Pre-alpha access

Pixel art tactical chess

Checkmancer

Gameplay trailer, recorded in-game.
Open > Pre-alpha Sign up to play it first

Chess where every army casts spells. Classic rules, plus HP, mana and four maneuvers for each army.

Armies Story Devlog

Select your army

Four armies

Each side picks one. Every army has an anchor piece and four maneuvers paid for with mana.

    Story mode

    Learn chess in the Tower

    The story mode is where you learn. Each floor is a puzzle or a boss match built around one chess idea, from your first fork to mates you can only find with a maneuver.

    The way into the Tower. Every floor is a lesson.

    Each floor teaches

      Ways to play

      Modes

      Online

      Queue for a match, or open a room and share its 6-letter code.

      Local

      Two players, one screen.

      Versus the bot

      Five levels, from Basic to Intelligent.

      Story mode

      Learn chess by climbing the Tower. Every floor is a puzzle or a boss that teaches one idea.

      Devlog

      Made in the open

      The puzzle
      The solution
      Follow on Instagram

      Your move: pre-alpha

      Build it with me

      Checkmancer is made by one person, and I don't want to finish it alone. Pre-alpha testers get in in small waves, and testing is only the start: after it, you stay on and help me build the game.

      • Play new builds before anyone else
      • Vote on new armies, maneuvers and Tower floors
      • Talk to me directly and watch your ideas land in the game

      Leave your details and I'll email you when your spot opens.

      Your chess level
      Where would you play? pick all that apply
      Which army caught your eye?
      Where did you find us?