Balatro’s LocalThunk Reassures Fans on 1.1 Update, Shares New Features and Confirms No Multiplayer

After nearly a year of silence on the long-delayed Balatro 1.1 update, developer LocalThunk made a rare public appearance on the game’s Discord community yesterday to reassure players that progress is ongoing. The solo developer, who has spent the past twelve months largely offline, confirmed that the highly anticipated update remains in development and even teased additional content beyond the four Jokers previously shared. While he offered no firm release date, LocalThunk emphasized that he is now enjoying the most fulfilling period of his career and has no intention of rushing the project. The community responded with warmth rather than frustration, and the developer also confirmed that Balatro will never receive a multiplayer mode.

A Developer Rebuilding After Burnout

The extended absence traces back to a period of intense exhaustion that LocalThunk openly discussed earlier this year. After pushing himself relentlessly through the game’s development, he described becoming “well and truly burned out,” a state that worsened following the release of Balatro’s mobile version. He explained that he subsequently took an extended break before “very slowly” easing back into the work, deliberately approaching the project more like a hobby than a deadline-driven obligation.

“At the time it was still go-go-go and I never even considered that I could allow myself to stop, then after mobile came out I was just so burnt out I couldn’t touch the game for a bit. Luckily things have changed.”

LocalThunk

He also expressed genuine regret over committing to the now-missed 2025 release window, a point he reiterated in his latest message. Rather than issue a new firm date, he said he would continue to appear in the Discord from time to time to reassure fans that the update is still alive, and might post additional teasers, but would hold off on any release commitment until the work is genuinely ready.

Quality Over Speed

Crucially, LocalThunk made clear that he has no plans to accelerate the process simply to satisfy impatience. He stressed that he would rather deliver a complete, polished update than a rushed one that could damage the game he loves. “I don’t want this to be half baked and wreck Balatro,” he wrote, “I love the game too and I want to play a fun game not a rushed botch job.” He added that he is trying to stay offline as much as possible because that approach “works well for me,” though he will ease back in once 1.1 is ready to ship.

“I truly am having the best time making the game now. This past year of dev has been probably the most fulfilling work I’ve ever done, including pre launch times when it was a little hobby project.”

LocalThunk

The community, for its part, showed little of the impatience the developer feared. Most responses expressed relief and encouragement, with one apparent newcomer to the server visibly thrilled simply to see the developer active again.

What’s Coming in 1.1

For players hungry for specifics, LocalThunk shared more than the previously mentioned four Jokers. The major additions include a tier 2 voucher named Lunker, algorithmic changes governing how the next voucher is selected, a rework of the blue stakes, and other refinements. What stands out most, however, is his expectation that 1.1 will mark the end of the major content cycle. “That’s likely it,” he wrote, “Don’t expect any more than that.” He clarified that a smaller 1.1.1 update may follow later for balance tweaks and adjustments based on player feedback.

He also definitively confirmed that Balatro will not be receiving a multiplayer mode, closing the door on one of the more persistent community requests.

Looking Ahead

As it stands, the Balatro 1.1 update promises to be substantial, though there remains no indication of when it will actually arrive. LocalThunk’s message signals a healthier, more sustainable approach to development—one driven by personal fulfillment rather than external pressure. For now, the community can expect occasional updates from the developer and a steady trickle of teasers, with the real release still on the horizon. Fans eager to track the broader gaming landscape can explore upcoming releases, best PC titles, free games, top FPS options, standout RPGs, and the best co-op experiences through Gamer24h’s dedicated guides.