Unexpected Delight: Balatro Makes a Stealthy Entrance on Game Toddle

Balatro, the critically acclaimed card-based roguelike from developer Native Thunk, is now accessible via Xbox Game Pass. It launches alongside a new piece of complimentary DLC featuring collaborations from Dead by Daylight, Civilization 7, Fallout, and more.

Announced during Microsoft’s latest ID@Xbox showcase, Balatro can now be enjoyed by Game Pass subscribers – with its arrival introducing a fresh set of cosmetic card skins showcasing fan-favorite characters from various franchises.

Friends of Jimbo Pack 4, as the DLC is named, takes on a more blockbuster theme compared to Balatro’s past, primarily indie-themed collaborations. Now, players can adorn the backs of their decks with iconic characters like Vault Boy from the Fallout series, Ezio Auditore da Firenze from Assassin’s Creed, Bugsnax protagonist The Journalist, and The Hillbilly from Dead by Daylight.

Additional games featured in Friends of Jimbo Pack 4 include Assassin’s Creed Codename Red, Rust, and Destroy the Princess. Key Feature’s Percival Fredrickstein von Musel Klossowski de Rolo III is also included. If that sounds interesting, the DLC is available right now on all platforms.

Balatro initially debuted on Xbox alongside versions for PC, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch a year ago. A mobile version for iPhone and Android devices followed last September.

It’s worth noting that Balatro has been a massive success, with over 5 million copies sold of its engaging poker-inspired card gameplay, despite its controversial 18+ age rating – which is eventually being overturned in the EU, now classified as PEGI 12 instead.

Since its launch, Balatro has incorporated more cards via updates that feature crossovers with major gaming franchises such as The Witcher, Among Us, and Vampire Survivor.

Here on Eurogamer, Balatro was listed as one of our