Computed from player tags · Not ranked by quality
24 games like Balatro (2026)
Every game below overlaps with Balatro on things players said about it rather than on our opinion of what feels alike. Each entry shows what it matched on, so you can throw out the ones matching on the part you did not care about.
The games like Balatro on a map
Compare the whole catalogueThe same 24 games, plotted rather than listed. The two axes below are the ones the ranking is built from, so a game sitting high and right is a game the formula placed near the top. Change either axis to see the field a different way. Where we hold a publisher wordmark, the game is drawn as its mark rather than a dot.
24 games have both
Axes are fitted to these 24 games rather than the full 0 to 100 scale, because a filtered list shares a narrow band and would otherwise sit in one corner. End values are marked. A point on the left edge is the lowest of thesegames, not a low score.
Players. The share of Steam reviews marked positive, pulled toward the catalogue average in proportion to how few reviews stand behind it. A game with 200 reviews moves a long way toward the average; one with 200,000 barely moves at all. Without this a title sitting at 100 percent on nine reviews outranks Half-Life 2 at 98 percent on 278,000.
Popularity. A blend of two things that are not the same. Audience is how many people wrote a Steam review, which is a floor on how many played it. Reach is how many language editions of Wikipedia document the game, which is cultural footprint rather than sales. A game can score high on one and low on the other: a huge free-to-play title has audience without reach, and a landmark console exclusive has reach without a Steam audience at all. Where both exist they are averaged; where only one does, that one carries it.
- Mobile
- PC
- PlayStation
Every point links to that game's entry. The value map and the reception map are fixed views of the same data.
How positions are decided
No paid placement, no favouritism, live third-party data
- Placed by the published method, not by us. Every coordinate is computed from the axis definitions and weights printed on this site. Nobody moves a point. See the axes.
- Nothing here is paid for. No sponsored placements, no promoted slots, no arrangement of any kind affects a position. If that ever changes it will be labelled and sit outside the ranking.
- No favouritism, including our own. The 16 games we have written full reviews of are scored by exactly the same formula as the other 1,510, from the same third-party inputs, and they land where it puts them. Our own opinion of a game does not enter its coordinates.
- A position is not an endorsement. It says how a game was received and what it costs, not that we recommend it. Where we do recommend something, it carries a written review with a name on it.
- Fetched from live third-party data. Player sentiment from Steam, critic aggregates as published on store pages, prices checked hourly, attention from Wikipedia. Each figure carries its source and the date it was read, and we do not adjust any of them.
The short version
- Closest match: Backpack Hero, which both story-rich, strategy, relaxing and difficult.
- Balatro is tagged Card Game, Roguelike Deckbuilder, Rogue-like, Deckbuilding, Singleplayer, Strategy, Pixel Graphics, Replay Value by Steam players. Those tags are what the matching runs on.
- 24 games qualify, each with at least fifty player reviews behind its sentiment figure.
- 2 are free to download, so you can test the resemblance yourself at no cost.
Why players value Balatro
The five things Steam players tag Balatro with most. This is the yardstick every game below is measured against: the closer a game matches these, the more it is likely to scratch the same itch.
- Card Game
- Roguelike Deckbuilder
- Rogue-like
- Deckbuilding
- Singleplayer
| Reception | on Steam (98% of 197,690) |
|---|---|
| Watch-outs | no widespread problems reported by players |
| Price | $14.99 |
Tags, sentiment and reported problems come from Steam players; the story line is from Wikipedia. We do not add a written opinion of our own.
How these were matched
Steam tags carry the most weight, because players apply them and they describe how a game feels rather than how it was filed. Souls-like, Atmospheric and Cozy exist as tags and as nothing else, which is exactly the vocabulary this question needs. Formal genres count for less, themes and a shared studio for more.
Tags carried by more than a third of the catalogue are thrown out before matching. Nearly everything is tagged Singleplayer, so matching on it is matching on nothing. That cutoff is computed from the catalogue rather than fixed, so it moves as the catalogue grows.
All 24, closest first
- 1
Backpack Hero
Why it matched: both story-rich, strategy, relaxing and difficult; shares 13 player tags including Replay Value, Turn-Based and Roguelike Deckbuilder; released around the same time (2023).
The inventory management roguelike! Collect rare items, organize your backpack, and vanquish your foes!
Backpack Hero at a glance Released 2023 Studio Jaspel Player sentiment 86% positive of 8,500 Price $9.99 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 7.3/10 · Steam: (86% of 8,500)
Matches Balatro on: 4 of 5 — Roguelike Deckbuilder, Rogue-like, Deckbuilding, Singleplayer
Why players like it: Replay Value, Turn-Based, Inventory Management, Roguelike Deckbuilder, Deckbuilding — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Balatro: $9.99 — $5.00 cheaper
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Balatro:Replay ValueTurn-BasedRoguelike DeckbuilderDeckbuilding2DRogue-likeStrategyChoices Matter
- 2
Slay the Spire
Why it matched: both strategy, relaxing and difficult; shares 14 player tags including Roguelike Deckbuilder, Card Game and Card Battler.
We fused card games and roguelikes together to make the best single player deckbuilder we could. Craft a unique deck, encounter bizarre creatures, discover relics of immense power, and Slay the Spire!
Slay the Spire at a glance Released 2019 Studio Mega Crit Player sentiment 97% positive of 217,947 Price $24.99 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 8.8/10 · Steam: (97% of 217,947)
Matches Balatro on: 5 of 5 — Card Game, Roguelike Deckbuilder, Rogue-like, Deckbuilding, Singleplayer
Why players like it: Roguelike Deckbuilder, Card Game, Card Battler, Rogue-like, Deckbuilding — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Balatro: $24.99 — $10.00 pricier
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Balatro:Roguelike DeckbuilderCard GameCard BattlerRogue-likeDeckbuildingTurn-BasedStrategyRogue-lite
- 3
Monster Train
Why it matched: both story-rich, strategy and difficult; shares 11 player tags including Card Battler, Rogue-lite and Card Game; released around the same time (2020).
Monster Train is a strategic roguelike deck building game with a twist. Set on a train to hell, you’ll use tactical decision making to defend multiple vertical battlegrounds. With real time competitive multiplayer and endless replayability, Monster Train is always on time.
Monster Train at a glance Released 2020 Studio Shiny Shoe Player sentiment 96% positive of 22,925 Price $24.99 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 8.2/10 · Steam: (96% of 22,925)
Matches Balatro on: 4 of 5 — Card Game, Roguelike Deckbuilder, Rogue-like, Deckbuilding
Why players like it: Card Battler, Rogue-lite, Card Game, Turn-Based Tactics, Deckbuilding — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Balatro: $24.99 — $10.00 pricier
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Balatro:Card BattlerRogue-liteCard GameDeckbuildingRogue-likeTurn-Based StrategyStrategyDifficult
- 4
Across the Obelisk
Why it matched: both strategy and difficult; shares 11 player tags including Rogue-like, Strategy and 2D; released around the same time (2022).
Set forth in a co-op roguelite deckbuilder where every choice matters! Craft decks of breathtaking power. Journey alone or with up to three friends. Plot your party’s path to glory and face powerful enemies in deep tactical combat on your quest to save the kingdom of Senenthia in Across the Obelisk!
Across the Obelisk at a glance Released 2022 Studio Dreamsite Games Player sentiment 80% positive of 13,086 Price $19.99 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 6.9/10 · Steam: (80% of 13,086)
Matches Balatro on: 5 of 5 — Card Game, Roguelike Deckbuilder, Rogue-like, Deckbuilding, Singleplayer
Why players like it: Rogue-like, Strategy, 2D, Fantasy, Roguelike Deckbuilder — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Balatro: $19.99 — $5.00 pricier
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Balatro:Rogue-likeStrategy2DRoguelike DeckbuilderCard GameCard BattlerDeckbuildingTurn-Based
- 5
The Legend of Bum-Bo
Why it matched: both strategy, relaxing and difficult; shares 10 player tags including Rogue-lite, Indie and Strategy.
A puzzle based deck building rogue-like prequel to The Binding of Isaac... Made of cardboard!
The Legend of Bum-Bo at a glance Released 2019 Studio Edmund McMillen Player sentiment 81% positive of 5,934 Price $14.99 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 6.9/10 · Steam: (81% of 5,934)
Matches Balatro on: 4 of 5 — Card Game, Rogue-like, Deckbuilding, Singleplayer
Why players like it: Rogue-lite, Indie, Strategy, Adventure, Puzzle — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Balatro: $14.99 — about the same price
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Balatro:Rogue-liteIndieStrategyDifficultCasualCard GameDeckbuildingTurn-Based
- 6
Library Of Ruina
Why it matched: both story-rich, strategy and difficult; shares 9 player tags including Card Game, Strategy and Difficult; released around the same time (2021).
"May you find your book in this place." Combat between the guests and the librarians breaks out as if it were on a stage. Defeated guests turn into books, and the Library grows onward. And eventually, get your hands on… The one singular, perfect book.
Library Of Ruina at a glance Released 2021 Studio ProjectMoon Player sentiment 94% positive of 44,826 Price $29.99 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 8.1/10 · Steam: (94% of 44,826)
Matches Balatro on: 3 of 5 — Card Game, Deckbuilding, Singleplayer
Why players like it: Story Rich, Card Game, Strategy, Difficult, Deckbuilding — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Balatro: $29.99 — $15.00 pricier
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Balatro:Card GameStrategyDifficultDeckbuildingIndieTurn-BasedCard BattlerTurn-Based Strategy
- 7
Inscryption
Why it matched: both story-rich, strategy and difficult; shares 8 player tags including Card Battler, Card Game and Deckbuilding; released around the same time (2021).
Inscryption is an inky black card-based odyssey that blends the deckbuilding roguelike, escape-room style puzzles, and psychological horror into a blood-laced smoothie. Darker still are the secrets inscrybed upon the cards...
Inscryption at a glance Released 2021 Studio Daniel Mullins Games Player sentiment 97% positive of 148,199 Price $19.99 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 8.6/10 · Steam: (97% of 148,199)
Matches Balatro on: 3 of 5 — Card Game, Rogue-like, Deckbuilding
Why players like it: Card Battler, Card Game, Story Rich, Deckbuilding, Horror — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Balatro: $19.99 — $5.00 pricier
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Balatro:Card BattlerCard GameDeckbuildingRogue-liteStrategyRogue-like2DPixel Graphics
- 8
Loop Hero
Why it matched: both story-rich, strategy and difficult; shares 8 player tags including Rogue-like, Pixel Graphics and Deckbuilding; released around the same time (2021).
The Lich has thrown the world into a timeless loop and plunged its inhabitants into never ending chaos. Wield an expanding deck of mystical cards to place enemies, buildings, and terrain along each unique expedition loop for the brave hero.
Loop Hero at a glance Released 2021 Studio Four Quarters Player sentiment 93% positive of 36,517 Price $14.99 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 8.1/10 · Steam: (93% of 36,517)
Matches Balatro on: 3 of 5 — Card Game, Rogue-like, Deckbuilding
Why players like it: Tactical, Rogue-like, Pixel Graphics, Deckbuilding, Rogue-lite — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Balatro: $14.99 — about the same price
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Balatro:Rogue-likePixel GraphicsDeckbuildingRogue-liteChoices MatterIndieCard Game2D
- 9
Papers, Please
Why it matched: both story-rich, strategy, relaxing and difficult; shares 7 player tags including Indie, Pixel Graphics and 2D.
Congratulations. The October labor lottery is complete. Your name was pulled. For immediate placement, report to the Ministry of Admission at Grestin Border Checkpoint. An apartment will be provided for you and your family in East Grestin. Expect a Class-8 dwelling.
Papers, Please at a glance Released 2013 Studio Lucas Pope Player sentiment 97% positive of 80,337 Price $9.99 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 8.4/10 · Steam: (97% of 80,337)
Matches Balatro on: 1 of 5 — Singleplayer
Why players like it: Indie, Political, Simulation, Point & Click, Singleplayer — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Balatro: $9.99 — $5.00 cheaper
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Balatro:IndiePixel Graphics2DStrategyReplay ValueCasualDifficult
- 10
Invisible, Inc.
Why it matched: both story-rich, strategy and difficult; shares 8 player tags including Difficult, Strategy and Rogue-lite.
Take control of Invisible's agents in the field and infiltrate the world's most dangerous corporations. Stealth, precision, and teamwork are essential in high-stakes, high-profit missions, where every move may cost an agent their life.
Invisible, Inc. at a glance Released 2015 Studio Klei Entertainment Player sentiment 91% positive of 5,778 Price $19.99 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 7.6/10 · Steam: (91% of 5,778)
Matches Balatro on: 2 of 5 — Rogue-like, Singleplayer
Why players like it: Cyberpunk, Difficult, Turn-Based Tactics, Isometric, Strategy — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Balatro: $19.99 — $5.00 pricier
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Balatro:DifficultStrategyRogue-liteTurn-BasedRogue-likeProcedural GenerationChoices MatterTurn-Based Strategy
- 11
Stoneshard
Why it matched: both strategy and difficult; shares 9 player tags including Rogue-like, Strategy and Pixel Graphics; released around the same time (2020).
Stoneshard is a hardcore turn-based RPG about the harsh life of a medieval mercenary: travel with your own caravan, descend into procedurally generated dungeons, learn new skills, survive hunger and injuries - and remember, every mistake can mean death and loss of progress.
Stoneshard at a glance Released 2020 Studio Ink Stains Games Player sentiment 75% positive of 35,515 Price $24.99 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 6.8/10 · Steam: (75% of 35,515)
Matches Balatro on: 2 of 5 — Rogue-like, Singleplayer
Why players like it: RPG, Rogue-like, Strategy, Pixel Graphics, Survival — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Balatro: $24.99 — $10.00 pricier
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Balatro:Rogue-likeStrategyPixel GraphicsTurn-BasedProcedural Generation2DIndieDifficult
- 12
Wildermyth
Why it matched: both story-rich, strategy and difficult; shares 7 player tags including Choices Matter, Procedural Generation and Rogue-lite; released around the same time (2021).
Wildermyth follows heroes over their whole careers, from their pitchfork days to their powerful primes, and on into old age and memory. It’s a party-based procedural storytelling RPG where tactical combat and story decisions will alter your world and reshape your cast of characters.
Wildermyth at a glance Released 2021 Studio Worldwalker Games LLC Player sentiment 95% positive of 18,232 Price $24.99 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 8.1/10 · Steam: (95% of 18,232)
Matches Balatro on: 1 of 5 — Singleplayer
Why players like it: Party-Based RPG, Choices Matter, Story Rich, Character Customization, Turn-Based Tactics — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Balatro: $24.99 — $10.00 pricier
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Balatro:Choices MatterProcedural GenerationRogue-liteTurn-Based StrategyTurn-BasedIndieStrategy
- 13
Into the Breach
Why it matched: both strategy and difficult; shares 9 player tags including Strategy, Turn-Based Strategy and Indie.
Control powerful mechs from the future to defeat an alien threat. Each attempt to save the world presents a new randomly generated challenge in this turn-based strategy game.
Into the Breach at a glance Released 2018 Studio Subset Games Player sentiment 94% positive of 22,246 Price $14.99 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 8.2/10 · Steam: (94% of 22,246)
Matches Balatro on: 2 of 5 — Rogue-like, Singleplayer
Why players like it: Strategy, Turn-Based Strategy, Indie, Pixel Graphics, Turn-Based Tactics — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Balatro: $14.99 — about the same price
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Balatro:StrategyTurn-Based StrategyIndiePixel GraphicsRogue-likeTurn-BasedRogue-liteReplay Value
- 14
Dungeon of the ENDLESS
Why it matched: both strategy and difficult; shares 9 player tags including Rogue-like, Strategy and Pixel Graphics.
Dungeon of the ENDLESS™ is a Rogue-Like Dungeon-Defense game, in which the player and their team of heroes must protect the generator of their crashed ship while exploring an ever-expanding dungeon, all while facing waves of monsters and special events as they try to find their way out...
Dungeon of the ENDLESS at a glance Released 2014 Studio AMPLITUDE Studios Player sentiment 85% positive of 14,040 Price $11.99 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 7.3/10 · Steam: (85% of 14,040)
Matches Balatro on: 2 of 5 — Rogue-like, Singleplayer
Why players like it: Rogue-like, Strategy, Tower Defense, Pixel Graphics, Indie — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Balatro: $11.99 — $3.00 cheaper
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Balatro:Rogue-likeStrategyPixel GraphicsIndieProcedural GenerationDifficultRogue-liteReplay Value
- 15
Backpack Battles
Why it matched: both strategy and difficult; shares 8 player tags including Strategy, Roguelike Deckbuilder and Indie; released around the same time (2025).
A PvP inventory management auto battler! Buy and craft powerful items, then carefully arrange them in your backpack.
Backpack Battles at a glance Released 2025 Studio PlayWithFurcifer Player sentiment 91% positive of 20,654 Price $14.99 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 7.8/10 · Steam: (91% of 20,654)
Matches Balatro on: 2 of 5 — Roguelike Deckbuilder, Rogue-like
Why players like it: Early Access, Auto Battler, Inventory Management, Strategy, PvP — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Balatro: $14.99 — about the same price
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Balatro:StrategyRoguelike DeckbuilderIndieCard BattlerRogue-likeTurn-BasedReplay Value2D
- 16
Artifact
Why it matched: both strategy, relaxing and difficult; shares 8 player tags including Card Battler, Deckbuilding and Card Game.
Artifact now features two games: Artifact Classic, the original Dota 2 trading card game, and Artifact Foundry, a special edition with streamlined gameplay, new cards, new single-player content, and an improved new player experience.
Artifact at a glance Released 2018 Studio Valve Player sentiment 47% positive of 24,768 Price Free Verdict: GamingPickz Score 5.5/10 · Steam: (47% of 24,768)
Matches Balatro on: 3 of 5 — Card Game, Deckbuilding, Singleplayer
Why players like it: Card Battler, Deckbuilding, Card Game, Trading Card Game, Strategy — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Balatro: Free — free
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Balatro:Card BattlerDeckbuildingCard GameStrategyTurn-Based StrategyDifficultCasualTurn-Based
- 17
GWENT: The Witcher Card Game
Why it matched: both strategy, relaxing and difficult; shares 7 player tags including Strategy, Card Game and Deckbuilding; released around the same time (2020).
Command mighty Witcher-world heroes in epic online PvP card battles!
GWENT: The Witcher Card Game at a glance Released 2020 Studio CD PROJEKT RED Player sentiment 86% positive of 27,710 Price Free Verdict: GamingPickz Score 7.6/10 · Steam: (86% of 27,710)
Matches Balatro on: 3 of 5 — Card Game, Deckbuilding, Singleplayer
Why players like it: Free to Play, Strategy, Card Game, RPG, Multiplayer — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Balatro: Free — free
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Balatro:StrategyCard GameDeckbuildingTurn-BasedCard BattlerDifficultCasual
- 18
Iratus: Lord of the Dead
Why it matched: both strategy and difficult; shares 8 player tags including Strategy, Indie and Rogue-like; released around the same time (2020).
Iratus: Lord of the Dead is a turn-based tactical roguelike RPG set in a dark fantasy universe. Lead an army of undead to help an angry necromancer in his quest to reach the surface world and bring death to the mortal realms!
Iratus: Lord of the Dead at a glance Released 2020 Studio Unfrozen Player sentiment 86% positive of 8,251 Price $2.99 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 7.4/10 · Steam: (86% of 8,251)
Matches Balatro on: 1 of 5 — Rogue-like
Why players like it: RPG, Strategy, Indie, Turn-Based Combat, Rogue-like — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Balatro: $2.99 — $12.00 cheaper
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Balatro:StrategyIndieRogue-likeRogue-liteTurn-Based2DDifficultReplay Value
- 19
Curious Expedition 2
Why it matched: both story-rich, strategy and difficult; shares 6 player tags including Rogue-lite, Turn-Based and Rogue-like; released around the same time (2021).
Curious Expedition 2 is a turn-based narrative roguelike set in a reimagined version of the late 19th century that uses procedural gameplay and story elements to create completely unique and epic adventures every time you play.
Curious Expedition 2 at a glance Released 2021 Studio Maschinen-Mensch Player sentiment 89% positive of 4,143 Price $4.99 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 7.3/10 · Steam: (89% of 4,143)
Matches Balatro on: 1 of 5 — Rogue-like
Why players like it: Adventure, Simulation, Dynamic Narration, Alternate History, Hex Grid — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Balatro: $4.99 — $10.00 cheaper
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Balatro:Rogue-liteTurn-BasedRogue-likeTurn-Based StrategyStrategyProcedural Generation
- 20
Terraformers
Why it matched: both story-rich, strategy and difficult; shares 6 player tags including Procedural Generation, Rogue-like and Choices Matter; released around the same time (2023).
Terraform Mars in this turn-based colony builder and resource management game with roguelike elements. Explore the planet, develop spectacular cities, spread life and turn the Red Planet into a green one!
Terraformers at a glance Released 2023 Studio Asteroid Lab Player sentiment 88% positive of 3,744 Price $19.99 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 7.4/10 · Steam: (88% of 3,744)
Matches Balatro on: 3 of 5 — Card Game, Rogue-like, Singleplayer
Why players like it: Simulation, Procedural Generation, Survival, Atmospheric, Rogue-like — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Balatro: $19.99 — $5.00 pricier
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Balatro:Procedural GenerationRogue-likeChoices MatterCard GameTurn-BasedTurn-Based Strategy
- 21
Zuma
Why it matched: both strategy, relaxing and difficult; shares 7 player tags including Arcade, 2D and Strategy.
Deep in the jungle lie hidden temples bursting with traps and trickery, and it's up to you to uncover their treasures. Fire magical balls from your stone frog idol to make matches of three or more and clear the deadly chain before it reaches the golden skull.
Zuma at a glance Released 2003 Studio Oberon Media Player sentiment 96% positive of 6,806 Price $4.99 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 7.7/10 · Steam: (96% of 6,806)
Matches Balatro on: 1 of 5 — Singleplayer
Why players like it: Match 3, Puzzle, Arcade, 2D, Strategy — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Balatro: $4.99 — $10.00 cheaper
Watch-outs: players report will not launch or install (details)
Shared with Balatro:Arcade2DStrategyCasualReplay ValueIndieDifficult
- 22
Mini Metro
Why it matched: both strategy, relaxing and difficult; shares 7 player tags including Strategy, Indie and Casual.
Mini Metro is a strategy simulation game about designing a subway map for a growing city. Draw lines between stations and start your trains running. As new stations open, redraw your lines to keep them efficient. Decide where to use your limited resources. How long can you keep the city moving?
Mini Metro at a glance Released 2015 Studio Dinosaur Polo Club Player sentiment 96% positive of 16,729 Price $9.99 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 8.0/10 · Steam: (96% of 16,729)
Matches Balatro on: 1 of 5 — Singleplayer
Why players like it: Strategy, Puzzle, Minimalist, Simulation, Trains — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Balatro: $9.99 — $5.00 cheaper
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Balatro:StrategyIndieCasualRelaxing2DDifficultReplay Value
- 23
FTL: Faster Than Light
Why it matched: both strategy and difficult; shares 8 player tags including Rogue-like, Strategy and Indie.
This "spaceship simulation roguelike-like" allows you to take your ship and crew on an adventure through a randomly generated galaxy filled with glory and bitter defeat.
FTL: Faster Than Light at a glance Released 2012 Studio Subset Games Player sentiment 95% positive of 78,616 Price $9.99 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 8.4/10 · Steam: (95% of 78,616)
Matches Balatro on: 2 of 5 — Rogue-like, Singleplayer
Why players like it: Rogue-like, Space, Strategy, Sci-fi, Indie — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Balatro: $9.99 — $5.00 cheaper
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Balatro:Rogue-likeStrategyIndieDifficultReplay ValueProcedural Generation2DRogue-lite
- 24
Rogue Tower
Why it matched: both strategy, relaxing and difficult; shares 6 player tags including Strategy, Rogue-like and Casual; released around the same time (2022).
Rogue Tower is a tower defense game with roguelike elements and a continuously expanding path which you can influence. Unlock, build, upgrade, expand, defend.
Rogue Tower at a glance Released 2022 Studio Die of Death Games Player sentiment 83% positive of 5,921 Price $14.99 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 6.9/10 · Steam: (83% of 5,921)
Matches Balatro on: 2 of 5 — Rogue-like, Singleplayer
Why players like it: Tower Defense, Strategy, Rogue-like, Casual, Procedural Generation — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Balatro: $14.99 — about the same price
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Balatro:StrategyRogue-likeCasualProcedural GenerationRogue-liteIndie
Common questions
What game is most like Balatro?
Backpack Hero, on the evidence we have. It both story-rich, strategy, relaxing and difficult. That is a statement about overlap, not a promise you will like it as much: two games can share every tag and still feel different to play.
How is "similar to Balatro" decided?
By overlap on the tags Steam players applied to each game, the formal genres, the themes both sit in, and whether the same studio made them. Tags carry the most weight because players write them, so they describe how a game feels rather than how it was filed. Tags carried by more than a third of the catalogue are ignored: matching on "Singleplayer" is matching on nothing. Every entry below shows exactly what it matched on.
Are these ranked by quality?
No. They are ordered by how much they overlap with Balatro. Where two games overlap equally, the better received one goes first, but that only moves a game a place or two. Each entry shows its own player sentiment so you can weigh that separately.
Do you get paid for these recommendations?
No. The order is computed from tag and genre overlap and nothing else. No placement here can be bought, and a game appearing high on this page is a statement about resemblance rather than an endorsement.