9:13:53 PM
eurogamer.net17 days ago

Surprise! Balatro Joins Xbox Game Pass with Exciting New DLC

The acclaimed card-based roguelike Balatro has made a surprise debut on Xbox Game Pass, accompanied by the Friends of Jimbo Pack 4 DLC. This update introduces cosmetic card skins featuring iconic characters from major gaming franchises, adding a fresh layer of appeal to this already smash-hit title, which recently had its controversial age rating overturned in the EU.

Surprise! Balatro Joins Xbox Game Pass with Exciting New DLC

Balatro, the critically acclaimed card-based roguelike developed by Local Thunk, is now available on Xbox Game Pass. This surprise release is accompanied by the new Friends of Jimbo Pack 4 DLC, which includes exciting collaborations from Dead by Daylight, Civilization 7, Fallout, and more.

Instant Access for Game Pass Subscribers

Announced during Microsoft's ID@Xbox showcase, Balatro is immediately accessible to Xbox Game Pass subscribers. The arrival includes a set of cosmetic card skins showcasing fan-favorite characters from various well-known titles.

Friends of Jimbo Pack 4: A Blockbuster Collaboration

Unlike Balatro's previous DLCs, which focused on indie themes, Friends of Jimbo Pack 4 leans into blockbuster franchises. Players can now customize their decks with:

  • Vault Boy from the Fallout series
  • Ezio Auditore da Firenze from Assassin's Creed
  • The Journalist from Bugsnax
  • The Hillbilly from Dead by Daylight

"It's a work of marvellous depth and winning simplicity, and rightly one of the best and most memorable games you'll play this year," - Katharine, Eurogamer

More Franchises Join the Fun

The Friends of Jimbo Pack 4 also features content from:

  • Assassin's Creed Shadows
  • Rust
  • Slay the Princess
  • Percival Fredrickstein von Musel Klossowski de Rolo III from Critical Role

The DLC is available on all platforms.

Balatro's Success Story

Balatro initially launched on Xbox, PC, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch a year ago, followed by a smartphone edition for iPhone and Android. It has sold over five million copies, proving to be a smash hit despite its initial 18+ age rating.

Age Rating Update

The game's controversial 18+ age rating is being overturned in the EU and replaced with a PEGI 12 rating.

Continuous Updates and Crossovers

Since its release, Balatro has been updated with cards featuring crossovers from major gaming franchises like The Witcher, Among Us, and Vampire Survivor.

Eurogamer's Game of the Year

Balatro was one of Eurogamer's favorite games of 2024, praised for its depth and simplicity.