due to its versatility across different deck types. I’ve found Mime particularly devastating in straight and flush builds where multiple cards contribute to the hand’s value. The ability to retrigger cards can turn an already strong hand into an absolutely massive score, making Mime one of the most valuable Jokers for players who enjoy complex multi-card synergies.
Greedy Joker provides a substantial +30 Mult when your money exceeds $100, rewarding effective economic management. This economic focus makes it a strong A-tier choice for players who excel at wealth accumulation strategies. I’ve found that Greedy Joker works best in builds that prioritize money generation through early game victories and savvy shop management. While it requires some setup to reach its activation threshold, once active, it provides a consistent and powerful scoring boost that can carry you through challenging runs.
Lustful Joker specializes in Heart-focused flush decks, offering an impressive +40 Mult for each Heart card in play. This specialization places it in A-tier as it can provide enormous value in the right deck. I’ve discovered that Lustful Joker is at its best when combined with other Heart-enhancing effects and cards that facilitate flush builds. While more niche than some A-tier Jokers, in a Heart-focused flush deck, Lustful Joker can provide scoring potential that rivals even the most powerful S-tier options.
Wrathful Joker embraces high-risk, high-reward gameplay with +25 Mult when at 1 or fewer discards remaining. This makes it an excellent choice for aggressive players who prefer to push their luck and maximize their scoring potential. I’ve found that Wrathful Joker requires careful hand management and a willingness to take calculated risks, but the payoff can be substantial. It’s particularly effective in the mid-to-late game when you have the card knowledge to make optimal plays without relying on discards.
Gluttonous Joker rewards large hand sizes with +20 Mult for each card played, making it perfect for five-card hand strategies. This straightforward yet powerful effect earns it a solid A-tier ranking. I’ve found that Gluttonous Joker works exceptionally well in builds that maximize hand size through other cards and vouchers, creating a scaling effect that grows with each card played. Its versatility across different hand types and consistent value make it one of the most reliable A-tier Jokers for players who enjoy playing with full hands.
The standard Joker provides a simple but effective +20 Mult with no additional requirements or conditions. While basic compared to other Jokers, this straightforward power and universal applicability place it firmly in B-tier. I’ve found the standard Joker to be an excellent early-game acquisition that provides consistent value throughout your run. It’s particularly useful for newer players who are still learning the game’s mechanics, as its effect is easy to understand and doesn’t require complex setup or specific deck conditions to activate.
Zany Joker offers a dual benefit of +15 Mult and +1 hand size, making it a versatile choice for various deck types. The hand size increase is particularly valuable as it provides additional flexibility in card selection and hand formation. I’ve found Zany Joker to be especially effective in builds that focus on larger hands or need the extra card to complete specific combinations. While not as powerful as some A-tier options, its dual benefits and universal applicability make it a solid B-tier choice for players who value flexibility.
Crazy Joker encourages balanced deck building with +10 Mult for each different suit in your hand, rewarding multi-suit strategies. This makes it a good choice for players who prefer not to specialize in a single suit. I’ve found Crazy Joker works best in decks that maintain a balanced distribution of suits, allowing you to consistently activate its full potential. While more specialized than some B-tier Jokers, in the right deck, Crazy Joker can provide a reliable scoring boost that helps maintain momentum throughout your run.
Droll Joker specializes in pair-focused strategies, providing +25 Mult when playing a Pair. This specialization makes it a solid B-tier choice for players who enjoy pair-heavy deck building. I’ve discovered that Droll Joker is most effective in the early to mid-game when pairs are more common and easier to form consistently. While its value diminishes in the late game as more complex hands become available, it can still provide a reliable scoring boost when paired with other pair-enhancing effects and cards.
Sly Joker focuses on Three of a Kind hands, offering +20 Mult when this specific hand is played. This places it in B-tier as a solid choice for mid-game scoring strategies. I’ve found that Sly Joker works best in builds that facilitate the formation of Three of a Kind hands through card duplication and draw manipulation. While more specialized than some B-tier Jokers, in a deck focused on three-card combinations, Sly Joker can provide consistent value that helps bridge the gap between early and late game strategies.
Wily Joker elevates Four of a Kind strategies with +30 Mult when this hand is played, making it a powerful choice for late-game scoring. This specialization earns it a B-tier ranking as it provides substantial value in the right context. I’ve discovered that Wily Joker shines in builds that include card duplication effects and enhanced draw capabilities, making it easier to form Four of a Kind hands consistently. While it requires more setup than some B-tier options, the payoff can be significant when you successfully activate its effect.
Clever Joker rewards Straight builds with +40 Mult when this hand is played, making it a valuable choice for players who enjoy sequential card strategies. This substantial bonus places it firmly in B-tier. I’ve found Clever Joker to be most effective in decks that include card manipulation effects and additional draw capabilities, making it easier to form the necessary sequences for Straights. While it requires some deck building consideration, the scoring potential it provides makes it a worthwhile investment for Straight-focused players.
Devious Joker specializes in Flush strategies, offering an impressive +50 Mult when a Flush is played. This substantial bonus earns it a high B-tier ranking as it can provide enormous scoring potential in the right deck. I’ve discovered that Devious Joker is at its best when combined with other Flush-enhancing effects and cards that facilitate single-suit strategies. While more specialized than some B-tier Jokers, in a Flush-focused deck, Devious Joker can provide scoring boosts that rival even some A-tier options.
Misprint introduces an element of randomness with its effect of providing random Mult each hand, ranging from 1 to 100. This unpredictability places it in C-tier as it can be either incredibly powerful or disappointingly weak. I’ve found Misprint to be a high-risk, high-reward option that can occasionally provide game-changing bonuses but more often offers inconsistent value. While the potential for massive Mult exists, the unreliability of its effect makes it a less desirable choice for players who prefer consistent and predictable performance from their Jokers.
Lucky Joker provides a quality-of-life improvement with +1 reroll per round, making it easier to find specific cards and Jokers in the shop. This utility-focused effect places it in C-tier as it doesn’t directly contribute to scoring but enhances your ability to build your deck. I’ve found Lucky Joker to be most valuable in the early game when you’re still establishing your deck’s direction and need flexibility in your shopping options. While it doesn’t provide the immediate scoring power of higher-tier Jokers, its long-term value in deck optimization shouldn’t be underestimated.
Hiker offers a straightforward utility effect with +1 hand size, providing additional flexibility in card selection and hand formation. This simple but useful effect earns it a C-tier ranking. I’ve found Hiker to be particularly valuable in builds that focus on larger hands or need the extra card to complete specific combinations. While it doesn’t provide direct scoring benefits like many other Jokers, the increased hand size can indirectly lead to higher scores by enabling more complex and valuable hands.
Weathered Joker provides a conditional +15 Mult when below $25, making it a niche option for economy management strategies. This specialized effect places it in C-tier as it has limited applicability and requires specific economic conditions to activate. I’ve found Weathered Joker to be most useful in runs where you’re intentionally maintaining a low economy to activate its effect, but this strategy often comes at the cost of other economic opportunities. While it can provide a scoring boost when active, the constraints on its activation make it a less versatile choice than many other Jokers.
Raised Fist focuses on enhanced card strategies with +10 Mult for each enhancement in your deck, rewarding players who invest in card improvements. This scaling effect places it in C-tier as it requires significant investment to reach its full potential. I’ve discovered that Raised Fist works best in builds that prioritize acquiring and applying enhancements to multiple cards, creating a gradual scaling effect that grows stronger throughout the run. While it can provide substantial value in enhancement-heavy decks, the upfront investment required makes it a slower-developing option than many other Jokers.
Banner encourages voucher collection strategies with +5 Mult for each voucher owned, rewarding players who invest in the game’s upgrade system. This specialized effect earns it a C-tier ranking as it requires a specific focus on voucher acquisition to be effective. I’ve found Banner to be most valuable in runs where you prioritize voucher purchases over other shop options, creating a gradual scaling effect that improves as you acquire more vouchers. While it can provide consistent value in voucher-focused builds, its specialized nature makes it less versatile than many other Jokers.
Stone Joker specializes in Stone card strategies with +5 Mult for each Stone card, making it a highly niche option for specific deck types. This extreme specialization places it in D-tier as it has very limited applicability outside of Stone-focused builds. I’ve found Stone Joker to be useful only in runs where you intentionally collect and play Stone cards, which is a relatively rare and challenging strategy. Even in Stone-focused decks, the modest +5 Mult per card often fails to provide sufficient scoring power compared to more versatile options.
Wood Joker mirrors Stone Joker’s effect but for Wood cards, providing +5 Mult for each Wood card in play. This equally specialized effect also places it in D-tier due to its limited applicability. I’ve discovered that Wood Joker suffers from the same issues as Stone Joker – it’s only useful in a very specific and challenging deck type, and even then, the modest bonus often fails to provide competitive scoring potential. While it can be fun to build around in casual play, for players focused on optimization and win rate, Wood Joker rarely represents the best choice.
Glass Joker completes the trio of material-specific Jokers with +5 Mult for each Glass card, sharing the same D-tier ranking as its Stone and Wood counterparts. This extreme specialization makes it a poor choice for most decks and strategies. I’ve found that Glass Joker, like the other material-specific Jokers, is only viable in very specific runs where you intentionally collect and play the corresponding card type. Even in these specialized builds, the modest bonus often fails to provide sufficient scoring power compared to more versatile and impactful Jokers.
Retention Joker offers a unique utility effect with the ability to keep 1 card after your hand is played, providing card advantage and strategic options. This specialized effect places it in D-tier as it has limited scoring impact and requires specific strategies to utilize effectively. I’ve found Retention Joker to be most useful in very specific builds that focus on preserving key cards between hands, but even in these contexts, its value is often marginal compared to more directly impactful Jokers. While it can enable some interesting strategic plays, its overall contribution to scoring potential is minimal.
Stuntman provides a weak discard synergy with +2 Mult for each discard this round, making it one of the least impactful Jokers in the game. This minimal effect places it firmly in D-tier as it fails to provide meaningful value even in discard-focused builds. I’ve discovered that Stuntman is consistently outperformed by other discard-synergistic Jokers like Cavendish, which provide substantially more value for the same deck type. Even in the most discard-heavy builds, Stuntman’s modest bonus rarely justifies its inclusion over more powerful options.
Creating powerful Joker combinations is key to success in Balatro. Based on my experience, some of the most devastating synergies involve pairing Blueprint with any S-tier Joker, effectively doubling their already powerful effects. Another potent combination is pairing discard-focused Jokers like Cavendish with Wrathful Joker, creating a high-risk, high-reward engine that can generate enormous Mult values.
For flush-focused decks, combining Lustful Joker with Devious Joker can create an incredibly powerful scoring engine that rewards single-suit strategies. Similarly, in hand-size focused builds, pairing Zany Joker with Gluttonous Joker can create a scaling effect that grows with each additional card you can play.
Remember that the best synergies often depend on the specific cards and vouchers available in your run, so remain flexible and adapt your strategy based on the options presented to you.
Based on my analysis, Blueprint is generally considered the best Joker in Balatro version 1.0.1f due to its ability to copy another Joker’s effect, essentially doubling your most powerful Joker’s impact. However, the “best” Joker can vary depending on your specific deck strategy and the other cards available to you.
In Balatro, you can have up to 5 Joker slots available, though you start with fewer slots and must unlock additional ones through gameplay. Some Jokers, like Ceremonial Dagger, actually reward you for having fewer Jokers by providing increased Mult for each empty slot.
No, a Joker’s tier is fixed based on its inherent power and utility. However, through strategic deck building and synergistic combinations, you can effectively increase the impact of lower-tier Jokers, making them perform as if they were in a higher tier.
Joker tiers in Balatro represent their relative power and usefulness. S-tier Jokers offer the most impactful and versatile effects, A-tier Jokers are strong but more specialized, B-tier Jokers provide solid but situational benefits, C-tier Jokers have niche applications, and D-tier Jokers are generally weak or highly specialized with limited overall utility.
In Balatro, you unlock more Jokers primarily through gameplay progression and completing specific challenges or achievements. Some Jokers may also become available as you increase your player level or meet certain in-game conditions. The exact unlocking mechanisms can vary between different Joker cards.
For more tips and strategies on Balatro and other card games, check out our Balatro Beginners Guide and Best Balatro Strategies on Boundbyflame.com!
