Is There a Digital Version of the Timeline Board Game?
Looking for a Timeline card game app? Asmodee pulled the official digital version years ago. Sorting History uses the same chronological sorting mechanic with 12 categories, 1,200+ events, and WiFi multiplayer on iOS. Here's how it compares to the tabletop classic.
Sorting History
Timeline Board Game
What Is the Timeline Board Game?
Timeline is a card game published by Asmodee where players place historical events in chronological order. Each card shows an event on one side and the date on the other. Players take turns adding cards to a growing timeline, winning when they successfully place all their cards.
It's a fantastic game. We've played it for years. But there are areas where a digital format can offer new possibilities.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Timeline (Board Game) | Sorting History |
|---|---|---|
| Categories | 1 theme per box (multiple editions available) | 12 at launch, with plans to add more monthly |
| Total events | 55-96 per box (varies by edition) | 100+ researched events per category |
| New content | Buy new boxes ($13-20 each) | Monthly updates planned (free) |
| Multiplayer | In-person only (need physical cards) | Local WiFi + Pass & Play + Solo |
| Portability | Carry cards everywhere | Always on your phone |
| Card wear | Cards bend, get marked, show dates | Digital = no wear |
| Difficulty options | None (fixed rules) | Friendly / Competitive / Expert |
| Game length | Until someone wins | 5, 10, 15, 20, or 30 rounds |
| Solo play | Not designed for solo | Full solo mode with ranks |
| Price | $13-20 per box | Free tier available, paid tiers for more |
What We Love About Timeline
Timeline gets a lot right. The core mechanic is brilliant:
- Simple to learn, hard to master. Anyone can play within minutes.
- Educational without being boring. You learn by playing, not by reading.
- Great for groups. Works with 2-8 players of any age.
- Physical cards are satisfying. There's something nice about holding real cards.
We built Sorting History because we love this mechanic and wanted it to go further.
Where a Digital Version Helps
After years of playing Timeline, here are some areas where a digital format offers advantages:
"We've memorized all the cards"
With 55-96 events per box, experienced players start recognizing cards and remembering dates. The game loses its challenge.
Sorting History: 12 categories at launch with 100+ researched events each, with new categories planned monthly. You won't run out.
"We need more categories"
Each Timeline box covers a narrow theme. Want more variety? Buy more boxes. Want to mix themes? Shuffle multiple decks together.
Sorting History: 12 categories at launch (8 free, all 12 with a subscription), with new categories planned monthly based on community votes. From Ancient Civilizations to TV History. Mix and match any combination for each game.
"We need to be in the same room"
Timeline requires physical cards — everyone needs to be at the same table.
Sorting History: Pass & Play works with 2-6 teams on one device. Network Play connects multiple devices over the same WiFi — different rooms, same house. No physical cards to set up or put away.
"The cards are showing wear"
Bent corners, coffee stains, and — worst of all — faint date imprints visible through the card backs.
Sorting History: Digital means no wear, no damage, no cheating by recognizing card backs.
"It's too hard / too easy"
Timeline has fixed rules. Great for some groups, frustrating for others.
Sorting History: Three scoring modes. Friendly (no penalties) for learning. Competitive (+2/-1) for balanced play. Expert (+3/-2) for serious history buffs.
What Timeline Still Does Better
We're honest about where the physical game wins:
- Tactile experience. Physical cards feel good. Nothing digital fully replaces that.
- No screens at the table. Some families prefer screen-free game nights.
- Gift-worthy packaging. A Timeline box makes a great gift. An app download... less so.
- No subscriptions required. Buy once, play forever. (Though Sorting History has a free tier and lifetime purchase option.)
Which Should You Choose?
Choose Timeline if:
- You prefer physical cards and screen-free game nights
- You're buying a gift that feels tangible
- You play occasionally and don't need endless content
- You already own and love the physical game
Choose Sorting History if:
- You've memorized your Timeline cards and want fresh content
- You want more categories (12 at launch, with plans to grow monthly)
- You want to play solo or with people on separate devices
- You want difficulty options for different skill levels
- You want to try before you buy (free tier available)
- You're tired of carrying cards everywhere
Try Sorting History Free
Love the Timeline mechanic? Sorting History launches April 2026 with up to 12 categories (with plans to grow monthly), three play modes, and a free tier to try before you commit.
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