Dark Squares
Chess with weapons and magic
About
Experience chess with a magical twist. Arm your pieces with weapons and spells to outmaneuver opponents. Win by capturing the king in this strategic, fast-paced adaptation.
What's New in Dark Squares
1.0.3
August 21, 2026
A grand new welcome: • A four-page opening tale for new players — the First Law, the Armory, and the friend you're destined to defeat. • The Armory now glows on the home screen until a new knight pays their first visit. • Training Grounds: the wizard now teaches the Spell Log — the ledger of every spell cast, so nothing ever hits you unexplained. • Small fixes and polish.
MoreSubscription plans
Dark Squares Pro
Six more weapons — Aegis, Sanctuary, Blitz and more..
FAQ
What is Dark Squares?
Dark Squares is a strategic board game that reimagines chess by allowing each piece to wield weapons and spells. The core gameplay adheres to classic chess rules, but victory is achieved by capturing the king, not through checkmate.
How does Dark Squares differ from traditional chess?
In Dark Squares, players can equip a loadout of spells and weapons before each battle, which can be cast during the game to influence the board. This adds a layer of magical combat and unique strategic possibilities beyond standard chess moves.
What game modes are available in Dark Squares?
Dark Squares offers several modes: 'Play a Friend' for direct challenges, 'Play vs Computer' with three difficulty levels, 'Open Arena' for unconstrained online duels, and 'Normalized Arena' for fair, ranked matches where both players use the same weapon pool.
How does progression work in Dark Squares?
Players earn XP in every online game, win or lose, to unlock new weapons and upgrade them to higher tiers. This allows for the creation of a personalized 'Armory' and loadouts tailored to individual playstyles.
What is Dark Squares Pro?
Dark Squares Pro is an optional subscription service priced at $4.99 per month. It instantly unlocks four additional weapon families: Aegis, Silence, Blight, and Oracle, offering more variety without providing a direct power advantage over free weapons.
Does Dark Squares have ads?
No, Dark Squares does not contain advertisements. The game is free to play and offers an optional subscription for additional content.
What devices is Dark Squares available on?
Dark Squares is currently supported on iPhone and iPod devices, with a release date of July 23, 2026.
What is the age rating for Dark Squares?
Dark Squares has an age rating of 4+, making it suitable for a wide range of players.