How to Choose Your First Illimat Gift Set
By Twogether Studios | Published: 2026-10-18
Category: Buying Guides
Not sure which Illimat gift set to buy? This guide compares the Initiate Gift Set and Crane Wife Set to help you pick the right starter bundle.
Quick answer
If you're new to Illimat and want everything to start playing, the Illimat Initiate Gift Set is your best bet. It bundles the base game, both expansions, and a special coin. If you already own the base game and just want more character cards, the Crane Wife Set adds six Luminary cards that change how each round plays.
What's inside each Illimat gift set
The Illimat Initiate Gift Set is designed as a complete starter bundle. It includes a copy of the Second Edition base game, both expansions (The Crane Wife Set and The False Barrons Set), and a brass Syzygy Coin minted by Shire Post Mint. The coin adds a special effect when used as an Okus Token, giving you an extra tactical layer right out of the box.
The Crane Wife Set, available in both English and French editions, is a smaller expansion. It adds six unique Luminary cards illustrated by Carson Ellis, each with a different effect during play. This set does not include the base game or the False Barrons expansion, so it's meant for players who already have Illimat.
Who should buy the Initiate Gift Set
The Initiate Gift Set is ideal for someone who has never played Illimat and wants a single purchase that covers the full experience. Because it includes both expansions and the special coin, you get the most variety in gameplay from the start. The catalog price of USD 49.68 (compared to USD 72.00) also makes it a good value relative to buying everything separately.
If you are buying a gift for a board game fan who enjoys strategy and storytelling, this set gives them everything they need without extra shopping. The only trade-off is that you cannot customize which expansions you get — it's a fixed bundle.
Who should buy the Crane Wife Set
The Crane Wife Set is the right choice if you or the recipient already own the Illimat base game. It adds six Luminary cards that bring new strategies and surprises to each round. The cards are revealed during play and can introduce magic, tension, or relief — changing how the game unfolds.
This set costs USD 7.44 (catalog comparison price USD 12.00) and comes with both English and French rule booklets in the French edition. If you want to expand your game without buying a second copy of the base game, this is the most economical path. The downside is that you get only one expansion, not the full collection.
Decision rules for choosing your Illimat gift set
- Do you own the base game?: If no, the Initiate Gift Set gives you the full game plus expansions. If yes, the Crane Wife Set is a focused expansion. Check your shelf before buying.
- Are you buying for a new player?: The Initiate Gift Set is the better gift because it includes everything needed to play. The Crane Wife Set requires the base game to be useful. Gift the Initiate Set for a complete experience.
- Do you want the most gameplay variety?: The Initiate Gift Set includes both expansions and the Syzygy Coin, giving you more cards and a special token. The Crane Wife Set adds only six Luminary cards. Choose Initiate for variety; Crane Wife for targeted expansion.
Product facts at a glance
- Illimat: The Initiate Gift Set: An Illimat Initiate Gift Set contains a copy of the game, both expansions and a shiny brass specialty coin. Includes Illimat Game Second Edition, The Crane Wife Set, The False Barrons Set, and a Brass Syzygy Coin minted by Shire Post Mint. This is the only bundle that gives you the complete Illimat experience in one box — perfect for new players who want to dive straight into advanced play without buying add-ons later.
- Illimat:The Crane Wife Set: The Crane Wife Set adds an additional 6 Luminary options to Illimat bringing new strategies and surprises to your Illimat experience. The set includes cards illustrated by Carson Ellis, each with a different effect in play. If you already own the base game, this expansion refreshes your game night with new character abilities that alter strategy without requiring a full new purchase.
Which set fits you best?
Best for
- New players who want a complete starter bundle with the base game and both expansions
- Gift givers looking for a ready-to-play Illimat experience
Not for
- Players who already own the base game and only want to add a few new cards — consider the Crane Wife Set instead
