| | | | | |

Illiterati (2023) Board Game

ByMichail

Illiterati is a real-time word game designed by Audrey Jung and published in in 2023. It is a cooperative game that challenges players to come up with words under time pressure while also engaging in trading activities. The game is suitable for 1-5 players aged 7 and above, with an average playtime of 30 minutes.

Game Components of Illiterati

  • Letter tiles
  • Book cards (Red and Blue)
  • Illiterati Villain cards
  • Library Card for each player
  • Burn Tracker
  • Timer (sand hourglass)
  • Draw and discard bags
  • Matte Card sleeves (in the Kickstarter version)
  • Summary cards for rules and difficulty levels

    How To Setup Illiterati

    To set up Illiterati, start by dealing each player a Library Card, which outlines the guides and round order. Choose a difficulty level (Normal, Hard, or Legendary). Place all the letters in one bag and use the other for discarded letters. Each player receives five letters, and three letters are placed in the center to form the Library. Each player also gets a Torched (Red) Book, while the Waterlogged (Blue) Books are set aside for later use. Shuffle the Illiterati Villain cards and place them nearby. Finally, set up the Burn Tracker and the timer, drawing additional letters onto the Burn Tracker if playing on Hard or Legendary difficulty.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

    Gameplay Mechanics

  • Word Building Phase:** Players draw 7 (or 10 for solo play) letters and have three minutes to build words that match the prompts on their Book cards. They can swap letters, swap words, or break up and remix words. Communal letters in the Library are available for all players.
  • Illiterati Attack Phase:** After the timer expires, draw an Illiterati Villain card, resolve its effect, and activate any chained abilities from previous rounds.
  • Final Chapter Phase:** Once all players have bound their required number of books, the game moves to the Final Chapter. Players collectively draw one book and each player must complete the Final Chapter on the same turn to win.

    Game Objective

  • Bind the required number of books per player based on the difficulty level.
  • Complete the Final Chapter as a team.
  • Avoid burning too many letters, which can lead to losing the game.

    Player Experience

    Illiterati is designed for cooperative play, encouraging teamwork and quick thinking. Players work together to build words within a tight time frame, sharing letters and strategies to meet the requirements on their Book cards. The game becomes increasingly challenging with the introduction of Illiterati Villain cards, which can hinder progress and add pressure. While the game is accessible and fun, it is particularly suited for groups rather than solo play, as the cooperative aspect is a significant part of the experience.

    Pros

  • Cooperative Play:** Encourages teamwork and communication.
  • Time Pressure:** Adds excitement and urgency to the game.
  • Variety of Challenges:** Book cards have diverse themes and requirements.
  • Ease of Setup:** Quick and easy to get started.
  • Family-Friendly:** Suitable for players aged 7 and above.

    Cons

  • Solo Play Limitations:** Less engaging and chaotic compared to cooperative play.
  • Higher Player Count Challenges:** More players can make the game frenetic and harder to think through word-building strategies.
  • Dependency on Team Coordination:** Success relies heavily on team communication and cooperation.

    Personal Thoughts on Illiterati

    Illiterati is perfect for co-op groups looking to scratch the Scrabble itch in a short, dynamic game. It’s ideal for families or casual gaming groups who enjoy word games and cooperative challenges. The game’s accessibility and the inclusion of a Junior Mode make it a great option for introducing younger players to word games. However, for those who prefer quieter, more subdued word games or solo play, Illiterati might not be the best fit due to its frenetic nature and reliance on teamwork.

    We are supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. Learn more. 

    • Michail, a seasoned tabletop enthusiast, dives headfirst into worlds of fantasy and strategy. Whether commanding a party of adventurers through perilous dungeons or engaging in tactical showdowns on the board, Michail is the maestro of the tabletop realm. Michail's gaming table is a realm where the clatter of dice and the shuffle of cards create a symphony of strategic chaos.

    Hobby: Miniature painting guru, turning pewter into masterpieces
    Preferred Game: Dungeons & Dragons, but always up for a board game brawl

    Leave a Reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *