Istanbul: Big Box

Pegasus Spiele, Albi, Alderac Entertainment Group · Board game · 2018
8.8 Ludopedia 8.0 BGG 2–5 · best 4 40–90 min Weight 2.5/5
Buy · from US$ 43.23
8.8 rating Ludopedia
8.0 rating BGG

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Our Verdict
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

If you enjoy an economic game with a fun race and a touch of luck, Istanbul: Big Box is the complete package that's worth every penny!

Highlights
  • Immersive and engaging theme
  • Clever and fluid mechanics
  • High replayability with expansions
  • Complete all-in-one package
Keep in mind
  • Language dependency on cards
  • Can have a bit of luck
Learn How to Play Step by Step Check out our complete step-by-step rules guide.
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About the game

What you do in a play session

Hey board game enthusiasts! If you love diving into the bustling bazaars of Istanbul, the Big Box edition is the ultimate all-in-one package you've been waiting for! It bundles the base game with both expansions, Mocha & Baksheesh and Letters & Seals, plus an extra mini-expansion, the Caravan Leader. Think of it as the 'all-inclusive' deal for anyone seeking the richest and most complete Istanbul experience.

The core of the game is clever planning to become the shrewdest merchant in town. You'll navigate the bazaar, collecting goods and fulfilling contracts to earn money and favors. The Mancala-like mechanic for managing your assistants is a unique charm, and dice rolls add that touch of chance that makes everything more exciting. With the Big Box, you also get the option to expand the bazaar to a larger 5x5 tile map, which really boosts replayability and strategic challenges.

This game hooks you from start to finish, featuring a race to see who can amass the most gold coins. Player interaction is well-balanced, not overly aggressive, but always maintaining that tension of who's one step ahead. If you're already a fan of Istanbul, this edition is a significant upgrade. If you're new to the game, get ready to immerse yourself in this economic and strategic world with all the best the game has to offer. It guarantees fun for those who enjoy a solid board game with an engaging theme and clever mechanics.

Rules manual

Official PDF file

Rules manual — Istanbul: Big Box Portuguese · PDF
Download Manual

Best player count

BGG community vote

2–5 players
2 REC
3 REC
4 BEST
5 REC

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Categories

Families

Cities: Istanbul (Turkey) Components: Wooden pieces & boards Country: Turkey Digital Implementations: Tabletopia Game: Istanbul (AEG) Misc: LongPack Games Series: Istanbul (Pegasus Spiele) Versions & Editions: Big Box Versions of Individual Games
Publisher Pegasus Spiele, Albi, Alderac Entertainment Group, Ediciones MasQueOca, FunMill.ru, Hobby Japan, Korea Boardgames, Lex Games, Matagot, Mnogoknig Games, Nova Era (Нова Ера), Planeta Igor, Portal Games, Raven Distribution, SuperHeated Neurons, Swan Panasia Co., Ltd., White Goblin Games, Нескучные игры
Designer Rüdiger Dorn
Artist Andreas Resch, Hans-Georg Schneider

Community

Data from BoardGameGeek

14,024owners
1,119wishlist
183want to play

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

7 questions
What exactly is included in the Istanbul Big Box?
The Big Box includes the base game Istanbul, the Mocha & Baksheesh and Letters & Seals expansions, plus the Caravan Leader mini-expansion. Essentially, it's everything you need for the ultimate Istanbul experience.
How many players can participate?
The game is for 2 to 5 players, making it quite versatile for different groups.
How long does a game typically last?
A game usually takes between 40 and 90 minutes, depending on player experience and the number of participants.
Is it too complicated for beginners?
The complexity is considered medium (2.5/5 on BGG). The basic rules are easy to grasp, but optimizing your moves and fulfilling contracts requires some practice. The Big Box gives you all the pieces to learn gradually.
Does the game involve a lot of luck?
There's an element of luck with dice rolls for certain actions, but strategy and planning are the most crucial factors for victory. Luck adds flavor but doesn't dominate the game.
Is it worth buying the Big Box if I already own the base game?
If you're a big fan of Istanbul and want access to all the expansions and variations, yes! The Big Box offers the convenience of having everything together and the option of the larger board.
Does it require a lot of table space?
With the base board, it's not excessive. With the expanded 5x5 board from the Big Box, it takes up a bit more space, but nothing out of the ordinary for a 5-player strategy game.

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