Balatro 1.1 Update Indefinitely Delayed, Dev Cites Burnout

Fans eager for the long-awaited Balatro 1.1 update will have to wait longer than expected. Solo developer LocalThunk confirmed that the patch will not release in 2025, despite earlier plans.

🕒 Why the Delay?

In a candid statement, LocalThunk admitted that setting a public deadline was a mistake. After the game’s launch in February 2024, the developer immediately worked on a balance patch and then a mobile port later that year. The intense schedule led to burnout, which carried over into 2025.

By mid-2025, LocalThunk resumed development at a much slower pace, treating Balatro as a hobby project once again, dedicating just a few hours per day.

“I am working slowly, but I like it that way,” LocalThunk explained. “I love getting sucked into rabbit holes, and I don’t like trying to force things creatively. I have never, before Balatro, set a deadline for any of my creative projects and I now realize how important that is for my process.”

✅ Update Still Coming — For Free

Despite the delay, LocalThunk reassured fans that Balatro 1.1 is still in active development. The update will include new content, adjustments, and improvements, and it will launch free across all platforms once complete.

The developer emphasized a focus on sustainability:

“I won’t be making the 2025 deadline I said I would. Balatro 1.1 will still come out, of that I am certain, but the new timeline is going to be: it’s done when it’s done.”

📌 What This Means for Players

While disappointing for fans hoping for a quick turnaround, the decision highlights the importance of developer health and creative freedom. The community can still expect Balatro 1.1 eventually — just without a set release window.