Money in the groups can only be used in attacks by or against that group, but gives double defense bonus when spent. Money in the Illuminated group is accessible for defense of or attacks on all groups in the entire world. Money is moved slowly, only one step at a time between groups once per turn. After a successful attack to control the card is placed (along the special markers) next to Illuminati, or another already controlled group forming a power structure.Įach group has its own money, best marked by placing each group's money counters on that group. The attacked group can be defended by spending money and special cards by other players (especially by the controlling Illuminati if the group is already controlled). During an attack to control the attacker must overcome the Resistance of attacked groups with combined Power of his groups (affected by Alignment of attacker and attacked), money spent, and influence of special cards. The primary Illuminati (player) activity is taking control of groups. Special cards represent unexpected phenomena and features, for example increasing Income or Resistance of a group. The game uses a multitude of conspiracy theory in-jokes, with cards such as the Boy Sprouts (where sinister youth leaders influence the world leaders of tomorrow), the Orbital Mind Control Lasers, the Mafia, two headed Anti-Nuclear Activists, or Trekkies. The game is written with the usual SJG humor. Every group and Illuminati has some Power, Resistance and Income values most of the world groups have an Alignment. The world is represented by group cards such as Secret Masters of Fandom, the CIA, The International Communist Conspiracy, Evil Geniuses for a Better Tomorrow, California, and many more – there are over 300 official cards available.

The deluxe edition added the Society of Assassins and The Network, and the Illuminati Y2K expansion added the Church of The SubGenius and Shangri-La. The Pocket Box edition depicted six Illuminati groups: The Bavarian Illuminati, The Discordian Society, The UFOs, The Servants of Cthulhu, The Bermuda Triangle, and The Gnomes of Zürich. The players take role of Illuminati societies that struggle to take over the world.

The game is played with a deck of special cards, money chips (representing millions of dollars in low-nominal unmarked banknotes) and two six-sided dice.

Illuminati card game list