2025’s Best Next Best Chess Board Games Reviewed
Searching for the next best chess? Try Hive or Onitama for strategy and fun with friends!
Feel like chess is getting a bit stale, or maybe you just want to impress your friends with something new? We’ve got you covered with our list of the six best ‘next best chess’ games. Our top picks balance strategy, creativity, and a splash of fun to keep everyone engaged. We’ve played each game with our friends, so you won’t be disappointed. From abstract strategies to tactical showdowns, these games provide a fresh twist, ensuring no two matches are ever the same. Get ready to challenge your brain and your friends without losing any pieces under the sofa!
On this list:
6 Hive
Hive is a pocket-sized powerhouse of strategy and tactics. Like chess, every move counts and the pieces have unique abilities. It’s all about surrounding the opponent’s queen bee while ensuring your own stays safe. We love Hive because it’s a quick game you can take anywhere. There are no boards, just pieces you place on any flat surface. This made it our go-to game during a picnic when the wind whisked off with our board. Perfect for players looking for an experience similar to chess but less rigid.
5 Onitama
Onitama is like chess with a touch of martial arts philosophy. Set on a 5×5 grid, each player controls a master and four pawns. What makes it fascinating are the movement cards, which change hands as you play. We found ourselves torn between attacking and defending, much like chess. It’s simple but deep, making it accessible yet challenging for strategists. A night playing Onitama led to many ‘ah-ha’ moments, seeing moves unfold in unexpected ways. It’s a brilliant option for those seeking the next best chess.
4 The Duke
The Duke offers a fun twist on traditional chess. Each tile has different movement rules, which change after every move. The game evolves with each placement, keeping players on their toes. We admired its blend of strategy and surprise, making every game feel fresh. It’s like having a bag of mixed chocolates—you never know what you’ll get next. One time, we were outsmarted by a friend’s unexpected move, leaving us both frustrated and impressed. Definitely a worthy contender for anyone looking for the next best chess.
3 Santorini
Santorini is like chess’s playful cousin, with a vivid splash of Greek mythology. Players build towers and attempt to get their workers to the top to win. Adding gods with special powers means strategy aligns with mythic interventions. We love how this game demands foresight yet remains light-hearted. It brought us a taste of godlike power and some heated debates over divine plans. Any game that makes you think while wearing a smile deserves a place in the next best chess category.
2 Tash-Kalar: Arena of Legends
For those craving chaos and strategy, Tash-Kalar delivers. Players summon mythical creatures onto the board in a tactical battle royale. It’s chess meets fantasy warfare, with epic confrontations and clever positioning. We found ourselves deeply engrossed as we maneuvered around opponents, seeking the ultimate combo. One game had us sweating bullets as a friend unleashed a beast in the nick of time. The thrill of pulling off a game-changing move makes it a standout amongst games reminiscent of chess.
1 GIPF
GIPF takes the crown as the best among the next best chess games. It’s part of the abstract strategy GIPF project and offers deep tactical gameplay. Players maneuver their pieces on a hexagonal board, aiming for a series of linked matches. The catch? It’s a game of forming lines, not capturing pieces. We ended up mesmerized by the board’s shifting shapes and possibilities. What sets GIPF apart is its elegance in simplicity, delivering depth with minimal components. We had evenings when a single move felt like winning a small war. It’s the ideal companion for chess enthusiasts seeking a subtle, strategic challenge.
