The Balatro 1.1 update is delayed to 2026 for health and creativity reasons

LocalThunk confirms the main patch will arrive when it's ready, with no imposed dates.

More stories in the category Suggested

• Vince Zampella dies today in a traffic accident: the video game industry loses one of its most influential figures
• Holiday Gift in GTA Online: Free Christmas Hat and How to Get It
• Cronos: The New Dawn will add a new difficulty mode in 2026

Players of Balatro will have to wait longer than expected for the highly anticipated 1.1 update. Its creator, known as LocalThunk, has confirmed that the patch is being delayed until 2026 in order to prioritize his health and maintain a more sustainable creative process.

In a statement, the developer acknowledged that during the game’s development and after its release, he worked under constant pressure that led to burnout. The game’s sudden success, combined with the preparation of the mobile version and appearances at events like The Game Awards, contributed to making the situation unsustainable.

Balatro’s 1.1 update no longer has a set release date

LocalThunk explained that he now dedicates only a few hours a day to the project, allowing him to be more creative and test new ideas without the burden of a strict deadline. As a result, the 1.1 update no longer has a set release date and is simply defined as “when it’s ready”.

One thing that is guaranteed, however, is that the update will be free on all platforms where the game is available. By doing so, the creator aims to assure the community that Balatro will continue to grow, but without compromising his personal well-being in the process. A reminder that behind every independent success, there are people who also need to take care of themselves.