Overview
Anichess is a free-to-play browser-based strategy game that reimagines the timeless game of chess by adding unique spell-mechanics, narrative depth and Web3 utility. Developed by Animoca Brands in partnership with Chess.com and endorsed by five-time world chess champion Magnus Carlsen, Anichess brings together traditional chess strategy with fantasy elements, while incorporating Web3.
Game Lore
The world of Anichess unfolds on the planet Mystra, a place where classical chess meets the chaos of magic and interdimensional conflict. Mystra is connected through a mysterious expanse known as the Void, a realm that bridges countless dimensions and serves as the source of power for the world’s most extraordinary forces. At the heart of this universe are the Divinities, six powerful beings that embody the core elements of existence, which are Time, Shadow, Storm, Earth, Water, and Fire. Their influence shapes every aspect of Mystra, from the rise of civilizations to the spells that alter the battlefield.
Each region of Mystra is home to distinct tribes that reflect the essence of these Divinities: the Mountain Folk, Volcanic People, Storm Citizens, River Dwellers, Time Tinkerers, and Shadow People. These tribes form the narrative identity of the game’s world and the foundation of Anichess’s NFT collections, tying gameplay and storytelling together. As players progress through puzzles, battles, and seasonal events, the lore continues to evolve dynamically.
Gameplay and Features
At its core, Anichess stays true to traditional chess fundamentals, retaining every familiar mechanic from pawns and knights to castling and en passant. However, it elevates the experience by introducing spell mechanics, which are unique abilities that can alter how pieces behave, how the board functions, or even how players approach their strategy. Some spells can temporarily transform a pawn into a knight, others may allow a rook to move diagonally for a single turn, while more advanced spells can conjure new pieces onto the board, completely reshaping the flow of a match. These magical twists add layers of creativity and unpredictability, making every duel feel fresh and tactical.
Dive into the magical world of Anichess with a closer look at some of the unique spells we've explored:
- Parkour Mech: Parkour Mech offers a transformative power, turning any chess piece—except the king and queen—into a knight. It's important to note that using this spell constitutes one move, and the transformation is permanent.
- Queen Time: This spell grants your piece the mighty movements of a queen for a single turn. It can be applied to knights, bishops, and rooks, enhancing their versatility on the board. However, it's designed with a restriction: it cannot be used to capture the king.
- Slip: Enhance your strategy with Slip, allowing a pawn, knight, or rook to move diagonally to an adjacent empty square. This spell adds an element of surprise and maneuverability, although it cannot be used to capture an opponent's piece.
- House Recruit: This spell conjures a pawn on any vacant square between the 3rd and 6th ranks, expanding your army directly on the battlefield. Employing House Recruit counts as a move, strategically increasing your presence on the board without advancing your existing pieces.
Incorporating these spell mechanics, Anichess could potentially redefine the boundaries of traditional chess, introducing a new era where strategy, fantasy, and imagination blend seamlessly. While the specifics of these spells remain in the realm of speculation, the very concept opens up exciting possibilities for the evolution of chess, promising a richer, more dynamic, and engaging experience for players around the world.
The game’s public alpha introduced several play modes, giving players multiple ways to enjoy this fusion of chess and fantasy. Ranked Matches let players climb competitive ladders, while Quick Matches provide faster, casual sessions. Friend Matchesenable custom games for friendly duels, while Bot Matches provide opportunities to practice strategies against AI opponents. Beyond gameplay, Anichess integrates an on-chain progression system known as M8, built on the Base network. This system rewards consistent play and links player achievements directly to the broader Web3 ecosystem, creating a sense of long-term progression that ties skill, strategy, and ownership together in a seamless experience.
NFTs and Blockchain
The earliest collectibles in Anichess were the Orbs of Power, digital items themed around elements and chess piece archetypes. These served as the first layer of identity and progression for players who were active during the early puzzle and community phases. As the game evolved, the team introduced the Genesis Ethernals collection, a limited set of 960 character-style NFTs connected to the six tribes in Mystra’s lore. Each Ethernal represents a lineage within the story and acts as a permanent access point for future perks, seasonal rewards, and planned staking systems. Instead of being cosmetic only, Ethernals are designed to carry ongoing benefits throughout the game’s ecosystem.
Alongside these collectibles, player activity in matches ties into an on-chain progression system called M8. M8 tracks how consistently a player engages with the game, rewarding both casual and competitive play. These points are stored on the Base network and will later interact with the game’s broader economy, including access to drops, unlocks, and seasonal incentives.
The upcoming $CHECK token will act as the central piece of the game’s ecosystem. It is planned to support tournament entry, marketplace utility, and participation across the larger Checkmate ecosystem, which Anichess is positioned at the core of. While the token is not yet live, the structure makes it clear that early participation through M8 and Ethernals will play a role in how players join and progress in the on-chain side of the game.
How to Get Started
Anichess is easy to jump into since the game runs directly in your browser. There’s nothing to download, and you don’t need a wallet or NFT to start playing. Just head to the official site, create an account, and you can begin with puzzles or casual matches right away. The interface is clean and familiar if you’ve ever played chess before, so getting comfortable doesn’t take long. The spell system might feel new at first, but the game does a good job of easing you in through daily puzzles and tutorial-style matches that show how spells can shift different board states.
Once you’re ready to play against real opponents, you can move into Quick Matches or Ranked play. Ranked games are where the real competition happens, with a rating system and ongoing tournaments that run in cycles. These tournaments are open to anyone, and they’re based on performance rather than how much you spend, making them a good place to test improvement or climb for seasonal rewards