Exploring the Hidden Balatro Quest in Cyberpunk 2077

Toward the end of last year, CD Projekt Red made an announcement: there would be no new content updates for its recent release, Cyberpunk 2077, as the team was gearing up for future projects like Project Orion and The Witcher 4. Yet, to everyone’s surprise, the Polish gaming giant rolled out an unexpected free patch for current-gen platforms this week. Dubbed Update 2.2, this patch launched on December 10, 2024, and it delivers a wealth of new cosmetic content to the game. Aimed at enhancing player expression, the update introduces significant car customization, a revamped photo mode, and improvements to the character creator.

As is typical with Cyberpunk 2077 updates, CD Projekt Red kept several new features under wraps, leaving them for players to discover. To date, fans have uncovered additions like a new street race in Watson and a broader color palette for in-game weaponry. However, these enhancements are overshadowed by the major stealth revelation of Update 2.2: a new side quest themed around the game Balatro.

Balatro might not be a household name for all gamers, but it’s one of this year’s critically acclaimed indie titles. Crafted by Canadian solo developer LocalThunk, this roguelike deck-building game challenges players to blend jokers with poker hands to maximize points. Despite its humble appearance, many find Balatro irresistibly addictive; it’s even been nominated for Game of the Year at The Game Awards.

The new Cyberpunk 2077 side quest inspired by Balatro invites players to search for jokers throughout Night City. Upon advancing in the Cyberpunk campaign, players might receive a cryptic text from someone named Jim B, requesting help to locate a group of “rogue Jokers” causing havoc in the city’s gambling scene. Accepting this mission promises an adventurous trek across Night City where players must find graffiti drawings resembling Balatro’s jokers.

Though it’s essentially a fetch quest, completing the Balatro side mission offers worthwhile rewards. Players who locate all the hidden jokers in Night City will earn Balatro-themed cosmetics, such as a Joker T-shirt and a trophy for their apartments.

In explaining why CD Projekt Red included a Balatro side quest, quest designer Maria Mazur revealed her personal admiration for Balatro and her desire to collaborate. She expressed her connection with Balatro’s creator, LocalThunk, and her pride in integrating Jim B into Cyberpunk 2077.

Interestingly, this isn’t the first collaboration between LocalThunk and CD Projekt Red. Earlier in the year, the Friends of Jimbo update brought new face card suits to Balatro, drawing inspiration from well-known gaming franchises. Among these were cards featuring The Witcher’s Geralt of Rivia and Cyberpunk 2077’s rebellious rocker, Johnny Silverhand.

Cyberpunk 2077 remains a stand-out open-world RPG from CD Projekt Red, inviting players to immerse themselves in Night City’s culturally rich yet tumultuous environment. Players take on the role of V, a mercenary shaking up the city in pursuit of a unique implant unlocking immortality. With next-gen enhancements available and diverse customization options, the game offers players the chance to shape their journey and legacy in a world that never fails to surprise.