LocalThunk announced Balatro’s major 1.1 update slips to 2026. Originally promised for 2025 the patch now follows “when it’s done” timeline. Developer cited burnout and hobbyist pace as reasons in blog post titled “I’m slow”.
For firegams readers tracking roguelike support this signals continued investment in Balatro two years post launch.
What LocalThunk said
Key quotes from the blog:
“I probably shouldn’t have set a date for 1.1 update at all. I’m a hobbyist developer at heart who enjoys tinkering.”
“Right after Balatro 1.0 launched I jumped into substantial balance update followed by mobile. By late 2024 I was well and truly burned out.”
“1.1 will be free across all platforms when ready. It will likely need tweaks post launch but that won’t happen this year.”
Developer reaffirmed commitment:
“Balatro player in me won’t let me abandon development. Already excited to 100% achievements again from new profile when 1.1 ready.”
1.1 update context
Promised last August 1.1 would bring:
New jokers Gameplay systems “New ideas and strategies” Free all platforms
Recent Discord tease showed Gros Michel Cavendish banana joker art hinting third banana evolution alongside extinction mechanics.
Impact on current meta
No immediate changes. Current builds from our Balatro best builds 2026 and Jokers tier list 2026 remain optimal:
Blueprint glass: Unaffected Satellite planet: Economy untouched Hack brainstorm: Core loop safe
Endless mode players unaffected until new mutators land.
LocalThunk’s development philosophy
Developer maintains anonymity through Playstack:
“Team gives LocalThunk freedom to work in style he likes. That’s our job.”
Solo hobbyist approach prioritizes sustainability over crunch. Mobile port balance patches kept game alive through 2025.
Why this matters for roguelikes
Two years post launch free major update rare for indies. Compare:
Slay the Void: Patches slowed 2025 Inscryption: Mostly silence Balatro: Active roadmap 2026
Signals Balatro treating as live service without microtransactions.
Play now or wait?
Play immediately if:
White stake complete Own green stake+ Enjoy current meta
Wait if:
New to game (master basics first) Hate uncertainty
$14.99 delivers current content. 1.1 free when ready.
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