8 /10 11

Chess Ultra stands as the most visually accomplished chess game available across multiple platforms. Released by developer Ripstone in June 2017 as their first in-house developed title using Unreal Engine 4, it transcends typical digital chess by combining competitive tournament-grade features with stunning environmental design. Players seeking both casual and serious chess experiences benefit from its Grandmaster-approved AI, cross-platform compatibility, and comprehensive online infrastructure. This review examines why Chess Ultra remains relevant in 2025 despite competition from free alternatives.

How to Play Chess Ultra

Chess Ultra follows standard chess rules but emphasizes both learning and competition. The game accommodates beginners through intermediate players up to experienced competitors through structured progression systems.

1. Controls – Intuitive pointer controls on consoles; touch controls on Switch. Controller support is full across all platforms with responsive input mapping for piece selection and destination placement.
2. Progression – Players advance through 80+ chess puzzles, historical match recreation, and online ranked matches using the ELO rating system. Single-player puzzle completion unlocks new chess sets and environments.
3. Combat/Mechanics – Real-time online play supports Classical (unlimited time), Blitz (5 minutes), and Marathon (30+ minutes) time controls. Local multiplayer includes cross-table mode where the Switch acts as a physical board between two players.
4. Tips – Beginners should complete in-depth tutorials before attempting Grandmaster difficulty. Start with Blitz matches for faster feedback and use the puzzle section to identify tactical patterns before competing online.

Who Should Play Chess Ultra

Chess Ultra appeals to players ranging from newcomers learning the game through serious competitive players. Its presentation attracts casual audiences while features satisfy intermediate tournament players. Free alternatives like Lichess and Chess.com compete for the audience.

• Casual Learners – Players discovering chess for the first time benefit from accessible AI levels and comprehensive tutorials. The visual polish makes learning enjoyable compared to minimalist free platforms.
• Console Enthusiasts – Players preferring controller gameplay on their television or handheld device rather than mouse-and-keyboard online clients. Switch tabletop mode offers unique local multiplayer experiences.
• VR Players – Full VR support on Steam via SteamVR and Oculus platforms provides immersive chess board visualization. This niche appeal justifies the purchase for VR-capable PC owners.
• Skip if – You prefer free chess platforms like Lichess or Chess.com with larger player bases and no subscription. Online matchmaking in Chess Ultra shows reduced activity compared to 2017 launch.

Chess Ultra Platform Performance

Chess Ultra delivers consistent 4K or high-resolution performance across current-generation consoles and PC. Performance modes maintain visual fidelity while supporting 60 FPS gameplay on all platforms, making competitive online play responsive and smooth.

Chess Ultra System Requirements

PC versions of Chess Ultra scale from older Windows Vista systems to modern gaming PCs. The 12 GB storage requirement accommodates high-resolution asset streaming. Broadband internet connection mandatory for online features.

Similar Games to Chess Ultra

While chess lacks direct competitors in terms of pure digital recreation, alternative strategy games offer turn-based competitive experiences. Free web-based chess platforms dominate the casual market, while Chess Ultra occupies a premium console and VR niche with superior presentation over competitors.

• Lichess – Free, open-source chess platform with larger active player base. No purchase required but lacks visual presentation and VR support of Chess Ultra.
• Chess.com – Subscription-based online chess with extensive training content and larger tournaments. More competitive serious players migrate here for ranked play despite no VR option.
• 5D Chess with Multiverse Time Travel – Indie puzzle game offering chess variants. Significantly different rule set than standard chess; appeals to players seeking innovation over tradition.
• Into the Breach – Turn-based tactical game with puzzle-like chess-adjacent mechanics. Different genre but shares strategic planning and foresight requirements.

Chess Ultra vs Competitors

Chess Ultra emphasizes console and VR presentation advantages over free web alternatives. Competitive positioning focuses on accessibility for casual players and console ecosystems rather than competing directly with Chess.com’s serious player base or Lichess’s free-to-play model.

Chess Ultra Story and World

Chess Ultra foregoes narrative storytelling, instead immersing players through environmental artistry and championship aesthetics. Eight distinct locations including the Pantheon, Academy, and Santa Monica transform the chess board experience from abstract grid to tangible architectural settings. The game celebrates chess history by allowing players to recreate famous historic matches, providing educational context beyond standard competitive play. World-building manifests through meticulous environmental details rather than dialogue or characters, emphasizing the grandeur of chess mastery across different cultural and historical settings.

Chess Ultra Multiplayer and Online

Online multiplayer remains Chess Ultra’s defining feature, supporting cross-platform play across PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch. The ELO ranking system ensures competitive matchmaking. Time control options accommodate casual and serious preferences. Ripstone tournaments provide seasonal competitive opportunities.

• Ranked Matches – ELO-rated competitive matches with matchmaking. Players climb rating tiers from 800 to 2400+ Elo. Time control supports Classical, Blitz, and Marathon formats with appropriate rating calculations.
• Casual Matches – Unrated online matches against any willing opponent. Perfect for learning new strategies without rating implications. Cross-platform play supported across all versions.
• Ripstone Tournaments – Official seasonal tournaments with spectator mode. Players stream matches on Twitch, allowing chat participation in move selection. Competitive prize structure varies by season.
• Cross-Play – Full cross-platform support between Steam, Epic Games, PlayStation Network, Xbox Live, and Nintendo Switch accounts. Cross-table local multiplayer available exclusively on Switch using Joy-Con controllers.

Chess Ultra DLC and Expansions

Post-launch DLC focuses entirely on aesthetic customization rather than gameplay mechanics. Multiple chess set designs and environmental packs expand visual variety. All DLC remains cosmetic, preserving competitive integrity. Easter Island chess set released as free content in January 2018.

• Premium Chess Sets – Imperial Chess Set ($9.99), Purling London collaborations ($9.99 each). Decorative pieces with hand-crafted designs. Multiple artists contributed exclusive designs expanding visual customization options.
• Game Packs – Pantheon Game Pack ($5.99), Academy Game Pack ($5.99), Santa Monica Game Pack ($5.99). Each includes unique environment and corresponding chess set. Paired releases maintain thematic consistency.
• Free Updates – Easter Island Chess Set released free to all players. Cross-play with Epic Games added March 2023. Ongoing balance patches address connection issues and ranking accuracy.
• No Battle Pass – Zero progression-locked cosmetics or seasonal passes. All cosmetic content available for permanent purchase without time limits or seasonal rotation.

Chess Ultra Community and Support

Ripstone maintains active developer communication through official forums and social media. Player matchmaking shows reduced populations on console versions compared to PC, with documented wait times exceeding 30 minutes during off-peak hours on Nintendo Switch. PC versions via Steam maintain healthier concurrent player bases. Community guides available through Steam Workshop and official website tutorials.

• Official Channels – Ripstone maintains presence on Twitter/X, official website forums, and Discord server. Regular updates posted quarterly regarding patch notes and new features.
• Player Communities – r/chessbeginners acknowledges Chess Ultra but notes Lichess and Chess.com preference for active communities. Discord servers exist for dedicated Chess Ultra players but remain small.
• Mod Support – No Steam Workshop or native mod support. Custom chess set creation limited to official DLC releases only. Cosmetic mods not available or supported.
• Update Frequency – Patches released approximately quarterly addressing connection stability and ranking system accuracy. No major gameplay overhauls since 2018. Server infrastructure remains stable without downtime reports.