Learn how to unlock and use the Legendary Jokers in Balatro. These overpowered cards can completely change a run, turning modest hands into score-breaking miracles. This guide explains where to find them, what their effects are, and which decks make the most of their power.
You’ve probably seen screenshots of absurd Balatro runs where scores hit the stratosphere (yes, even those infamous Naneinf runs). Those players aren’t just lucky; many of them found and used Legendary Jokers. These five special cards—Canio, Triboulet, Yorick, Chicot, and Perkeo—are the holy grail of the late game.
If you’re new to the chaos or want to understand not just what the game is but why it works, read our Balatro Review from a Game Designer’s Perspective.
Once you’ve mastered the basics, learning how to get these Jokers will make your runs far more explosive (and risky). If you want to test them in powerful runs, our Best Balatro Seeds list highlights seeds that set you up for legendary-level madness.
Step-by-Step Guide to Get Legendary Jokers in Balatro
Step 1: Find Spectral or Arcana Packs
Spectral and Arcana packs are the only places where Soul cards can appear. Check every shop after a Blind for these booster types.
Step 2: Obtain a Soul Card
There is approximately a 0.3% chance for a Soul card to drop. These cards are extremely rare, so expect multiple runs before finding one.
Step 3: Use the Soul Card
Play the Soul card when you have an empty Joker slot. It will summon one random Legendary Joker into your current run.
Step 4: Use and Enjoy It While It Lasts
Legendary Jokers are not permanently unlocked; each new run requires you to find another Soul card to summon one again.
All Legendary Jokers and Their Effects
Each Legendary Joker has a unique ability that can redefine how your deck works. Below are their effects and ideal uses.
| Legendary Joker | Effect | How to Use | Best Deck Synergy |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
+1x Mult when a face card (Jack, Queen, King) is destroyed | Combine with The Hanged Man or Glass Cards for repeat triggers | Ghost Deck or Abandoned Deck |
 |
Kings and Queens each give x2 Mult when scored | Focus on face cards and use multiplier Jokers like Blueprint or Brainstorm | Yellow Deck or Blue Deck |
 |
+1x Mult every 23 cards discarded | Discard often throughout the run; pair with Mime or Recyclomancer for scaling | Red Deck or Green Deck |
 |
Disables Boss Blind effects | Use strategically in cursed or high-stake runs to nullify lethal Boss Blinds | Orange, Gold, or Challenge Stakes |
 |
Creates a Negative copy of one random consumable at the end of each shop | Duplicate high-value consumables like The Hermit or Temperance for infinite gold loops. | Ghost Deck or Painted Deck |
If you’ve already mastered the base game’s five Legendary Jokers, it’s time to go beyond the official chaos.
Check out our Best Balatro Mods guide. It features community-created expansions that add even more Legendary Jokers, Pokémon-themed decks, and Sailor Moon-inspired cards. Perfect for players who think Balatro wasn’t unhinged enough.
Drop Odds and Practical Tips
- Drop Rate: About 0.3% per Spectral or Arcana pack, meaning you might open hundreds before finding a single Soul card.
- Legendary Jokers Are Run-Limited: Each Soul card only creates a Legendary Joker for the current run — they don’t stay unlocked for future shops.
- Keep an Open Slot: Always leave one Joker slot empty before using a Soul card, or you’ll lose it.
- Play Longer Stakes: Higher-stake runs don’t boost drop rates directly, but they feature more rounds and shops, increasing your total pack count and overall odds.
If you’re a fan of games that thrive on chaos and replayability, you’ll also love our Best Roguelike Games list — it highlights other titles that, like Balatro, reward clever risk-taking and experimentation.