# Pure Chess

> Ultra-realistic chess game with tutorials, tournaments, and cross-platform multiplayer. (iPhone/iPad app by Ripstone Ltd.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pure-chess/id638717298 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Ripstone Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/579290563)
- Category: Games, Board, Strategy
- Price: Free with in-app purchases
- Rating: 4.30/5 from 246 App Store ratings · 608 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 6.1 · 251 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2013-08-29
- Data updated: 2026-07-23
- Monetization: free with in-app purchases
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pure-chess/id638717298/reviews.md

## What is Pure Chess?

Pure Chess puts other games in checkmate! Are you a Grandmaster in the making?

"The game combines superb production values, excellent AI and a robust multiplayer experience and amazingly, DLC chess sets that look so good I actually paid for them" Digitally Downloaded

"Pure chess is the best looking chess game to ever hit iPhone and iPad. Get ready to be blown away by the games visuals" Play Buzz

Experience one of the oldest known boardgames on the advanced technology of today. With ultra-realistic and unparalleled beautiful visuals you can almost reach out and touch the pieces. Created under the watchful eye of a fully-fledged Grandmaster; Pure Chess allows players to experience the traditional game like never before, showcasing gorgeous environments and unbelievably stunning chess sets.

You can now play Pure Chess cross-platform with your friends!

Learn the basics through step-by-step tutorials or challenge yourself to tournaments, with full control of skill level depending on how challenged you wish to be.  An art, a science, a social engagement, a means for a challenge – whether you’re a beginner, an avid player or an ultimate Grandmaster, it’s time to experience one of the oldest board games known to man, brought to life on the modern technology of today!

Pure Chess is a game that can be played by everyone, at any age, but mastered by only a few. The question is... Are you a Grandmaster in the making? Your move!

Pure Chess is currently best played on iPhone 4S and iPad 2 upwards.

## Key features

- Ultra-realistic visuals
- Grandmaster-level AI
- Cross-platform multiplayer
- Step-by-step tutorials
- Challenging tournaments
- Customizable skill levels

## Pricing and in-app purchases

Base price: Free.

**One-time purchases**

| Purchase | Price | Type |
| --- | --- | --- |
| HALLOWEEN CHESS SET | $0.99 | one-time |
| TEMPLE GAME PACK | $0.99 | one-time |
| FOREST GAME PACK | $0.99 | one-time |
| DIFFICULTY & TUTORIAL UPGRADE | $0.99 | one-time |
| CHALLENGE UPGRADE | $0.99 | one-time |
| MULTI-GAME UPGRADE | $0.99 | one-time |
| PREMIUM UPGRADE | $3.99 | one-time |
| WILLIAMS CHESS SET | $0.99 | one-time |
| STAUNTON CHESS SET | $0.99 | one-time |
| PARK GAME PACK | $0.99 | one-time |
| COMPLETE GAME PACK | $6.99 | one-time |
| BATTALION CHESS SET | $0.99 | one-time |


## What do users think of Pure Chess?

Overall sentiment: mixed

**Pros**

- 🚀 Great level of detail
- 🎨 Beautiful graphics and ambience
- 🧠 Helpful for learning chess
- 👍 Relaxing and enjoyable experience
- 🎮 Good gameplay and challenge

**Cons**

- 💰 Many in-app purchases required
- 🐛 Frequent crashes and bugs
- 🔌 Connectivity issues with App Store
- 🕰️ Slow performance on older devices
- 📺 Intrusive ads even after purchases

**Commonly reported bugs**

- Purchased content not downloading properly
- Saved games disappearing or unable to restore
- Unresponsive or freezing user interface
- Compatibility issues with newer iOS versions
- Inability to connect to the App Store

**Most requested features**

- Ability to use own music during gameplay
- More chess piece and board customization options
- Improved online multiplayer functionality
- Additional difficulty levels and chess puzzles
- Better optimization for modern devices

## Recent user reviews (10 of 608)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pure-chess/id638717298/reviews.md

### 5/5 — อยากให้กลับมาพัฒนา app

*2026-03-08, version 1.4*

IOS หลัง ๆ เด้งบ่อย ต้องลงใหม่ ส่วน android หายไปแล้ว อยากให้เอากลับมา

### 5/5 — Great

*2026-01-22, version 1.4*

Awesome level to be achieved. Helps workout your mind.

### 1/5 — Update the game

*2025-10-04, version 1.4*

It’s old I paid a lot of this back in the day

### 5/5 — Park board with other piece sets.

*2025-07-31, version 1.4*

The Park board is beautiful but you can only use the animal pieces. Is it possible to make it so one can use any other set of pieces in that theme?

### 4/5 — Still works in 2025 on iPhone 15 Pro Max and MacBook Air M2

*2025-04-30, version 1.4*

I like it. Great graphics and Isle of Lewis Theme available.

### 5/5 — Çok iyi tasarlanmış, müzikleri harika.

*2025-02-14, version 1.4*

Müzikleriyle rahatlatıcı atmosfer sunuyor. Sadece bilgisayara karşı veya dönüşümlü iki oyuncu oynanabiliyor. Çevrimiçi oyun yok. Reklamsız oyun için tek seferlik komple satın alın geçin, adamakıllı satranç oyununuz olsun.

### 3/5 — Cannot download chess sets

*2024-05-26, version 1.4*

This is a sensational app, and if I bought it early would be great, but having paid the full price the extra chess sets like isle of Lewis or Roman will not download. If it is not supported anymore really it should not be there to buy. What can be used is very good, and has relaxing ambience

### 5/5 — Супер

*2024-05-25, version 1.4*

Самые лучшие и красивые шахматы. Купил все наборы. Дизайнеры гении.

### 4/5 — The game needs updates

*2023-11-30, version 1.4*

A very nice game of graphics and fun, but you need some updates to support the new phones from Apple (iPhone 13) and also add the possibility of changing the level of difficulty and also improve online play.

### 5/5 — Relaxing and cool love this game sooooooo much!

*2023-10-16, version 1.4*

I love this game I actually really want to join your studio but I’m 10 guess I need to wait 8 years😒

## Frequently asked questions about Pure Chess

### What is Pure Chess?

Pure Chess is a digital adaptation of the classic board game, offering ultra-realistic visuals and advanced AI. It allows players to experience traditional chess on modern technology, with options for learning, practice, and competitive play.

### What are the key features of Pure Chess?

Key features include stunning, realistic graphics, a Grandmaster-level AI for challenging gameplay, cross-platform multiplayer to play with friends, step-by-step tutorials for learning, and tournaments with adjustable skill levels.

### How much does Pure Chess cost?

The app is free to download and play, but it offers in-app purchases for additional chess sets. This allows players to customize their visual experience.

### What devices is Pure Chess compatible with?

Pure Chess is best played on iPhone 4S and iPad 2 or newer devices. This ensures optimal performance and visual fidelity for the game's advanced graphics.

### Who is Pure Chess for?

This app is designed for anyone who enjoys chess, regardless of their skill level. Whether you are a beginner looking to learn the basics, an intermediate player seeking a challenge, or an advanced player aiming for Grandmaster status, Pure Chess offers a comprehensive experience.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 1.4 — 2016-10-09

Fixed DLC download issues.

### 1.3 — 2016-09-13

Streamlined multiplayer and other minor bug fixes.

### 1.2 — 2014-10-13

• Updated to the iOS 8.0 SDK (minimum required OS version is now 6.1)
• Updated to the latest OpenSSL library
• Fixed an occasional hang after purchasing IAP
• Made the status bar always hidden
• Fixed IAP downloads always restarting after an error, they now resume instead
• iAds now supported
• Fixed a hang after viewing the Game Center overlay

### 1.1 — 2013-10-14

#1 Board Game for iPad in 23 countries

Update includes:

- Quit game option for online matches
- Progress percentage indicator bar for DLC downloads
- Integration with Chartboost; all advertisements will be automatically disabled after three or more in-app purchases have been made.

### 1.0 — 2013-08-13

No release notes.

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-07-23.*