Istanbul: Digital Edition in IOS

Classic strategy board game

Walkthrough, Guilds, Tips on this special game

Our Expert Score

90/100

Istanbul: Digital Edition is a flawless translation of the 2014 Kennerspiel des Jahres winner. Acram Digital has a reputation for high-quality board game ports, and this is their crown jewel. The game is a 'modular board' race where you manage a merchant and four assistants through a bustling bazaar. The tactical depth comes from the 'assistant management'—you have to leave them behind to perform actions and then circle back to pick them up.

The UI is incredibly efficient, condensing a complex board into a readable mobile screen without losing the beautiful artwork by Andreas Resch. The inclusion of cross-platform multiplayer and a robust AI means you can always find a game. The 'Mocha & Baksheesh' expansion content is also being integrated, which adds even more longevity. If you enjoy strategic 'euro-style' board games, this is easily one of the best available on the App Store.

Dinsun reviewed on: Tue Feb 25 2025

The Game

Available on: iPhone, iPad, iPod

Version 1.2.1Thu Jun 26 2025

[Feature] Added rules to the Rulebook for the upcoming Mocha & Baksheesh expansion.

[QoL] Added animations to locations and backgrounds.

[QoL] Moved the tutorial from the bottom of the rules section into its own dedicated tab.

[QoL] Added feedback category selection to the feedback form.

[Engine] Updated the game engine and improved overall performance of the app.

[Fix] Fixed issues causing music crashes.


The official digital adaptation of one of the best board games in history – Istanbul.

Istanbul is, without a doubt, one of the best board games to have ever been published. The long list of its awards and honors speaks for itself:

2015 Nederlandse Spellenprijs Best Expert Game Nominee

2014 Swiss Gamers Award Winner

2014 Meeples' Choice Nominee

2014 Kennerspiel des Jahres Winner

2014 International Gamers Award - General Strategy: Multi-player Nominee

2014 Hra roku Nominee

2014 Gouden Ludo Winner

2014 Golden Geek Board Game of the Year Nominee

2014 Golden Geek Best Strategy Board Game Nominee

2014 Golden Geek Best Family Board Game Nominee

In our 2018 digital version we have maintained all of the features that made Istanbul the fan favorite that it is, but also expanded upon it with a number of tools and features only available on the digital platform. We maintained the authentic board game feeling with the convenience you can expect from an electronic device.

So what is the game about?

Can you be the first merchant to collect a certain number of rubies?

• Run, collect and trade goods across the bazaar

• Take control over your assistants

• Increase your wheelbarrow capacity

• Acquire special abilities to increase the advantage over your competitors

• Buy rubies or trade goods for them

In Istanbul, you lead a group of one merchant and his four assistants through 16 locations in the bazaar. In each such a location, you can carry out a specific action. The challenge, however, is that to take an action, you must move your merchant and an assistant there, then leave the assistant behind to handle all the details while you focus on larger matters. If you want to use that assistant again later, your merchant must return to that location to pick him up. Thus, you must plan ahead carefully to avoid being left with no assistants and thus unable to do anything…

What can you expect?

• Official Istanbul game - 100% original rules

• Adaptation of TOP 100 board game of all time by BGG ranking

• Play with AI, with friends or both

• Great artwork by Andreas Resch

• Languages: English, German, Dutch, Polish, French, Korean, Japanese, Chinese Simplified, Spanish

• Pass and play mode

• Cross-platform online multiplayer with synchronous and asynchronous modes

• Opponents' last moves replay

• 3 levels of difficulty AIs with individual strategies

• Preset or random generated game boards

• Atmospheric music and sounds

• Unique, original board game experience

• Intuitive gameplay

• Colorblind mode

• Over 70 achievements

• iPhone X support


Requires iOS 13.0 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.

The official digital adaptation of one of the best board games in history - Istanbul.

The official digital adaptation of one of the best board games in history – Istanbul.

Istanbul is, without a doubt, one of the best board games to have ever been published. The long list of its awards and honors speaks for itself:

2015 Nederlandse Spellenprijs Best Expert Game Nominee

2014 Swiss Gamers Award Winner

2014 Meeples' Choice Nominee

2014 Kennerspiel des Jahres Winner

2014 International Gamers Award - General Strategy: Multi-player Nominee

2014 Hra roku Nominee

2014 Gouden Ludo Winner

2014 Golden Geek Board Game of the Year Nominee

2014 Golden Geek Best Strategy Board Game Nominee

2014 Golden Geek Best Family Board Game Nominee

In our 2018 digital version we have maintained all of the features that made Istanbul the fan favorite that it is, but also expanded upon it with a number of tools and features only available on the digital platform. We maintained the authentic board game feeling with the convenience you can expect from an electronic device.

So what is the game about?

Can you be the first merchant to collect a certain number of rubies?

• Run, collect and trade goods across the bazaar

• Take control over your assistants

• Increase your wheelbarrow capacity

• Acquire special abilities to increase the advantage over your competitors

• Buy rubies or trade goods for them

In Istanbul, you lead a group of one merchant and his four assistants through 16 locations in the bazaar. In each such a location, you can carry out a specific action. The challenge, however, is that to take an action, you must move your merchant and an assistant there, then leave the assistant behind to handle all the details while you focus on larger matters. If you want to use that assistant again later, your merchant must return to that location to pick him up. Thus, you must plan ahead carefully to avoid being left with no assistants and thus unable to do anything…

What can you expect?

• Official Istanbul game - 100% original rules

• Adaptation of TOP 100 board game of all time by BGG ranking

• Play with AI, with friends or both

• Great artwork by Andreas Resch

• Languages: English, German, Dutch, Polish, French, Korean, Japanese, Chinese Simplified, Spanish

• Pass and play mode

• Cross-platform online multiplayer with synchronous and asynchronous modes

• Opponents' last moves replay

• 3 levels of difficulty AIs with individual strategies

• Preset or random generated game boards

• Atmospheric music and sounds

• Unique, original board game experience

• Intuitive gameplay

• Colorblind mode

• Over 70 achievements

• iPhone X support


Ratings & Reviews

4.7 out of 5 with 399 Counts
Age Rating 4+

Screenshots

Istanbul: Digital Edition screenshot 1Istanbul: Digital Edition screenshot 2Istanbul: Digital Edition screenshot 3Istanbul: Digital Edition screenshot 4Istanbul: Digital Edition screenshot 5Istanbul: Digital Edition screenshot 6Istanbul: Digital Edition screenshot 7Istanbul: Digital Edition screenshot 8Istanbul: Digital Edition screenshot 9Istanbul: Digital Edition screenshot 10

Istanbul: Digital Edition is the official adaptation of the TOP 100 board game of all time. As a merchant in a bustling bazaar, your goal is to be the first to collect a set number of rubies. Manage your assistants carefully across 16 different locations, each offering unique actions. This digital version features the original rules, great artwork, AI opponents, pass-and-play mode, and cross-platform online multiplayer for the ultimate strategic challenge.

Features

1

Official 100% original board game rules

2

Play against AI, friends, or both

3

Cross-platform online multiplayer

4

Pass-and-play mode for local sessions

5

Stunning artwork and high-quality animations

Tips

Promotion Videos

Istanbul: Digital Edition Official Trailer - YouTube

Related Videos

Istanbul: Digital Edition - Mocha & Baksheesh Gameplay Trailer - YouTube

DGA Plays: Istanbul - Digital Edition (Ep. 1 - Gameplay / Let's Play) - YouTube

Istanbul Digital Edition Review | Roll For Crit - YouTube

Istanbul: Digital Edition - Launch Gameplay Trailer - YouTube

Istanbul: Digital Edition First Glance at Nintendo Switch version. Dev Diaries #1 - YouTube

Critical Review - Istanbul Digital Edition by Acram Digital/AEG - YouTube

Istanbul: Digital Edition Online Tournament - Grand Final - YouTube

Digital Edition (Switch) - EnthusPlays++ w/@425suzanne | GameEnthus #Istanbul #AEG #Acram - YouTube

Istanbul: Digital Edition Gameplay (iOS/Android) - YouTube

Istanbul: Digital Edition - Mocha & Baksheesh Teaser - YouTube

News on this game

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The Boards & Cards Summer Bundle Bash on Steam has incredible tabletop deals

Acram Digital is holding a massive sale on tabletop bundles, from timless classics like Cluedo to epic card games such as Lord of the Rings.

Wargamer Fri Aug 29 2025

Istanbul: Digital Edition Review
Istanbul: Digital Edition Review

Like Monster Couch and Nomad Games, Acram Digital have taken it upon themselves to bring popular board games to the digital space.

TheXboxHub Wed Jun 29 2022

Istanbul: Digital Edition
Istanbul: Digital Edition

Buy Istanbul: Digital Edition and shop other great Nintendo products online at the official My Nintendo Store.

Nintendo Wed Nov 29 2023

Snag Concordia, Charterstone and other digital board games during Acram’s spring sale
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Acram's full catalogue of digital board games are enjoying some reduced prices during the developer's spring sale.

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Weekly Switch eShop Deals (W37) Back to Max

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Game Rant Wed Jan 29 2025

Istanbul: Digital Edition Review
Istanbul: Digital Edition Review

Istanbul: Digital Edition, developed by Acram Digital, is a digital adaptation of the popular board game of the same name.

GameSpew Sat Jun 29 2019

Gameplays

Q&A

The digital edition supports rules and content for expansions like Mocha & Baksheesh in its recent updates.

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