Games Like Joker Madness 🃏

I’m a huge Balatro fan. But this game is different. Joker Madness is a card duel: you see the enemy’s cards, they see yours, and 47 jokers break the rules for both of you. LocalThunk never replied to me — so here we are.

Is this game a Roguelike/Roguelite? Hmm, as a certain villain from a famous movie would say: You know, I'm something of a Roguelite myself! But nothing more than that.

Drag cards, build perfect straights and flushes, collect pairs and four-of-a-kinds. But be ready — your opponent's joker might zero out your aces, double your twos, or simply kill half the deck.

50+ unique jokers — from rank killers to meme legends.

A tactical card duel with poker hands and chaotic jokers. Classic poker meets strategic madness. Build combinations, manage jokers, defeat the AI.

But the real madness begins when there's a real person across the table. In PvP mode, both players see each other's hands and choose jokers simultaneously. No memorized tactic will save you here — every opponent thinks, adapts, and breaks your plans in their own way. One round you dominate, the next — you're read like an open book. It's the same Joker Madness, but with an entirely different level of tension.

🎴 How to Play

You and the AI take turns drawing cards from a single shared 54-card deck. The goal — score more points. Points come from card values and poker hand bonuses: pairs, three-of-a-kinds, straights, flushes, full houses, four-of-a-kinds, and beyond. But here's the catch: jokers change everything.

⚡ Every Card Is a Dilemma

Each turn you're offered 2 cards from the deck. You take one. The other goes to your opponent. You see their cards, they see yours — no bluffing, pure strategy. Sometimes it's better to take a weak card yourself so the strong one doesn't go to your rival.

🃏 50+ Jokers — 50+ Ways to Break the Game

Before every match — a joker draft. You and the AI take turns picking who enters the game. And here's the key: most jokers hit both players. Trying to hurt your opponent? You might hurt yourself too.

Joker System:

Special Jokers:

📈 Shop & Inflation (Stonks)

Between rounds — a shop where you can buy new jokers with earned points. But prices rise with every purchase! The more you buy, the more expensive the next one gets. Mindless shopping means you won't be able to afford anything by endgame. Plan your purchases wisely.

🧠 Perfect Information — Pure Strategy

No hidden cards, no random bluffs. You see everything: your cards, the enemy's cards, active jokers. Every decision is deliberate. Lost? It's on you, not RNG.

⏱️ Quick Matches

One game takes 5–15 minutes. Jump in, play, get satisfaction. Or rage. Or both.

🎨 Jokers as a Portal to Memes and Cultures

Joker designs are inspired by iconic characters from around the world — from memes and Slavic mythology to legendary figures from Asia, Europe, and even Oceania.

🤖 Different AIs for Replayability

Beyond standard behavior, some AIs will bluff, and some will be scared… but not of you.

🏆 Rewards & Progression

Win and complete challenges to unlock new deck skins and special jokers. Every victory is a step toward new content.

While creating this game, I was inspired by games like Balatro, Dungeons & Degenerate Gamblers, a bit of Slay The Spire, as well as various traditional card games, from poker to solitaire.