Best Chess & Checkers Games on PC in 2026

1. Chess Ultra

Play chess in amazing 4K with strong AI, online matches, or VR if you have a headset. The beautiful boards and deep settings keep it a fan favorite, making it both great to look at and fun to play.

• 10 distinct AI levels
• Twitch streaming integration built-in
• Cross-platform multiplayer worldwide

Download on Steam

2. Decent Checkers

Play checkers with four different rulesets like International and English, facing AI or real opponents online in a clean, modern setup. The 40 included puzzles make it a great choice for checkers fans.

• 4 global rulesets supported
• Smooth online multiplayer matchmaking
• 40 brain-teasing checkers puzzles

Download on Steam

3. Tabletop Simulator NEW

While it plays everything, Tabletop Simulator is one of the best ways to play casual chess or checkers with friends online. The game has full physics, meaning you can actually flip the board if you lose a piece, making it feel just like playing in real life.

• Play chess, checkers, and thousands of other games
• Full physics engine (board flipping included)
• Incredible multiplayer voice and VR support

Download on Steam

4. Battle vs Chess

Chess gets a flashy twist with animated battles when pieces clash on the board, backed by solid AI and engaging gameplay. The visuals pop and the tutorials help newbies, keeping it a trusted staple with tons of dramatic flair.

• 10 AI difficulty settings
• Fantasy combat animations on captures
• Great tutorials for new players

Download on Steam

5. Beautiful Checkers NEW

Built in Unreal Engine 5, this is exactly what the title promises: a great looking checkers game. Play in beautiful indoor and outdoor settings that look much better than a basic 2D board.

• Incredible Unreal Engine 5 graphics
• Relaxing, immersive environments
• Focuses on American Checkers / English Draughts rules

Download on Steam

6. 5D Chess With Multiverse Time Travel NEW

Easily the most mind-bending game on this list. Standard chess rules apply, but you can move your pieces back in time to branch the timeline into parallel universes. Try checkmating a King who is standing three turns in the past and two timelines to the left.

• Move pieces across time and alternate dimensions
• Extremely positively rated by the community
• Includes training modes to help your brain comprehend it

Download on Steam

7. Competitive Checkers

Play competitive real-time checkers matches online, with chat to talk to your opponents. Its simple design and growing player base make it a great choice for anyone looking for serious matches.

• Live PvP matchmaking
• In-game chat functionality
• Custom board themes and styles

Download on Steam

8. Shotgun King: The Final Checkmate NEW

A very crazy but super fun spin on chess. You play as the Black King, but all your other pieces are gone, and you just have a shotgun. Move across the board, dodge checks, blast White pieces, and collect upgrades as you go.

• Hilarious turn-based roguelike gameplay
• Genuinely deep strategic positioning required
• Unique upgrade cards modify the rules in real-time

Download on Steam

Chess – Lichess.org

Face real players worldwide or test your skills against the incredible Stockfish AI in this 100% free, open-source chess hub. Loaded with puzzles, tournaments, and deep analysis boards. Best of all? It’s completely ad-free and you can play without an account.

Play on Lichess.org

Checkers – Checkers.online

Jump straight into quick checkers games against real opponents or AI bots, selecting specific rulesets like American or International depending on what you grew up playing. The sleek, basic interface makes it completely hassle-free.

Play on Checkers.online