Last checked: July 15, 2026.
Is Balatro 1.1 still coming?
Yes. In a February 20, 2026 blog post, LocalThunk wrote: "P.S. Yes I'm still working on 1.1."
There is still no date. That post did not name a release window, feature list, or version number. In an earlier 1.1 update, LocalThunk said the patch would be free on all platforms when ready and would arrive "when it's done."
What changed in 2026?
If you mean changes you can play now, 2026 has brought new places to play Balatro, not a new balance patch:
- On February 25, Balatro's official X account announced the Switch 2 version. Switch 1 owners receive an owner discount, but save files do not transfer.
- On June 30, the official account announced Balatro on the Epic Games Store.
There is no public 1.1 gameplay patch to download as of this page's last check.
What LocalThunk has said about 1.1
This part is not a leak. In a February 2025 interview reported by PC Gamer, LocalThunk discussed three directions for 1.1:
- New Jokers.
- A rework for Matador.
- A change to Blue Stake.
That is all the detail we have. The interview does not give final effects, a full list of changed cards, or a release date. LocalThunk also said he wanted room to change ideas before the update ships.
The banana teaser and other rumours
A banana Joker image circulated in January 2026. Notebookcheck reported that LocalThunk shared the artwork through Discord for the 1.1 cycle. The image does not confirm the Joker's name, effect, rarity, unlock condition, or release date.
Players have guessed that it is linked to Gros Michel or Cavendish. That is community speculation, so do not treat any proposed effect as a leak or patch note.
The official timeline
| Date | Source | What it said |
|---|---|---|
| August 7, 2024 | Steam announcement | A major gameplay update was planned for 2025, with new ideas and strategies, free on all platforms. |
| September 12, 2025 | LocalThunk: "I'm Slow" | 1.1 would miss 2025. The developer would continue at a hobbyist pace, with no fixed release date. |
| February 20, 2026 | LocalThunk: "Bad Grades" | LocalThunk confirmed that work on 1.1 was continuing. |
What we still do not know
The official sources do not give a 1.1 release date, a full feature list, or a final version number. If another site posts dates, patch lists, or leaks, treat them as rumours until LocalThunk, Steam, or Balatro's official account posts the same information.
The last major gameplay patch
Update 1.0.1f
The official Steam patch notes describe 1.0.1f as the first substantial balance patch after launch. Its changes included:
- A Love2D engine update that fixed stuttering on Windows and Steam Deck.
- A Reduced Motion setting that removes the swirly background and most card animation.
- UI changes to stickers, upcoming blinds, and shop tags.
- Balance changes to poker hand scores, joker rarities, and the Sinful Jokers.
If you are rebuilding around those numbers, use the Balatro score calculator.
Where official news will appear
When a new patch or release date is announced, these are the places to check:
Sources checked
- Steam: major gameplay update announcement
- LocalThunk: "I'm Slow"
- LocalThunk: "Bad Grades"
- Steam: 1.0.1f patch notes
- PC Gamer: LocalThunk's 1.1 interview
- Balatro on X: Switch 2 availability
- Balatro on X: Epic Games Store availability
- Notebookcheck: January 2026 banana Joker teaser report
Keep reading
Patch Notes: a closer look at the 1.0.1f balance changes.
Latest Updates: recent Balatro news and release coverage.
Joker Database: current effects for all 150 jokers.