Balatro Joins New Xbox Game Pass Tier Offering

Overview of Balatro’s Release on PC Game Pass

Balatro, a captivating roguelike deckbuilder, has officially joined the PC Game Pass lineup.
The game previously launched on Xbox Game Pass for consoles on February 24, leaving PC users awaiting its release.
February was a notable month for Xbox Game Pass, featuring additions such as Far Cry New Dawn and Avowed.

Balatro, developed by LocalThunk, has now made its way to PC Game Pass, providing an exciting opportunity for subscribers who have yet to explore its immersive gameplay. Launched in February 2024, this poker-themed digital card game quickly climbed the ranks as one of the most popular titles on Steam Deck and garnered several prestigious awards.

The game draws frequent comparisons to Mega Crit’s celebrated Slay the Spire, which has an anticipated sequel on the horizon. Fans of either title are likely to appreciate both experiences, a sentiment echoed by LocalThunk. Balatro incorporates a deck inspired by Slay the Spire and features unexpected crossovers with beloved IPs like Stardew Valley, Cyberpunk 2077, and The Witcher 3.

Enhancing Options for Balatro Enthusiasts on Xbox Game Pass

Initially, Balatro was added to Xbox Game Pass on February 24. Although the announcement thrilled many subscribers, PC players were disappointed that they could only access the game on console. Fortunately, just a few days later, the developers responded to fan feedback and the game was made available on PC Game Pass, again without any prior notice.

Balatro and Stardew Valley crossover image

Interestingly, some players have reported that Balatro may qualify as an Xbox Play Anywhere title. This means that users who own the console version might have access to the PC version as well, although this remains unconfirmed and the game is not officially tagged as Play Anywhere. For context, Xbox Play Anywhere, introduced by Microsoft in 2016, allows gamers to buy select digital titles only once to play across Xbox and PC. Currently, there are about 440 titles associated with this initiative.

February has been particularly rewarding for Xbox Game Pass members. The month kicked off with the addition of Far Cry New Dawn on February 4, followed by the day-one release of Avowed on February 18 and Watch Dogs: Legion on February 26. Additionally, three previously exclusive titles from the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate tier – Starfield, Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes, and Another Crab’s Treasure – transitioned to the Standard tier as of February 5, expanding accessibility for all subscribers.

Source & Images