Illimat Replacement Deck vs Base Deck: Key Differences

Quick Answer

If your Illimat deck is worn from frequent play, the Illimat Replacement Card Deck is a cost-effective way to refresh your game without buying a new base set. It includes the same five-suited deck and rules reference cards, but you'll need to keep your original box and tokens.

What's Included: Replacement vs Base

The base Illimat game comes with the full game components: the deck, tokens, and the board. The Illimat Replacement Card Deck, on the other hand, contains only the playing cards and the rules/scoring reference cards, all in a tuck box. If you've lost or damaged cards, this replacement deck gets you back to a complete set without the extra cost of a new game.

One key difference is the packaging. The replacement deck uses a tuck box, which is more compact and easier to store than the base game's larger box. However, if you prefer the original storage solution, you'll need to keep your base game box to house the replacement cards.

Card Quality and Design: Same Look, Fresh Feel

Both the base and replacement decks feature Carson Ellis' whimsical and witchy illustrations, so you won't see a difference in art. The replacement deck uses linen finish playing cards, which are durable and have a nice tactile feel. If your original cards have become sticky, bent, or marked from heavy use, the replacement deck restores that new-card feel.

Note that the replacement deck is in English, matching the original base game. If you have a non-English version, you'll want to verify compatibility before ordering.

Cost Consideration: When Replacement Makes Sense

At a catalog price of $10.50 (compared to $14.00), the replacement deck is a budget-friendly option. If you're missing just a few cards, buying the full replacement deck is still more economical than purchasing a whole new game. However, if you're looking to gift the complete game to someone else, the base set is the better choice.

The replacement deck doesn't include the board or tokens, so if those are also missing, you'll need to buy the full game instead.

Trade-Offs at a Glance

• Cost vs. Components: The replacement deck is cheaper than a new base game but only includes cards, not the board or tokens. Check if your board and tokens are still in good shape before choosing the replacement deck.
• Packaging: Tuck Box vs. Game Box: The replacement deck comes in a tuck box, which is compact but doesn't offer the same storage as the base game box. If you want to keep everything together, store the replacement cards in your original Illimat box.
• Language Compatibility: The replacement deck is in English, so it's a direct match for the English base game. For non-English versions, verify card text compatibility before ordering.

Product Facts

• Illimat Replacement Card Deck: The Illimat Replacement Card Deck includes all the linen finish playing cards of the five suited deck plus the rules/scoring reference cards, all in a tuck box. This gives you everything you need to replace worn or lost cards, so you can keep playing without buying a new base game.

  

Which Should You Choose?

Best for

• Players who have worn out their original deck from frequent play
• Those who have lost or damaged cards and want a cost-effective fix

Not for

• New players who need the full game components (board, tokens, etc.)
• Collectors who prefer the original packaging and storage box