February 25, 2025 – Fans of the award-winning poker-inspired roguelike deckbuilder, Balatro, have reason to celebrate. The game has made an unexpected appearance on Xbox Game Pass, now available to all subscribers at no extra cost. Along with the surprise release, Balatro is introducing new content, including a free DLC packed with fresh collaborations from iconic gaming franchises like Fallout, Assassin’s Creed, Bugsnax, and more.

Balatro Joins Xbox Game Pass

The exciting announcement came during Microsoft’s ID@Xbox indie games showcase, where Balatro was revealed as the latest addition to the Game Pass library. Subscribers across supported platforms can now enjoy the deckbuilder without any additional fees.

The game’s announcement trailer also teased the Friends of Jimbo Pack 4 DLC, featuring new deck customization options inspired by franchises like Civilization 7, Rust, Dead by Daylight, Slay the Princess, and more. This marks yet another exciting chapter for the deckbuilder that has become a breakout hit.

New Free DLC Expands the Universe

Balatro players can dive into fresh content with the Friends of Jimbo Pack 4 DLC, which brings collaborations with some of the most beloved gaming universes. This free update adds exciting new ways to customize your deck and explore new thematic elements from Fallout, Assassin’s Creed, Bugsnax, and other franchises. These collaborations are part of a series of free DLCs that have continually expanded the game’s appeal since its release.

PEGI Rating Update

In a related development, the developer LocalThunk shared an update on the game’s rating. Balatro was originally classified as an 18+ game by the ratings agency PEGI. However, after an appeal from publisher Playstack, the rating has now been downgraded to 12+. LocalThunk praised this change, seeing it as a step toward providing more nuanced ratings that better reflect the content. This shift is hoped to help developers create without fearing overly restrictive ratings.

A Year of Success

Just over a year ago, on February 20, 2024, Balatro made its debut across multiple platforms, including PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series S/X, and Nintendo Switch. The game quickly expanded to macOS, Android, and iOS, and later joined the Apple Arcade subscription service in September 2024.

Balatro has been nothing short of a success story, selling over five million units by January 2025. At the 2024 Game Awards, the deckbuilder won in multiple categories, including Best Independent Game, Best Debut Indie Game, and Best Mobile Game.

Continued Collaborations

Since its launch, Balatro has received several free DLCs, many of which feature collaborations with big-name franchises such as Cyberpunk 2077, The Witcher 3, and Dave the Diver. These updates have helped keep the game fresh and engaging, providing players with new ways to experience the game’s roguelike mechanics.

Looking Ahead

With Balatro now available on Xbox Game Pass and a wealth of new content on the way, the game continues to captivate players worldwide. Whether you’re new to the title or a returning fan, there’s plenty to explore and enjoy. The future looks bright for Balatro as it continues to push the boundaries of the roguelike deckbuilding genre.

Will you be jumping into Balatro now that it’s on Game Pass? Let us know what collaborations you’re most excited to see!