In the last few years, it’s often been the case that at least one Indie game has seemingly come out of nowhere and been a major hit. For example, last year hadDredgeandCocoon, 2022 hadTunicandStray, and 2021 hadInscryption. Just two months from 2024’s end, it seems safe to say thatBalatrois 2024’s breakout Indie sensation, with its addictive roguelike deck-building gameplay and top-notch community support keeping it immensely popular eight months after its initial launch.
Balatrohas become so popular, in fact, that it’s now able to collaborate with a handful of other popular titles, including some heavy hitters in both the Indie and AAA space. Called the ‘Friends of Jimbo’ pack,Balatro’s first crossover landed in August, bringing cards based onThe Witcher 3,Dave the Diver,Vampire Survivors, andAmong Us. A second Friends of Jimbo pack has just been released, adding another set of cosmetic collaborations, including ones based on another beloved CD Projekt Red title.
Balatro’s Friends of Jimbo Pack 2 Explained
Balatro Has Added Cards Inspired by Cyberpunk 2077
Cyberpunk 2077has come a long way since its infamously troubled launch in December 2020. Thanks to a consistent stream of updates and patches from developer CD Projekt Red,Cyberpunk 2077has become the RPG it always meant to be, and last year’s acclaimedPhantom Liberty expansionraised it to all-new heights.
Public perception surroundingCyberpunk 2077has changed drastically, to the point where it’s now one of the biggest highlights ofBalatro’s recently released Friends of Jimbo pack 2. With this completely free update, players can now customize their deck to include a set of cards based onCyberpunk 2077.Keanu Reeves' iconic Johnny Silverhandtakes on the role ofBalatro’s King of Spades, while Rogue Amendiares is the Queen, and Jackie Welles is the Jack.
Stardew Valley, The Binding of Isaac, and Slay the Spire All Feature in Balatro’s Latest Crossover Pack
Just likeBalatro’s first Friends of Jimbo pack, this second update adds three more crossover cosmetics alongside the CD Projekt Red collaboration.Stardew Valleyis now inBalatro, with the game’s General Store clerk, Pierre, taking on the role of the Jack of Diamonds. Marnie leaves her ranch to becomeBalatro’s Queen of Diamonds, and Lewis, the mayor of Pelican Town, becomesBalatro’s King of Diamonds.
The adorably gruesome and macabreBinding of Isaacalso joins in on the fun. Isaac himself becomes the King of Hearts, while his Mom takes a break from being the final boss to take on the role of the Queen of Hearts, and a decapitated dog becomes the Jack.Slay the Spiregets three collab cards as well, bringingthe Silent, the Ironclad, and the Defectto the game.
There are now eight major collaborations inBalatro, but that might not be the end of things. In its official announcement of the second Friends of Jimbo pack on Twitter,Balatro’s developerteased more collaborations with other titles in the future, signing off with “Is this the full squad, or is there more to come?” There are still plenty of other Indie gamesBalatrocould crossover with, with fellow card gameInscryptionbeing a great example.
Balatro
WHERE TO PLAY
Balatro is a poker-inspired roguelike deck builder all about creating powerful synergies and winning big.The poker roguelike. Balatro is a hypnotically satisfying deckbuilder where you play illegal poker hands, discover game-changing jokers, and trigger adrenaline-pumping, outrageous combos.Combine valid poker hands with unique Joker cards in order to create varied synergies and builds. Earn enough chips to beat devious blinds, all while uncovering hidden bonus hands and decks as you progress. You’re going to need every edge you can get in order to reach the boss blind, beat the final ante and secure victory
