Best Chess Games on Steam: 2025 Top 10 List
Searching for the best chess game on Steam? Check out our picks for thrilling board game adventures.
Searching for the best chess game on steam, but in a board game form? You’ve come to the right place! We hunted down games that capture the strategic brilliance of chess but with a spark of something fresh and fun. Our top picks are perfect for those who love the timeless dance of tactics and brains. We looked at games that offer a mix of complexity, strategy, and a bit of humor. These board games will not only challenge you but also bring endless laughter and joy to your game nights. Get ready to checkmate boredom!
On this list:
10 Onitama
Onitama gives chess vibes with its strategic depth but adds a twist. You have five moves to choose from, and these change every turn. This makes it constantly fresh and challenging. Played it with my buddy Max, who always thinks he’s the king of strategy games. This time, I actually had a shot at winning. The ancient Japanese theme also adds a nice touch. It’s quick, engaging, and a perfect two-player game for when you don’t have time for an epic chess match.
9 The Duke
In The Duke, it’s chess but with a bag of tricks. You draw tiles from a bag, and each tile has special moves. It’s like chess on steroids. We once played it during a camping trip, and the unpredictable nature of the game had everyone hooked, even my non-chess-loving pals. It’s tactical and ever-changing, with every game feeling new since your pieces’ moves change with each flip. Add in some expansions, and you’re in for a treat.
8 Hive
No board needed for Hive; just your wits and bug-themed pieces. Much like chess, you’ll need strategic foresight to outmaneuver your opponent. My friend Sarah loves its simplicity and depth, making it a solid coffee table game. The aim? Surround the opponent’s queen bee. The pieces are beautifully tactile and, despite the simple rules, every match feels unique. It’s a great chess alternative with an insect twist.
7 Tash-Kalar: Arena of Legends
Tash-Kalar brings a fantasy flair to your strategy nights. You’ll summon creatures and unleash effects, similar to chess but with spells! My buddy Jason and I turned it into a full-on fantasy saga one rainy afternoon. The game is rich in theme and offers various play modes. It’s like if chess met Magic: The Gathering and had a colorful baby. Requires tactical thinking and creativity. If you enjoy a bit of fantasy with your chess-like strategy, this is a must-try.
6 Stratego
Remember the battles of your youth? Stratego revives them with a chess-like strategy requirement. The goal is to capture the opponent’s flag. Every game with my nephew ends up in epic tales of heroism and cunning tactics. It’s perfect for those who love a bit of mystery and deduction. It has a lot of bluffing, guessing, and a whole lot of fun. If you enjoy chess but wish for hidden strategies, this one is for you.
5 Kamigami Battles
Have a thing for mythological epic clashes? Kamigami Battles has you covered. Think of it as chess with mythology. You’ll lead gods and warriors in battles rife with strategic depth. My friend Lauren always brings in Greek mythology stories mid-game, which spices things up. The card-drafting mechanic gives it a unique edge, offering fresh gameplay every time. It’s a blend of chess and deck-building with a mythological twist.
4 Santorini
Santorini offers a mix of chess strategy and stunning aesthetics. Played with vibrant buildings, it’s a visual delight. My family plays this during holiday gatherings, and every round feels like a vacation in Greece. As in chess, your goal is to outsmart the opponent, but here, you’re building and blocking. It’s simple yet profound—a game for both beginners and strategy lovers. The god power cards add variety, making each match unique.
3 Arimaa
Invented to challenge computers, Arimaa brings a fresh twist to chess-like strategy games. You’ll use rabbits, elephants, and other animals to control the board. We tried it as a brain workout session, and it did not disappoint with its depth of strategy. It’s intuitive, yet complex, allowing for creativity and tactical planning. It’s like regular chess but with an animal twist and endless possibilities.
2 Blokus
Blokus is like Tetris with strategic wars. Place pieces tactically to block opponents while claiming territory. My family can’t get enough of it during summer barbecues. It’s easy to learn but challenging to master, making it a hit for all ages. The vibrant colors and abstract strategies make it a unique addition to a chess-lover’s shelf. It’s perfect for honing strategic skills in a light-hearted way.
1 Chess
The classic king of strategy games, chess need no introduction. It’s the best when considering the best chess game on steam theme due to its timeless appeal. Easy to learn but hard to master, it offers endless depth and challenge. My grandpa taught me chess, and every match with him was a battle of wits. Its simplicity in design yet complexity in strategy makes it a staple in every game collection. There’s a reason this game has been around for centuries; it’s the ultimate mental duel.
