Anichess, a free-to-play magic-based chess game backed by Animoca Brands and Chess.com, has officially launched its highly anticipated Season 3. This season marks a significant evolution for the game, introducing an invite-only system that grants access to four game modes, three customizable themes, and nine updated spells. Players can earn leaderboard points by participating in matches and inviting friends to join the platform.
Anichess Cover Banner on X (Twitter)
About Anichess
Anichess is a web3 gaming project developed in collaboration between Animoca Brands and Chess.com, the leading global online chess platform. The game provides a tactical twist on traditional chess by implementing spells that open up new strategies and gameplay, requiring players to rethink conventional rules as they explore the expansive lore within the gameboard world.
Annabelle Huang, managing partner of Amber Group, commented: "Anichess represents a refreshing take on one of the most classic games cherished by many generations and we are proud to support the team in realizing their vision of delivering an engaging, community-centric, and decentralized player experience. The enthusiastic response to the debut of spell chess puzzles is a testament to the team's execution capability and we look forward to the release of the main game later this year."
Anichess Gameplay
New features in Season 3
The headline addition for Season 3 is the first Player versus Player (PvP) mode, letting players engage in real-time chess battles while utilizing a variety of magical spells. Access requires an invite code, which can be obtained from current players or the game's official Discord server.
Four different game modes are available this season:
- Ranked Match: This competitive mode offers the highest points for victories and affects a player's Glicko2-based ELO rating, which is stored on-chain for transparency.
- Quick Match: A casual mode where players can compete without affecting their rankings. Points are earned regardless of the match outcome.
- Play A Friend: Players can challenge friends directly by sending a unique match link, encouraging strategic play and cooperation.
- Play With Bot: AI opponents at varying difficulty levels provide practice opportunities for players looking to hone their skills before facing real opponents.
Anichess Player vs Player Modes
Points and leaderboard system
Points can be earned in the first three modes, with each match granting rewards regardless of the outcome. Players can only accumulate points from their first three matches in each mode per day, totaling up to nine matches for potential point earnings.
Three timer settings are available for each mode to accommodate different playing styles:
- Classic: 30 minutes with no increment.
- Rapid: 10 minutes with no increment.
- Blitz: 5 minutes with a 2-second increment per move.
Updated spells and missions
Season 3 features nine updated spells, which have been balanced for fairer gameplay. Players begin with five random spells after completing Scherif's Introduction and can unlock additional spells by accomplishing milestone-based spell missions. These missions require players to win a certain number of matches and capture specific pieces, further enhancing the strategic depth of the game.
Anichess New Game Modes
Final thoughts
Players who participated in the private alpha can immediately access Season 3 using their existing wallets. Those on the allowlist should have received an access code. For players without these credentials, obtaining a six-digit invite code from current players is necessary. Interested players can also seek codes through the game's official Discord server to join the action.
Anichess Season 3 delivers an exciting chess experience, combining traditional gameplay with innovative spell mechanics and competitive features. The season blends strategic depth with community engagement in this evolving web3 title.
