Hnefatafl - Viking Chess Game

Hnefatafl - Viking Chess Game

Ancient Board Game & Strategy

4 ratings
2 reviews
Free
With Ads

Details

Released
October 16, 2025
Updated
October 8, 2026

Features

Hnefatafl - Viking Chess Game screenshot #1 for iPhone
Hnefatafl - Viking Chess Game screenshot #2 for iPhone
Hnefatafl - Viking Chess Game screenshot #3 for iPhone
Hnefatafl - Viking Chess Game screenshot #4 for iPhone
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About

Master an ancient Norse strategy game with interactive lessons and multiple historical variants. Learn asymmetric tactics where the King must escape attackers. Play offline with AI or against friends.

✓14 interactive lessons
✓3 AI difficulty levels
✓Pass & Play mode
✓Works completely offline
✓9 authentic historical variants
✓Clear visual guides
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What's New in Hnefatafl

1.9

October 8, 2026

What’s new: • A fresh Viking-forged look with a new side menu • Vetrnætr (Winter Nights) event: the Barrow board, a seasonal theme and Haugbúi, a seasonal opponent. Light lanterns to unlock them • Official rules for Copenhagen, Brandubh, Tablut, Foteviken and Alea Evangelii, with updated lessons. Saved games carry on • Stronger computer opponents and new puzzles, plus a daily puzzle • Try boards and pieces mid-game • Daily goals, reminders and a weekly league • Bug fixes and improvements

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User reviews

Fresh start

It's been six months since I tested it. Two recent updates since then. I will test it again.

I decided to erase my previous criticisms that may no longer apply.

For now, I will rate it three stars for successfully making an app.

Unplayable

I went thru all your repetitive lessons first.

Seems to be stuck displaying the same board position of the king once moved into lower right corner during lesson. Lessons are useless after that because same board position is always shown. No correlation of the board positions to the lessons.

Tried your Branduhb 7x7 offline as Attackers first move. I moved from right edge middle up next to upper right corner. After that it locks up. Computer player as Defenders never moves. Also, AI analysis just spins doing nothing on iPhone version 16.

By the way, the tafl rules are wrong anyhow.

Wikipedia is wrong! (If Wikipedia hadn't automatically banned me for three+three years for pressing the time zone button twice for determining the first moment of Spring in 2023, and recently accidentally hitting an edit button near the scrollbar on iPhone, then the world might know the rules by now.)

That 19x19 "Foteviken" is a sadistic joke.
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Developer apps

FAQ

What is Hnefatafl?

Hnefatafl is an ancient Norse strategy board game that Vikings played for over 1000 years. It features asymmetric gameplay where defenders protect a King trying to escape surrounded attackers.

Does Hnefatafl have ads?

Yes, Hnefatafl contains advertisements. This allows the game to be offered for free.

Can I play Hnefatafl offline?

Yes, Hnefatafl works completely offline, allowing you to play anywhere, anytime without an internet connection.

What are the AI difficulty levels in Hnefatafl?

Hnefatafl offers 3 AI difficulty levels, making it suitable for both beginners learning the game and experienced players seeking a challenge.

How many historical variants are available in Hnefatafl?

Hnefatafl includes 9 authentic historical variants of the game, with board sizes ranging from 7x7 to 19x19, offering diverse strategic experiences.

What is the age rating for Hnefatafl?

Hnefatafl has an age rating of 4+, making it appropriate for a wide range of players.

How often is Hnefatafl updated?

The latest version of Hnefatafl was released on May 7, 2026, indicating recent development and support for the game.

What devices support Hnefatafl?

Hnefatafl is supported on iPhone, iPad, and iPod devices.