2024’s Greatest Roguelike Is a Must-Play on Xbox Game Pass
Balatro, an indie roguelike by solo developer LocalThunk, emerged as one of 2024’s most successful games. The poker-themed roguelike combines simple pixel-art presentation with deep strategic gameplay, earning critical acclaim despite its understated appearance. The game received five Game Awards nominations and won three, a remarkable achievement for an indie title.
Gameplay centers on playing poker hands across eight levels (antes) with three rounds each, with score requirements increasing each round. The game’s core appeal lies beneath its surface simplicity—players discover boundless experimentation possibilities within its poker framework. Despite the familiar poker aesthetic, the roguelike mechanics create complex strategic depth.
Balatro achieved impressive commercial success, reaching 5 million copies sold by January 2025. The game is now available on Xbox Game Pass, expanding its reach beyond its already substantial player base and making this critically acclaimed indie hit accessible to subscribers of the service.