LocalThunk, the solo developer behind the breakout poker-roguelike hit Balatro, has confirmed that work remains steady on the highly anticipated 1.1 gameplay update. The announcement arrived via a reflective blog post celebrating the game’s second anniversary, where the creator took the opportunity to shed light on their personal life as a student and the logistical realities of maintaining a global phenomenon. While the update was originally aimed for a 2025 launch window, the developer is shifting away from strict deadlines to focus on sustainable production.
The upcoming patch, first teased in August 2024, is described as a “major gameplay update” designed to inject fresh strategies and mechanics into the existing deck-building loop. Despite the massive success of the title since its February 2024 debut, LocalThunk has been transparent about the challenges of balancing development with other responsibilities. In a previous update titled “I’m Slow,” released in late 2025, the developer admitted that the grueling 12-hour workdays that preceded the game’s initial launch were no longer a viable or healthy path forward.
Choosing a “hobbyist” approach, the developer now spends only a few hours a day on the project, prioritizing the quality of the new content over a rushed release schedule. This shift in philosophy reflects a broader trend in independent game development, where creators are increasingly vocal about avoiding burnout. By adopting a “when it’s done” release window, LocalThunk aims to manage community expectations while ensuring that Balatro 1.1 meets the high standards established by the base game.
The community reaction to this measured pace has been largely supportive, as players continue to find depth in the current version of the game. This latest update from LocalThunk serves as a reminder that the most enduring indie titles are often those allowed to evolve at their own speed. For now, fans will have to wait for further details on specific card changes or new jokers, but the assurance that progress is being made provides a clear path forward for the title’s third year on the market.
