All card types in Balatro serve distinct roles. While normal cards enhance decks, Planets affect final scoring, Tarots have specific conditions for use, and Jokers are pivotal in strategies. Spectral cards, however, occupy a special niche. They share traits with Tarots but are rarer and wield more influence.

Labeling Spectral cards as the ultimate power in the game would be inaccurate. A well-played Joker surpasses a Spectral card, and a timely Tarot can outweigh its spectral counterpart. Yet, the allure of playing these radiant, unpredictable cards is unparalleled.

7 Sigil

Transforms All Cards in Hand to a Single Suit

Sigil excels in facilitating Flush combinations. Even with a randomly chosen suit, this card substantially tilts the balance toward that suit. However, misuse of Sigil or unfavorable luck can undo its benefits. It's advisable to play Sigil early in the game, emphasizing the need for adaptability and embracing new strategies.

6 Ectoplasm

Assigns Negative Property to a Random Joker; Reduces Hand Size by 1

Ectoplasm enhances a Joker by granting it the Negative attribute, allowing an extra Joker to be retained. While this enhancement is valuable, players should sell undesired Jokers before utilizing Ectoplasm to ensure the buff benefits a useful card. Despite the drawback of reduced hand size, the trade-off is usually worthwhile.

5 Ouija

Converts All Cards in Hand to a Single Rank; Reduces Hand Size by 1

Ouija, akin to Sigil, transforms a hand into a single random rank, amplifying the potential for certain combinations. However, consolidating cards into one rank may hinder future plays and the permanent hand size reduction poses challenges in executing desired strategies.