Best Chess Games for PC in 2025: Top 12 Reviews
Chess.com tops our list of best chess games for PC, offering great features and a fantastic experience.
Ever found yourself tangled in chess pieces and pawns, only to wonder if there’s a chess game for the PC that matches your board game brilliance? Well, we’ve wrangled up the 12 best chess games for PC-inspired board games to keep you entertained and strategizing with friends. We choose these games based on their creativity, strategic depth, and the ability to surprise even seasoned players. Whether you’re plotting your next move or trying to outsmart your opponent, our list has something that captures the essence of what makes chess and these board games truly addictive.
On this list:
12 Battle Chess
Fancy watching your chess pieces come to life and duel for supremacy? Battle Chess is the game where the pieces actually fight on the board. I remember playing this at a friend’s house and laughing as my knight got taken down in a hilarious sword fight. It’s a real hoot and perfect for those who want a bit more pizzazz in their chess experience.
11 Onitama
Onitama is an elegant abstract strategy game that captures the essence of chess with a unique twist. It simplifies decision-making while offering strategic depth which makes it a perfect choice for chess lovers seeking a fresh experience.
10 Fritz
If you’re after serious chess and a bit of friendly competition, Fritz is your guy. Known for its robust AI, it’ll keep you on your toes. I once spent a full Saturday trying to outsmart Fritz, only to be humbled repeatedly. Challenge yourself against one of the best.
9 Shredder
Expect shredding your self-esteem with this tough competitor. Shredder offers various difficulty levels, perfect if you’re just starting or looking to test your mettle. I had my ego bruised more than once, but it’s all in good fun.
8 Hive
Hive is like chess without a board, where you strategically move insects to surround the opponent’s queen. It’s portable and challenging.
7 Chess Ultra
Feel like playing grandway chess? Chess Ultra is all about stunning graphics and a classy atmosphere. I felt like a grandmaster just setting up the board, though my moves quickly proved otherwise.
6 Just Dance
Just kidding! Wanted to see if you were paying attention! Seriously though, if you’re looking for a twist in chess, this game’s not it. Stick around for more chess options.
5 Chess Titans
Microsoft’s Chess Titans was bundled with certain Windows versions and is remembered fondly. Simple yet engaging, it’s like a warm coffee on a rainy day. It’s great for quick matches without the pressure.
4 3D Chess
Taking chess to another dimension, 3D Chess offers a futuristic approach. A friend and I tried this and ended up more confused than victorious, but it was a blast!
3 The Duke
The Duke is a strategic abstract game, where tiles move like chess pieces. It’s chess-like but offers a refreshing modular board experience.
2 Lichess
Lichess is a free online platform offering a plethora of game modes and puzzles. Perfect for both newbies and pros. Its community vibe makes it a go-to for many.
