36 Deck Builder games like Istanbul: Digital Edition that you should try

Games like Istanbul: Digital Edition · Find similar →

Ranking compiled by Lluis Enric Mayans, Founder & Head of ContentUpdated May 19, 2026How this is calculatedOrdered by an attribute-similarity model, not editorial opinion.

Filter by:Deck Builder×← Back to home

We filtered the 49 games similar to Istanbul: Digital Edition down to the 36 that fit the “Deck Builder” category. Ascension: Deckbuilding Game, Ticket to Ride: Classic Edition and Egyptian Senet top the list, ranked by affinity and similarity score to Istanbul: Digital Edition.

iRank92/ 100

Did you find what you were looking for?

GenreStrategySubgenreTurn-Based Strategy

The best deck Builder games like Istanbul: Digital Edition

36 similar games foundUpdated May 2026

Handpicked by our similarity algorithm, these are the titles with the highest gameplay match to Istanbul: Digital Edition. Each one has been evaluated across 10 real attributes — from combat style and progression mechanics to world structure and visual perspective — so every recommendation is based on how the game actually plays, not just its genre label.

#1Ascension: Deckbuilding GameClosest overall match

iRank87

GenreStrategySubgenreTurn-Based Strategy

SoloMultiplayerOfflineCasualNarrative2D

Steam👍 89%· 1.7KMC84

Year 2011Dev Playdek · Asmodee DigitalPlaytime ~2hOn PC · iOS · Android

✓ Both are turn-based strategy games — sharing card game strategy, turn-based strategy and vibe casual

≠ Where it differs: brings combat tactical, fantasy world and setting scifi, while skipping vibe relaxing

Ascension: Chronicle of the Godslayer, was the first officially licensed deck building card game for iOS, and is now available for your PC as Ascension: Deckbuilding Game, complete with 5 full expansion decks! Play alone or with friends to battle against the Fallen One for honor and victory.

Genre100Visuals100Tone84Game mode83

Details →

Steam

#2Ticket to Ride: Classic EditionClosest on game mode

iRank78

GenreStrategySubgenreTurn-Based Strategy

SoloMultiplayerOfflineCasual2D

Steam👍 86%· 5.5KRAWG👍 67%· 117MC91IGDB63· 3

Year 2009Dev Plug In Digital · Microsoft StudiosPlaytime ~3hOn PC · PS · Xbox

✓ Same family of turn-based strategy games: turn-based strategy, card game strategy and vibe casual

≠ Its own twist: adventure storytelling, competitive edge and combat tactical, while skipping strong narrative focus

Ticket to Ride is a turn-based strategy game, an adaptation of a board game of the same name. ### Gameplay The gameplay copies the board game entirely. The game takes place on a map of the United States and south Canada filled with multicolored railroads.

Where it drifts furthest from Istanbul: Digital Edition: visuals.

It predates Istanbul: Digital Edition by 9 years, with what that implies technically.

Genre100Game mode92Tone63Visuals47

GenreStrategySubgenreTurn-Based Strategy

SoloMultiplayerCasualRelaxingNarrative

Steam👍 78%· 365

Year 2015Dev Ezzat StudiosPlaytime ~1hOn PC · Apple Macintosh

✓ Both are turn-based strategy games — sharing turn-based strategy, card game strategy and vibe casual

≠ Stands apart with deep simulation, sports simulation and puzzle design, while skipping offline

New Important Note: To make the gameplay easier and more fun, you can press spacebar to throw the casting sticks instead of mouse click.

On reception: its Steam reviews are mostly positive, against very positive for Istanbul: Digital Edition.

Genre100Tone84Game mode74

Details →

Steam

#4The Jackbox Party Pack 3

iRank88

GenreStrategySubgenreTurn-Based Strategy

OfflineMultiplayerSoloCasualCo-op

Steam👍 97%· 6.6KIGDB78· 6OC80· 15

Year 2016Dev Jackbox GamesOn PS4 · Linux · Android

✓ Both are turn-based strategy games — sharing turn-based strategy, card game strategy and vibe casual

≠ Its own twist: puzzle design and co op, while skipping strong narrative focus

Genre100Game mode83Tone70

Details →

Steam Epic Xbox

#5Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes

iRank88

GenreStrategySubgenreTurn-Based Strategy

MultiplayerOfflineNarrativeCasualCo-op

Steam👍 97%· 17KRAWG👍 93%· 419MC67IGDB84· 5OC86· 23

Year 2015Dev Steel Crate GamesPlaytime ~3hOn PC · PS · Xbox

✓ Both are turn-based strategy games — sharing turn-based strategy, card game strategy and strong narrative focus

≠ Where it differs: brings puzzle design, deep simulation and dark, oppressive atmosphere, while skipping vibe relaxing

Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes is a game about defusing a bomb. It was initially made for virtual reality headsets but also supports traditional screens and controls. ###Player cooperation The game is meant to be played by at least two people in cooperation.

Where it drifts furthest from Istanbul: Digital Edition: visuals.

Genre100Game mode69Tone60Visuals0

Details →

Steam Xbox PS

#6BalatroClosest on tone

iRank93

GenreStrategySubgenreTurn-Based Strategy

SoloCasualNarrativeRelaxing2D

Steam👍 98%· 191KRAWG👍 86%· 263IGDB91· 5OC92· 64

Year 2024Dev LocalThunk · PlayStackPlaytime ~14hOn PC · PS · iOS

✓ Both are turn-based strategy games — sharing card game strategy, turn-based strategy and vibe casual

≠ Its own twist: roguelike runs, punishing difficulty and procedural generation, while skipping multiplayer gameplay

Balatro is a poker-inspired roguelike deck builder all about creating powerful synergies and winning big. Combine valid poker hands with unique Joker cards in order to create varied synergies and builds.

Where it drifts furthest from Istanbul: Digital Edition: game mode and visuals.

Released 6 years after Istanbul: Digital Edition.

Genre100Tone85Game mode36Visuals36

Details →

Steam

#7Sentinels of the Multiverse

iRank75

GenreStrategySubgenreTurn-Based Strategy

OfflineSoloMultiplayerCo-opOnline

Steam👍 90%· 1.7KRAWG👍 45%· 20IGDB85· 2

Year 2014Dev Handelabra GamesPlaytime ~5hOn PC · iOS · Android

✓ Both are turn-based strategy games — sharing card game strategy, turn-based strategy and offline

≠ Where it differs: brings setting scifi, co op and online features, while skipping vibe casual

Calling all Sentinels! Do you have what it takes to defend the Multiverse? Compose a team of comic book heroes, each with their own playstyles, backstories, and grudges. Pit them against a variety of maniacal and formidable villains. Defeat your enemies and save the Multiverse!

Details →

Steam

#8Abalone

iRank61

GenreStrategySubgenreTurn-Based Strategy

SoloMultiplayerCasual

Steam👍 61%· 161

Year 2013Dev Asmodee DigitalPlaytime ~5hOn PC · iOS · Android

✓ Nearly identical: turn-based strategy, card game strategy and vibe casual.

≠ Missing: strong narrative focus.

Abalone® is an adaptation of the famous multi-million selling board game! Discover - or re-discover - all the fun of Abalone on PC. Play the classic game or try out the different competition boards.

On reception: its Steam reviews are mixed, against very positive for Istanbul: Digital Edition.

Genre100Tone70Game mode68

GenreStrategySubgenreTurn-Based Strategy

MultiplayerSoloOffline2DCo-op

Steam👍 88%· 374

Year 2009Dev Apus Software · Three DonkeysPlaytime ~2hOn PC · iOS

✓ Both are turn-based strategy games — sharing turn-based strategy, card game strategy and multiplayer gameplay

≠ Stands apart with puzzle design, punishing difficulty and dark, oppressive atmosphere, while skipping vibe casual

Open your mind and discover your power as you explore the world of Spectromancer!

Where it drifts furthest from Istanbul: Digital Edition: tone.

It predates Istanbul: Digital Edition by 9 years, with what that implies technically.

Genre100Visuals100Game mode66Tone0

GenreStrategySubgenreTurn-Based Strategy

MultiplayerSoloCasual2DCo-op

Steam👍 91%· 30KRAWG👍 42%· 165

Year 2013Dev Orange_Juice · Fruitbat FactoryPlaytime ~4hOn PC

✓ Same family of turn-based strategy games: turn-based strategy, card game strategy and vibe casual

≠ Its own twist: cozy, relaxing feel, punishing difficulty and setting anime, while skipping strong narrative focus

100% Orange Juice is a digital multiplayer board game populated by developer Orange Juice's all-star cast. Characters from Flying Red Barrel, QP Shooting, Suguri and Sora come together with all-new characters to duke it out... with dice.

Where it drifts furthest from Istanbul: Digital Edition: tone.

Genre100Game mode57Visuals53Tone42

Details →

Steam

#11UNO

iRank67

GenreStrategySubgenreTurn-Based Strategy

MultiplayerSoloCasualCo-opOnline

Steam👍 70%· 54KRAWG👍 74%· 265MC66IGDB53· 2OC64· 24

Year 2016Dev Ubisoft · Ubisoft EntertainmentPlaytime ~3hOn PC · PS · Xbox

✓ Fits the turn-based strategy games cluster, with card game strategy, turn-based strategy and vibe casual

≠ Stands apart with co op, online features and visual first person, while skipping strong narrative focus

UNO is a video game adaptation of a famous card game developed in the 20th century. The aim is to be the first one to win 500 points. There is also a variation of the game called Uno Rush, announced two years later than the original. ###Gameplay The rules and card design do not differ from the original. Four players are sitting across the table.

Where it drifts furthest from Istanbul: Digital Edition: visuals.

On reception: its Steam reviews are mostly positive, against very positive for Istanbul: Digital Edition.

Genre100Tone70Game mode53Visuals0

Details →

Steam Xbox PS

#12Telltale Texas Hold ‘Em

iRank50

GenreStrategySubgenreTurn-Based Strategy

SoloCasualNarrative2DTactical

Steam👍 68%· 370RAWG👍 24%· 21

Year 2008Dev Telltale GamesPlaytime ~1hOn PC

✓ Both are turn-based strategy games — sharing card game strategy, turn-based strategy and vibe casual

≠ Stands apart with puzzle design, adventure storytelling and deep simulation, while skipping vibe relaxing

Join poker's most outspoken players for a hand of Telltale Texas Hold'em, the card game stacked high with personality. Quips will fly, chips will fall, and you may just end up rolling in the aisles.

Where it drifts furthest from Istanbul: Digital Edition: game mode.

On reception: its Steam reviews are mixed, against very positive for Istanbul: Digital Edition.

It predates Istanbul: Digital Edition by 10 years, with what that implies technically.

Genre100Visuals100Tone69Game mode37

Details →

Steam

#137 Grand Steps: What Ancients Begat

iRank36

GenreStrategySubgenreTurn-Based Strategy

SoloCasualNarrative2DCozy

Steam👍 54%· 768RAWG👍 5%· 20IGDB40· 1

Year 2013Dev MousechiefPlaytime ~4hOn PC · Apple Macintosh

✓ Same family of turn-based strategy games: turn-based strategy, card game strategy and vibe casual

≠ Its own twist: deep simulation, adventure storytelling and puzzle design, while skipping vibe relaxing

What Ancients Begat is a complete (~15 hour) game of family generations surviving the rise of western civilization. Survival is the ultimate goal. The sub-goals, you choose, build their story. Experience an abstract telling of the lives of our earliest recorded ancestors.

Where it drifts furthest from Istanbul: Digital Edition: game mode.

On reception: its Steam reviews are mixed, against very positive for Istanbul: Digital Edition.

Genre100Visuals100Tone66Game mode37

Details →

Steam

#14G.I.R.L.S. will be Girls

iRank63

GenreStrategySubgenreTurn-Based Strategy

SoloCasualNarrative2DMelee

Steam👍 63%· 263

Year 2015Dev ZooPlaytime ~5hOn PC

✓ Fits the turn-based strategy games cluster, with card game strategy, turn-based strategy and vibe casual

≠ Its own twist: horror tension, puzzle design and cozy, relaxing feel, while skipping vibe relaxing

"Are You Ready?" "School Girls Edition" for "Mahjong Pretty Girls Battle" has now appeared! An extraordinary collection of Pretty School Girls is waiting for you! The heated struggle to determine the world's top School Mahjong girl is about to begin!

Where it drifts furthest from Istanbul: Digital Edition: game mode.

On reception: its Steam reviews are mixed, against very positive for Istanbul: Digital Edition.

Genre100Visuals68Tone59Game mode36

GenreStrategySubgenreTurn-Based Strategy

SoloCasualNarrativeHorrorAnime

Steam👍 93%· 4.0KIGDB86· 5OC83· 19

Year 2015Dev Square Enix Montréal · Square EnixOn PS4 · Linux · PC

✓ Both are turn-based strategy games — sharing turn-based strategy, card game strategy and vibe casual

≠ Stands apart with puzzle design, adventure storytelling and precision platforming, while skipping vibe relaxing

Where it drifts furthest from Istanbul: Digital Edition: visuals and game mode.

Genre100Tone83Game mode36Visuals0

Details →

Steam PS

Complete list of deck Builder games like Istanbul: Digital Edition

The full catalog of games sharing gameplay DNA with Istanbul: Digital Edition, ordered from highest to lowest similarity score. Use the filters above to narrow down by genre, setting or game mode and find the alternative that best fits your playstyle.