Balatro creator LocalThunk has confirmed that the free update 1.1 will not arrive this year and work is now targeting 2026. The developer cited burnout and a move to a much slower workflow, saying the update will ship without a fixed release date to avoid returning to crunch.
LocalThunk says he regrets having put a date on the update and explained the decision in a new blog post. The post is blunt: “I’m slow” and “I am sorry,” and it admits announcing a deadline for 1.1 was a mistake. The developer also revisits the fallout from launch: intense pre-release pressure followed by a sprint into post-launch patches and other ports. That stretch of work, he explains, led to burnout after the mobile port landed in late 2024.
LocalThunk’s recounting ties directly to coverage of his earlier stress, which outlines how launch crunch and rapid patching affected his health and pace. After stepping away for several months, the developer eased back into work this year with irregular progress and a looser schedule. He notes that working slowly yields less immediate output but improves well-being and long-term sustainability. That changed rhythm is the reason behind delaying 1.1.
Rather than commit to a calendar date, LocalThunk says the update will arrive when it feels right: “It’s done when it’s done.” He also stresses that the game remains a priority and that the Balatro player in him won’t allow the project to be abandoned. For now, Balatro remains highly replayable, so the extra time on 1.1 is manageable for the player base.
Delays like this are a reminder that small teams often need to pick a tempo that keeps creators healthy and the game alive over years rather than weeks. LocalThunk’s approach is straightforward, to finish the update on his terms, keep enjoying the work, and avoid repeating destructive cycles of crunch. The update will happen, but not on a forced timetable.
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