ArcaChess

ArcaChess is an online chess game that keeps every rule of classic chess and changes one single moment: the capture. Instead of simply disappearing, both pieces drop into an arena and fight in real time, arcade style. A piece's value becomes its strength — health, speed, damage, spell — so the queen is the favorite against a pawn. Favorite, not winner.

Every capture is a duel. The stronger piece has the advantage, not the victory.

THE ARENA — THE HEART OF THE GAME

One piece attacks another, the board fades out, the duel begins. Two joysticks: you move your piece, you dodge incoming shots, you trigger your spell at the right moment.

Every piece plays differently. The rook hits hard and takes more punishment than the queen herself, but moves slowly. The knight is the fastest and throws two lances at once. The queen chains a triple spell, the king unleashes a devastating royal fire. The pawn has a single arrow and 80 health: it has to make up for that by dodging.

The attacker picks the terrain — side corridors, zigzag barricades or scattered blocks. The layout changes everything.

And when only the two kings are left on the board, it all comes down to one last duel, with no advantage for either side.

ONLINE MULTIPLAYER CHESS

Real-time chess games against players from all over the world, ranked or casual. ELO rating, world leaderboard, friends list, private messaging and quick chat during a game. Create a private game to play with a friend, join a guild or start your own, with its own chat room.

SOLO MODE

Three AI difficulty levels to work on your openings and get used to the arena before facing real opponents.

COLLECTION

81 cosmetics to unlock: 43 piece styles, 24 boards and 14 shot sounds. From 8-bit to stained glass, from circuit board to Roman mosaic. Plus 141 avatars for your profile.

PROGRESSION

Daily missions, achievements, a daily reward and chests. Your level, your stats and your collection follow your account.

WHO IS IT FOR?

Whether you have played chess all your life or never got past the basic rules, ArcaChess puts everyone back on equal footing: a beginner with good aim can beat an experienced player. It is a chess game for people who find chess too slow, and an arcade game for people who find it too serious.

ArcaChess plays one-handed, in portrait, and a game fits into a coffee break. It is free.

Download ArcaChess: the chess game where every capture is a fight.