- #1 Checkmate Showdown
96% matchVery Positive80% of 234 reviews2023
Dev: BadRez GamesPub: ManaVoid Entertainment
Windows
Median: 1.0 hrsMean: 2.0 hrs≥1hr: 49%
Chess meets Fighting games. Crush your opponents in the arena and on the chessboard in this online multiplayer competitive tactical fighting game that mixes the strategic elegance of Chess with the fast-paced execution of fighting games.
Why similar: Strategy 100%
Why You'll Like It: It directly combines chess strategy with active fighting mechanics, mirroring the core combat loop of Archon.
- #2 Battle Chess: Game of Kings™
97% matchMixed52% of 372 reviews2015
Dev: Olde SküülPub: Interplay Entertainment Corp.
Windows
It took 2,000 years for someone to make chess better! The most challenging game on earth comes to life in Battle Chess. An entire medieval world at war is reflected on the checkered field. Everyone who's ever had a knight take a pawn has seen that capture as more than one piece replacing another on the board.
Why similar: Strategy 100%
Why You'll Like It: This is the definitive spiritual successor to the combat-chess concept, featuring animated battles between pieces.
- #3 The Ouroboros King
94% matchVery Positive81% of 536 reviews2023
Dev: Oriol Cosp Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 2.0 hrsMean: 6.2 hrs≥1hr: 62%
The Ouroboros King combines the strategic depth of chess with the build variety and replayability of roguelikes. Assemble a formidable army, discover powerful relics, and buy surprising gadgets to defeat the Coven.
Why similar: Strategy 89.5%, Indie 10.5%
Why You'll Like It: A roguelite that evolves chess mechanics by adding unique unit abilities and combat interactions on a grid.
- #4 Chessaria: The Tactical Adventure (Chess)
95% matchMostly Positive75% of 127 reviews2018
Dev: Pixel Wizards
Windows · Mac
Median: 4.3 hrsMean: 6.3 hrs≥1hr: 82%
Experience a 4K graphics strategy game with tactical depth, breadth, and challenge like nothing you have played before: the perfect mix of Chess, tactical setups and quests inpired by classic RPGs
Why similar: Strategy 83.6%, Indie 16.4%
Why You'll Like It: It integrates fantasy-themed tactical combat encounters into traditional chess gameplay.
- #5 Pawn of the Dead
93% matchVery Positive91% of 54 reviews2021
Dev: Aslan Game Studio
Windows · Mac · Linux
Chess variation with unique twist: Black turns White into undead like themselves
Why similar: Strategy 75.1%, Indie 24.9%
Why You'll Like It: A chess-based strategy game that introduces a gothic fantasy twist to the standard movement rules.
- #6 Wargroove
91% matchVery Positive83% of 5,221 reviews2019
Dev: Chucklefish
Windows
Median: 4.0 hrsMean: 8.2 hrs≥1hr: 85%
Take to the battlefield with Wargroove, a strategy game for up to 4 players! Choose your Commander and wage turn-based war on battling factions. Design and share maps, cut-scenes and campaigns with easy-to-use editors and in-depth customization tools!
Why similar: Strategy 79.8%, Indie 20.2%
Why You'll Like It: A grid-based strategy game featuring unit-specific combat animations and a strong fantasy theme.
- #7 Four Kings One War
92% matchMixed54% of 192 reviews2021
Dev: StaplesVR
Windows · Mac
Four Kings One War is a 1 or 2 player strategy game inspired by chess. Each player controls two armies as though they were one and get's two moves per turn. This opens up guerrilla style tactics and hidden attacks. This is strategy for the modern mind, outside the 64th square.
Why similar: Strategy 91.9%, Indie 8.1%
Why You'll Like It: Adds significant tactical depth and a fantasy atmosphere to the traditional chess board.
- #8 Duelyst II
91% matchMostly Positive74% of 1,777 reviews2022
Dev: Dream Sloth Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 1.8 hrsMean: 15.4 hrs≥1hr: 64%
Choose your faction, construct your deck and put your strategy to the test in the evolution of the ultimate collectible tactics game.
Why similar: Strategy 81.2%, Indie 18.8%
Why You'll Like It: Offers tactical grid combat with fantasy units that feel like a modern, more complex evolution of Archon's combat style.
- #9 Talisman: Digital Classic Edition
90% matchMostly Positive78% of 9,929 reviews2014
Dev: Nomad Games
Windows · Mac
Median: 3.8 hrsMean: 13.8 hrs≥1hr: 89%
The complete 4th Edition experience of the classic fantasy adventure board game, Talisman. On your travels, you will need strength, courage and some good dice rolls to survive the dangers you face and beat your opponents to the centre of the board!
Why similar: Strategy 79.5%, Indie 20.5%
Why You'll Like It: A classic fantasy board game adaptation that captures the same retro-strategy feel and sense of adventure.
- #10 The Banner Saga
89% matchVery Positive89% of 15,850 reviews2014
Dev: StoicPub: Stoic Studio
Windows · Mac
Median: 4.2 hrsMean: 8.9 hrs≥1hr: 85%
Live through an epic role-playing Viking saga where your strategic choices directly affect your personal journey. Make allies as you travel with your caravan across this stunning yet harsh landscape. Carefully choose those who will help fight a new threat that jeopardizes an entire civilization.
Why similar: Strategy 79.6%, Indie 20.4%
Why You'll Like It: Provides tactical grid combat that emphasizes unit positioning and high-stakes, turn-based encounters.
- #11 Regimental Chess
88% matchMixed55% of 330 reviews2015
Dev: Regimental Chess Dev.Pub: Regimental Chess Inc.
Windows · Mac
Median: 3.3 hrsMean: 8.0 hrs≥1hr: 95%
Regimental Chess is a battle game where large armies of chess pieces move and capture in mass formations. Up to 372 pieces in a single battle.
Why similar: Strategy 100%
Why You'll Like It: Adds complexity and tactical variety to the standard chess formula, increasing the strategic overhead.
- #12 Dark Chess
86% matchMostly Positive80% of 201 reviews2023
Dev: Tall Troll Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
THIS IS NOT CLASSIC CHESS! Dark Chess is a twist on chess with fog of war, a story-driven campaign, and plenty of challenges, traps, and puzzles. Fight your way through the campaign against legendary Kings and Queens of the past, who don't like to play by the rules!
Why similar: Strategy 100%
Why You'll Like It: Introduces fog-of-war and tactical uncertainty to the traditional chess board, increasing the tension.
- #13 Viking Chess: Hnefatafl
86% matchVery Positive89% of 64 reviews2020
Dev: Diamond Sky GamesPub: Rain Games
Windows · Mac
Play the ancient game of "Hnefatafl" in style on your PC, in Singleplayer mode against the AI or Multiplayer over the internet. "Hnefatafl" is a strategic, chess-like boardgame with assumed origins all the way back to the Viking era.
Why similar: Strategy 74.4%, Indie 25.6%
Why You'll Like It: A historical board game that captures the strategic tension of asymmetric warfare on a grid.
- #14 Hyper Chess
84% matchVery Positive92% of 325 reviews2025
Dev: Grouch
Windows
Median: 24 minMean: 1.7 hrs≥1hr: 33%
There are NO TURNS in this wild version of Chess! Pieces move across the board in real-time, so you'll need to think fast to protect your King!
Why similar: Strategy 86.7%, Retro 13.3%
Why You'll Like It: An arcade-style take on chess that emphasizes speed and action over traditional slow-paced strategy.
- #15 Castle Chaos
87% matchMixed56% of 61 reviews2015
Dev: Odd Comet Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Castle Chaos is a fast paced local multiplayer game for 1 to 4 players inspired by the old classic game "Rampart". Build castles with tetris-like shapes and shoot cannons to destroy your opponents' castles. Available for PC, Mac and Linux.
Why similar: Strategy 64.1%, Indie 22.1%, Retro 13.9%
Why You'll Like It: A retro-style strategy game that focuses on local multiplayer chaos and board-based movement.
- #16 Frozen Synapse
85% matchVery Positive83% of 2,618 reviews2011
Dev: Mode 7
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 2.2 hrsMean: 5.2 hrs≥1hr: 81%
Brings the simultaneous turn-based strategy genre up-to-date and lets you give detailed, accurate orders to your squad.
Why similar: Strategy 80.6%, Indie 19.4%
Why You'll Like It: Simultaneous turn-based tactical combat that captures the intense feeling of outmaneuvering an opponent.
- #17 Into the Breach
82% matchVery Positive94% of 21,742 reviews2018
Dev: Subset Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 5.3 hrsMean: 31.7 hrs≥1hr: 83%
Control powerful mechs from the future to defeat an alien threat. Each attempt to save the world presents a new randomly generated challenge in this turn-based strategy game.
Why similar: Strategy 79.2%, Indie 20.8%
Why You'll Like It: Grid-based tactical combat that feels like a high-stakes puzzle, requiring careful positioning similar to Archon.
- #18 Auto Chess
83% matchMixed66% of 941 reviews2022
Dev: Chengdu longyuan Network Technology Co.Ltd
Windows
Median: 2.6 hrsMean: 28.7 hrs≥1hr: 70%
Original Auto Chess
Why similar: Strategy 100%
Why You'll Like It: Focuses on the automated combat aspect of board-based strategy, emphasizing unit synergy.
- #19 Gigachess
84% matchVery Positive82% of 96 reviews2015
Dev: Drixxel Soft
Windows
Median: 3.5 hrsMean: 3.7 hrs≥1hr: 93%
Gigachess is a hero defense puzzler on a chess board. Command your party of Knights, Rooks & Bishops against the relentless Pawn onslaught!
Why similar: Strategy 73.1%, Indie 26.9%
Why You'll Like It: A fast-paced, action-oriented take on chess mechanics that prioritizes quick decision-making.
- #20 Quantum Chess
81% matchMixed66% of 53 reviews2025
Dev: Quantum Realm Games
Windows · Mac
Completely change the strategy of the age old game of chess with quantum physics!
Why similar: Strategy 74.4%, Indie 25.6%
Why You'll Like It: Adds a layer of quantum complexity to chess that mirrors the unpredictable nature of combat encounters.
- #21 Desktop Dungeons
79% matchVery Positive84% of 2,339 reviews2023
Dev: QCF Design
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 1.5 hrsMean: 7.8 hrs≥1hr: 58%
Each step into the unknown heals you and reveals new obstacles as you guide fresh heros to glorious retirement or ignominious death. Master tactical spells, appease ancient gods and get rich through taxidermy in this award-winning quick-play puzzle-roguelike.
Why You'll Like It: A tactical, puzzle-like dungeon crawler that rewards careful positioning and resource management.
- #22 Faeria
79% matchVery Positive84% of 7,177 reviews2017
Dev: Abrakam Entertainment SAPub: Versus Evil
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 1.5 hrsMean: 18.2 hrs≥1hr: 58%
With its unique living board, Faeria is also the only card game where you can gain all 300 cards in less than 50 hours.
Why similar: Strategy 84.4%, Indie 15.6%
Why You'll Like It: Combines board building with tactical unit placement and combat mechanics.
- #23 Yardlings
80% matchVery Positive85% of 52 reviews2020
Dev: Sokpop Collective
Windows · Mac
Yardlings is a local multiplayer battle arena about vegetables in a garden! Build an adorable army, place yourself strategically on the battlefield, using special abilities, capturing potted plants (outposts) and big seed-shooting flowers while you try to gain control over the yard!
Why similar: Strategy 74.2%, Indie 25.8%
Why You'll Like It: A local-multiplayer strategy game that emphasizes fast-paced, action-oriented combat on a board.
- #24 3D Chess
81% matchMixed58% of 168 reviews2016
Dev: bumblebeePub: familyplay
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.1 hrsMean: 3.9 hrs≥1hr: 85%
A unique chess trip with exciting instant duels awaits you - test your mettle on the chessboard. Checkmate your opponent with only a few moves and solve challenging chess puzzles in amazing 3D worlds.
Why similar: Strategy 100%
Why You'll Like It: Provides a classic, straightforward board game experience with a 3D perspective for visual clarity.
- #25 即时象棋：旧棋新弈 Hyper Chinese Chess
77% matchMostly Positive80% of 54 reviews2025
Dev: 上弦月工作室AscentGamesPub: 上海上弦琼弧网络科技有限公司
Windows
Turn-based play is central to Chinese Chess. HyperChineseChess removes this rule—battle AI or players in real-time, using quick thinking to win. Experience classic chess reimagined!
Why similar: Strategy 83.1%, Retro 16.9%
- #26 Chess Ultimate
76% matchVery Positive87% of 239 reviews2024
Dev: Jesse Lugassy
Windows · Mac
Chess just got an upgrade! Chess Ultimate, where precision strategy meets colorful chaos. Build your team from a roster of unique, quirky characters to defend your King while plotting your opponent’s downfall. Easy to pick up, endlessly fun to master, and a fresh take on the classic game of wits.
Why similar: Strategy 100%
- #27 Tabulo
75% matchVery Positive94% of 53 reviews2026
Dev: Noah Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Position your pieces carefully to max out your score in this Balatro-inspired chess roguelike. Enhance your pieces, purchase powers, and win bonuses from optional challenges, but be careful - your board only has so much room.
Why similar: Strategy 74.1%, Retro 13.4%, Indie 12.5%
- #28 Chess
76% matchMostly Positive79% of 82 reviews2024
Dev: Popoko VM Games
Windows · Mac
Chess: The Grand Strategy Game - Your Pocket Edition for Mastery and Fun!
Why similar: Strategy 100%
- #29 Favor Chess
78% matchMixed62% of 53 reviews2019
Dev: Javissoft
Windows · Mac
Assemble your own unique chess army to use against your foes. Use new strategies and pieces to compete against players around the globe in a game of pure skill, where cleverness and adaptation are rewarded.
Why similar: Strategy 100%
Why You'll Like It: A minimalist take on chess that focuses on the core board-game experience without unnecessary fluff.
- #30 Wequer
77% matchVery Positive91% of 78 reviews2019
Dev: Ben Allen
Windows
Chess has evolved! Hatch units from eggs, make ranged attacks, cast dastardly spells, and take control of the board to win in Wequer.
Why similar: Strategy 74.4%, Indie 25.6%
- #31 Shotgun King: The Final Checkmate
73% matchVery Positive91% of 6,970 reviews2022
Dev: PUNKCAKE Delicieux
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 2.2 hrsMean: 7.6 hrs≥1hr: 66%
Chess, but you replace your entire army with a royal shotgun. A unique strategy roguelike based on the timeless checkboard classic.
Why similar: Strategy 70.5%, Retro 29.5%
- #32 Wulin Chess
74% matchMostly Positive75% of 489 reviews2024
Dev: LameCat StudioPub: East2west Games
Windows
Wulin Chess is a turn-based strategy game set in a captivating dark fantasy world. Employ diverse characters across various boards/battlefields, and devise strategic thinking for victory. Strengthen your heroes by collecting equipment and enhancing attributes to face the challenges that lie ahead.
Why similar: Strategy 67.3%, Retro 32.7%
- #33 Dark Quest 4
72% matchVery Positive83% of 161 reviews2025
Dev: Brain Seal Ltd
Windows · Mac
A turn based dungeon crawler where you create a party of heroes to go on epic quests.
Why similar: Strategy 100%
- #34 Feud
72% matchVery Positive90% of 221 reviews2024
Dev: Bearwaves
Windows · Mac · Linux
Feud is a turn-based strategy game. Swap pieces on a four-by-four grid to isolate your opponent's pieces, or go straight for their King. Hone your skills against three AI characters with distinct play-styles, then challenge your friends online or on the same screen.
Why similar: Strategy 72.6%, Indie 27.4%
- #35 Lux Alliance
74% matchMostly Positive78% of 76 reviews2017
Dev: Sillysoft Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.3 hrsMean: 3.8 hrs≥1hr: 81%
Lux Alliance is a synchronized-turns strategy war game, inspired by the classic boardgames RISK, Diplomacy and Axis & Allies. Marshall your troops, collaborate with your allies, anticipate your opponents, and capture all the enemy HQs to win!
Why similar: Strategy 74.4%, Indie 25.6%
- #36 Fury of Dracula: Digital Edition
73% matchMostly Positive74% of 259 reviews2020
Dev: Nomad Games
Windows
Dracula is ready to take over Europe and only four iconic vampire hunters can stop him, in this digital adaptation of the classic board game of deduction and gothic horror. Play locally with friends or with up to five players online. Will you be the hunter or the hunted?
Why similar: Strategy 74.2%, Retro 25.8%
- #37 Chess Infinity
71% matchMixed60% of 70 reviews2024
Dev: Rockwater GamesPub: Ripstone
Windows
Whether you're new to chess or a seasoned master, welcome to Chess Infinity—the art of timeless strategy. Immerse yourself in serene environments, sharpen your skills with an adaptive AI mentor, and connect with players worldwide. Embrace endless challenges that transcend eras and borders.
Why similar: Strategy 95.8%, Indie 4.2%
- #38 Battle Chess
73% matchVery Positive81% of 105 reviews2017
Dev: Interplay Entertainment Corp.
Windows · Mac · Linux
It took 2000 years for someone to make chess better!
Why similar: Strategy 100%
- #39 Armello
71% matchVery Positive82% of 15,967 reviews2015
Dev: League of Geeks
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 5.6 hrsMean: 30.4 hrs≥1hr: 91%
Armello is a grim fairy-tale board game come to life, with every match combining deep, tactical card play, rich tabletop strategy and RPG elements. Leverage subterfuge, spells and careful strategy to wrangle control of the game's chaotic odds as you quest for the throne.
Why similar: Strategy 100%
- #40 Master of Magic Classic
70% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 746 reviews2020
Dev: SimTexPub: Slitherine Ltd.
Windows
Median: 30 minMean: 39.0 hrs≥1hr: 41%
Master of Magic is a classic, one of the most popular strategy games of the 90s. It is a 4X fantasy strategy game that allows you to play as an extremely powerful wizard, leading your troops and overcoming your magical opponents.
Why similar: Strategy 100%
- #41 Chessarama
70% matchVery Positive91% of 169 reviews2023
Dev: Minimol Games
Windows
Median: 2.7 hrsMean: 4.5 hrs≥1hr: 91%
Chessarama is a collection of chess-inspired puzzle and strategy games that use chess pieces and their established move sets, then reimagines their goals and themes. Solve challenges, unlock collectibles, and compete against each other on the leaderboards. Welcome to Chessarama!
Why similar: Strategy 100%
- #42 The Conquest of Go
67% matchVery Positive94% of 531 reviews2025
Dev: Wolfey Studios
Windows · Mac
Median: 4.6 hrsMean: 12.8 hrs≥1hr: 84%
Learn and play Go, the classic board game that has been played for thousands of years, and compete in the race to conquer the most land in the in-game world, or compete online against opponents around the real world.
Why similar: Strategy 100%
- #43 GemCraft - Chasing Shadows
70% matchVery Positive95% of 4,334 reviews2015
Dev: Game in a BottlePub: Armor Games Studios
Windows
Median: 4.6 hrsMean: 19.2 hrs≥1hr: 91%
An epic, challenging tower defense game with an emphasis on strategy and replayability. Summon gems of immense magical potency and harness their unique abilities against a seemingly endless horde of monsters. The archdemon seeks to swallow the world, and you must journey to stand against her.
Why similar: Strategy 82.1%, Indie 17.9%
- #44 Chaos Reborn
71% matchMostly Positive75% of 1,136 reviews2015
Dev: Snapshot Games Inc.
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 5.1 hrsMean: 9.3 hrs≥1hr: 90%
Turn-based wizard combat with the tactical positioning of chess and the bluff of poker. Features wizard customization, 100s of gear items, single player realm adventures, online leagues and co-op play.
Why similar: Strategy 79.6%, Indie 20.4%
- #45 League of Masters: Auto Chess
68% matchMostly Positive72% of 204 reviews2024
Dev: Games of Masters
Windows
League of Masters is a new take on the Auto Chess genre. Our game is a dynamic PvP experience with a deep progression system. Challenge friends and foes in an epic battle of wits that will determine who the true strategist is.
Why similar: Strategy 100%
- #46 Master of Magic
68% matchMostly Positive71% of 1,174 reviews2022
Dev: MuHa GamesPub: Slitherine Ltd.
Windows
Median: 2.1 hrsMean: 13.3 hrs≥1hr: 63%
Take up the role of a great wizard, wield powerful spells, command fantasy races and challenge your rivals in this remake of a cult turn-based strategy classic. Do you have what it takes to become Master of Magic?
Why similar: Strategy 100%
- #47 Battle Realms: Zen Edition
65% matchVery Positive88% of 4,182 reviews2025
Dev: Ed Del Castillo
Windows
Median: 3.6 hrsMean: 33.8 hrs≥1hr: 79%
Return of the Classic, now remastered! Battle Realms is a fantasy RTS inspired by the stories told in martial- arts movies and oriental mythology. Develop your peasants into a highly trained and deadly efficient clan of warriors who are ready to die with your name on their lips.
Why similar: Strategy 100%
- #48 Passant: A Chess Roguelike
66% matchVery Positive80% of 338 reviews2025
Dev: Marc Makes Games
Windows
Median: 3.3 hrsMean: 6.7 hrs≥1hr: 84%
Passant is a chess roguelike that changes all the rules. Progress through challenging rounds while collecting powerful pieces and game-changing items to seize victory.
Why similar: Strategy 88.9%, Indie 11.1%
- #49 Chessplosion
67% matchVery Positive96% of 152 reviews2021
Dev: C.T. Matthews
Windows
Median: 2.0 hrsMean: 5.5 hrs≥1hr: 68%
Chessplosion is an arcade action puzzle game where you drop chess piece bombs to create chain reactions and trap opponents. Defeat enemies and bosses in Adventure Mode and the roguelike-inspired Dungeon Mode, break targets with limited bombs in Puzzle Mode, or fight friends and AI in Battle Mode.
Why similar: Retro 100%
- #50 The Chess
66% matchMostly Positive79% of 93 reviews2025
Dev: NowakGames
Windows
The ChessThemed Chess offers a relaxing, minimalist chess experience with multiple boards, piece sets, AI opponents, and multiplayer. Play in 3D or 2D, learn the game’s history, and explore RPG-themed DLC. Free to Play – Download now and enjoy endless strategy!
Why similar: Strategy 89.2%, Indie 10.8%
- #51 FPS Chess
64% matchVery Positive84% of 41,552 reviews2022
Dev: Meta ForkPub: DigiPen Institute of Technology
Windows
Battle a friend in this fast paced 1v1 class-based first-person shooter. Chess takes a back-seat to FPS as you win duel after duel and capture the opponent's pieces until you've beaten their king and won the game.
Why similar: Strategy 100%
- #52 ChessCraft
67% matchVery Positive96% of 82 reviews2021
Dev: Stuart SpencePub: Frame of Mind
Windows · Linux
Never play the same game of chess again! ChessCraft is a chess AI sandbox. Create your own chess boards, rules, and pieces. Play against the computer or your friends online, or win loot by playing one of 80 built-in chess boards in adventure mode.
Why similar: Strategy 100%
- #53 The Art of War: Card Game
65% matchMostly Positive80% of 80 reviews2024
Dev: Brightdawn Entertainment
Windows · Mac · Linux
Lead one of four factions of your choice and defeat all your opponents in fierce card battles with real players from all around the world. Destroy your enemies, reinforce the power of your empire, and comprehend “The Art of War”!
Why similar: Strategy 95.6%, Indie 4.4%
