Balatro 1.1 Update Delayed Indefinitely

Solo developer LocalThunk has announced that the 1.1 update for Balatro, initially announced to be released sometime in 2025, has been delayed. Since its release in February 2024, the poker-themed roguelike deck-builder has continued to be an addiction for many, and Balatro players are eager for the title's first major gameplay update. Unfortunately, when it will appear is now up in the air.

In August 2024, LocalThunk announced the free Balatro 1.1 update, slated to be released for all players in 2025. According to the developer, the patch would introduce new strategies and ideas into the roguelike, and while not explicitly stated, potentially add more unique Jokers to the mix. This ignited fan curiosity, with many wondering how the popular game would change and how much new content would be introduced. Now, the game's creator has shared some disappointing news regarding the update's launch, though his reasoning is being well-received by longtime fans.

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By Ollie Tuscarny

LocalThunk Says Balatro 1.1 Will Be ‘Done When It’s Done'

In a new blog post, LocalThunk confirmed that the 1.1 update for Balatro will no longer be released in 2025, and will instead be "done when it's done." The developer explains that he experienced intense burnout after the game's initial launch and subsequent balance patch and mobile release, and that after a break, he returned to his work on Balatro slowly and steadily. "I still love drawing my silly jokers, but the prospect of rushing the work and going back into crunch mode to get it out this year just felt terrible," LocalThunk wrote. The creator reiterates that the 1.1 patch will still be released and will still be free for players on all platforms, while also stating that he does not want it to be the last update. Humorously, LocalThunk concludes the blog post by reminding readers that he recently earned every Balatro achievement, which only made him want to achieve the same feat again when 1.1 is finally live.

The explosive popularity of the poker-themed roguelike cannot be understated, with the game selling over 5 million copies by January 2025 and winning multiple awards, including Best Independent Game, Best Debut Indie Title, and Best Mobile Game at The Game Awards 2024. Despite all of this, LocalThunk didn't expect Balatro to be a hit, explaining that he created it for a few of his friends as a hobby.

In July, legendary Doom developer John Romero commented on Balatro, citing it as proof that some of the greatest games from recent years have been indie titles. The creator also cited Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, which is currently seen by many to be 2025's biggest Game of the Year contender.

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