Cyberpunk 2077's Balatro Crossover Explained

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Over the past few years, it's often been the case that at least one indie game has seemingly come out of nowhere and become a huge hit. For example, last year had Dredge and Cocoon2022 had Tunic and Strayand 2021 had Encryption. Just two months after 2024's end, it seems safe to say Balatro is 2024's breakout Indie sensation, with its addictive roguelike deck-building gameplay and top-notch community support keeping it wildly popular eight months after its initial release.




Balatro has actually become so popular that it can now partner with a handful of other popular titles, including some heavy hitters in both the Indie and AAA space. Called the “Friends of Jimbo” package, Balatros first crossover landed in August, with cards based on The Witcher 3, Dave the diver, Vampire Survivorand Among us. A second Friends of Jimbo pack has just been released, adding another set of cosmetic collaborations, including ones based on another beloved CD Projekt Red title.

Stardew Valley Dave Diver Balatro Trend

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Stardew Valley's future may lie in a trend among games like Dave the Diver, Balatro

Games like Balatro and Dave the Diver have showcased a trend that Stardew Valley could get involved in, to potentially great benefit.

Balatro's friends for Jimbo Pack 2 explained


Balatro has added cards inspired by Cyberpunk 2077

Cyberpunk 2077 has come a long way since its infamously troubled launch in December 2020. Thanks to a consistent stream of updates and patches from developer CD Projekt Red, Cyberpunk 2077 has become the RPG it was always meant to be, and last year's acclaimed Phantom Liberty expansion took it to whole new heights.

Public perception around Cyberpunk 2077 has changed drastically, to the point where it is now one of the biggest highlights of Balatros recently released Friends of Jimbo pack 2. With this completely free update, players can now customize their deck to include a set of cards based on Cyberpunk 2077. Keanu Reeves' iconic Johnny Silverhand takes on the role of Balatro's King of Spades, while Rogue Amendiares is the Queen and Jackie Welles is the Jack.

Stardew Valley, The Binding of Isaac and Slay the Spire all feature in Balatro's latest crossover pack

Just like BalatroFriends of Jimbo's first pack, this second update adds three more crossover cosmetics along with the CD Projekt Red collaboration. Stardew Valley is now inside Balatrowith the game's General Store clerk, Pierre, taking on the role of Jack of Diamonds. Marnie leaves her ranch to stay Balatro's Queen of Diamonds, and Lewis, the mayor of Pelican Town, becomes Balatro's King of Diamonds.


The adorably gruesome and macabre Binding of Isaac is also in on the fun. Isaac himself becomes the King of Hearts, while his mother takes a break from being the final boss to take on the role of the Queen of Hearts, and a decapitated dog becomes jacked. Kill the Sprout gets three co-op cards as well, bringing the Silent, the Ironclad, and the Defective into play.

There are now eight major collaborations in Balatrobut it may not be the end. In his official announcement of the second Friends of Jimbo pack on Twitter, Balatros developer teased more collaborations with other titles in the future, signing off with “Is this the full team, or are there more to come?” There are still plenty of other indie games out there Balatro could cross with, with other card games Encryption be a good example.

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