Best Chess for PC: 14 Top Picks in 2025
Searching for the best chess for PC? Explore these top picks for a thrilling digital strategy experience!
14 Best Chess for PC-Based Board Games: A Newbie’s Guide to Strategy Fun!
Finding the best chess for PC-inspired board games can be like navigating a minefield with a blindfold. But fear not, brave gamers! We’ve handpicked our top 14 favorites based on strategy, fun, and how much our brains hurt after playing. These games offer the strategic depth of chess while adding a twist or two. Whether it’s unique board design, innovative mechanics, or just plain good looks, each game brings something special to the table. We promise, no actual chess masters were harmed in the making of this list!
On this list:
14 Onitama
Onitama is like chess’s younger sibling, fresh and full of surprises! It’s got simple rules but offers a depth that keeps players coming back for more. The randomly drawn movement cards mean no two games are alike, keeping players on their toes. The elegant minimalist design and a short playtime make it a fantastic choice for quick, exciting matches. If you love the strategy of chess but want something faster and less daunting, Onitama is a perfect fit to scratch that itch.
13 Hive
Hive offers a portable, strategic thrill that chess lovers will appreciate. It’s a tile-placement game where you try to surround your opponent’s queen bee. The insect theme and the lack of board turn traditional chess on its head. Each piece has a unique movement, giving the game a refreshing twist. Hive’s quick setup and minimal components make it great for playing on the go, and the tactile satisfaction of the chunky pieces keeps players engaged.
12 The Duke
The Duke feels like chess with a personalized touch! The wooden tiles, each with unique movement rules, add a delightful unpredictability. The joy of randomly drawing tiles and trying to outsmart your opponent with each move makes for a compelling game. It’s all about adaptation and strategic planning, which chess fans will relish. Plus, the quality of the pieces brings a touch of elegance to each match, making The Duke a game of strategy and refinement.
11 Tash-Kalar: Arena of Legends
In Tash-Kalar, players become legendary fighters using cards and grid placements. The tactical depth and pattern creation resonate well with chess enthusiasts. There’s a magical twist with beautiful artwork and thematic elements that keep the gameplay fresh and engaging. Players need to think several moves ahead, planning their fights and forming patterns to unleash powerful effects. For those who love strategy and mythical themes, this game hits the sweet spot!
10 Santorini
Santorini is a visually stunning game of strategy that isn’t just a treat for the eyes. Players take on the role of Greek builders, moving across the board and constructing towers. Each player chooses a god card granting special abilities, adding a strategic layer that chess lovers will find exciting. The rules are simple yet the strategic depth is boundless. The 3D board and components are charming, making it a delightful experience from every angle.
9 Tak
Tak is inspired by the best-selling fantasy series, bringing a game that’s simple in concept yet rich in strategic decision-making. Fans of chess will adore its balance between simplicity and depth. The game involves creating a road with stones, and it’s all about outsmarting your opponent. Tak invites creativity, strategic foresight, and offers a unique tactile experience with its beautiful wooden pieces. Its elegant design is a nod to classic games with a modern twist.
8 YINSH
YINSH, part of the GIPF project, challenges players with its abstract strategy and captivating foresight. Similar to chess, it’s a game of pieces and alignment, requiring keen observation and planning. The goal is to create rows in a mind-twisting manner, which chess fans will find exhilarating. The shifting game state and intriguing gameplay keep every match unique. If you’re into strategy games that make you think three steps ahead, YINSH offers an unmatched experience.
7 War Chest
War Chest fuses classic chess elements with thrilling modern strategy. This bag-building game requires players to draw units, placing them on a battlefield. The goal: control key points. The tactile pleasure of drawing from a bag and the strategic depth of the gameplay appeal to chess enthusiasts. War Chest’s stunning design and dynamic play offer endless enjoyment. If you fancy a game that blends medieval warfare with modern strategy, this one’s a gem.
6 Kamisado
Kamisado doesn’t just look colorful; it plays that way too! Each move is determined by the tile’s color you land on, leading to dynamic strategies. Chess fans will appreciate the familiar yet unique feel. The objective is to reach the opponent’s base first, but the color-driven movement adds an exciting twist. It’s a game of anticipation and response that’s sure to delight players who enjoy strategic depth in a vibrant package.
5 ZERTZ
ZERTZ combines marbles and board reduction for a game that requires keen forethought. The challenge lies in capturing your opponent’s pieces while maintaining strategic position. Chess lovers will find the dynamic play enticing, as each turn alters the board state significantly. The minimalist design ensures focus remains on strategy. With each playthrough offering a new challenge, ZERTZ provides a captivating experience for those who love thinking ahead.
4 Blokus
Blokus offers strategic blocking similar to chess. Its simplicity, yet depth, makes it engaging.
3 Dragon Chess
Dragon Chess introduces dragons into the chess world, adding a fantasy twist. The game retains classic chess strategy while introducing new pieces with fantastical powers. The dragon theme and unique mechanics breathe new life into traditional chess. Players who enjoy fantasy settings will find delight in the added layers of intrigue and strategy. Easy to learn if you’re familiar with chess, yet offering new challenges and fun.
2 Battle Line
Battle Line offers a two-player experience that merges historical battle themes with strategic card play. Like chess, it’s all about positioning and outmaneuvering your opponent. The game introduces a bit of luck and bluffing, which keeps players on edge. Each playthrough feels like an epic showdown, challenging players to think ahead and adapt. If you’re looking for a portable game that’s easy to set up with deep strategic elements, Battle Line is a winner.
1 Chess
Chess remains the ultimate strategy game, with a rich history and unmatched depth. We crown it as the best board game with a ‘best chess for pc’ theme due to its universal appeal and timeless design. Chess challenges players with its infinite strategic possibilities and requires patience, foresight, and cunning. While simple to learn, mastering it is a lifelong pursuit. Its elegance and universality make chess the top choice for any fan of strategic board games.
