01
Copy on the first hand
DNA copies one played card when your first hand of the round contains only that card. Check that the card you want is the only one you play.
BALATRO / PLAYER GUIDE
Should I copy a low card with DNA and Hack?
Use DNA to add a 2, 3, 4 or 5 to the deck, then let Hack repeat it in a later scoring hand.
Open this Joker example →
YOUR NEXT DECISION
Does the copied card score now or later?
02
Build toward a later draw
Hack retriggers scored 2s, 3s, 4s and 5s. A copied low card enters your deck; it cannot help until you draw and score it in another hand.
03
Choose a useful copy
Copy a low card that fits your chosen hand type or carries a strong enhancement. If the next Blind needs points immediately, compare the cost of spending that first hand on DNA.
DNA sets up a later hand
On the first hand of the round, playing exactly one card lets DNA copy it into your deck. Hack retriggers scored 2s, 3s, 4s and 5s, including that copy if you later draw and score it.
Example: copy a 2
A copied 2 in your deck does not score immediately. Draw it later in a scoring pair or another matching hand, and Hack gives its scored effects another trigger. Spending the first hand on DNA has a cost if this Blind is tight.
Frequently asked questions
Does Hack trigger when DNA creates the card?
No. Hack acts when a qualifying card scores; the new copy must be drawn and scored later.