Balatro vs Mewgenics
A 10-minute commute deckbuilder versus a 76-hour cat-genetics roguelite — pick based on whether you want a quick fix or a long-term project.
Updated 16d ago
Definitive deck-building poker roguelike that holds up past 100 hours, with free Friends of Jimbo updates adding new collab card packs.
Makes good on the decade-long Mewgenics dev cycle — McMillen and Glaiel's cat-genetics roguelite hits Isaac territory at 89 MC and 94% recommend.
By the numbers
Prices checked Oct 8; they move faster than we refresh, so confirm on the store page.
Recent-review figures are Steam's own last-30-days window, read Oct 8.
| Measure | Balatro | Mewgenics |
|---|---|---|
| Value Balatro wins on value | ||
| Price now | $11.99 −20% · Fanatical | $29.99 Steam |
| All-time low | $10.15 | $22.49 |
| Cost / hour | $1.58/hr $11.99 · 8 h main story | $0.39/hr $29.99 · 76 h main story |
| Off its low | +18% low was Jul 2026 | +33% low was Jun 2026 |
| Main story | 8 h | 76 h |
| Health Balatro wins on player health | ||
| Steam reviews | 98% 200k reviews | 90% 55k reviews |
| Recent reviews | 97% 1k votes · vs 98% lifetime | 87% 1k votes · vs 90% lifetime |
| Peak players | 9,690 Sep 2026 · ↓ 3% MoM | 6,729 Sep 2026 · ↑ 17% MoM |
| Launch peak | 28% of Feb 2024 launch peak · as of Sep 2026 | 6% of Feb 2026 launch peak · as of Sep 2026 |
| All-time peak | 43,825 Jan 2025 | 115,063 Feb 2026 |
| Support | ||
| Last patch | 24 months ago | 5 weeks ago |
| Patch cadence | 0 in last 90 days | 5 in last 90 days |
| Steam Deck | Platinum | Platinum |
Shared scale — same months across the bottom, same player-count axis up the side, so the two lines are directly comparable. A shorter line means a younger game.
What players say
Patterns from long-haul reviewers, taken from each game's verdict. Not live sentiment — each side is dated below.
Balatro
The addictive roguelike loop of Balatro, with its endless joker and tarot combos, keeps 100+ hour players chasing new synergies.
The reliance on early-game luck and frequent restarts after bad tags or discards is the frustration veterans with 100+ hours consistently hit.
from our May 2026 verdict
Mewgenics
The cat-breeding loop's mutation chains and roguelike adventure variety are what 200-hour fans replay for.
The brutality of losing a well-bred cat line is the wall that ends many long playthroughs.
from our May 2026 verdict
Key differences
Which one is for you?
Pick Balatro if
- You want a deckbuilder you can finish in short sessions
- You loved Slay the Spire or Monster Train and want poker-hand synergies
- You need a mobile version for commutes and don't require cross-save
Pick Mewgenics if
- You loved Binding of Isaac and want McMillen's turn-based pivot
- You can invest 200+ hours into meta-progression without burnout
- You enjoy edgy humor and gross-out aesthetics in your roguelites
Bottom line
Pick Balatro if you want a $1-2 per hour deckbuilder you can finish in 8 hours, but choose Mewgenics if you're ready for a 76-hour cat-genetics project with active patches.