Chess Ultra

Released Jun 2017

Introducing Chess Ultra; the most breathtaking chess game ever made. Experience stunning 4K visuals, seamless online multiplayer, Grandmaster approved AI and full VR compatibility.

76% positive · 2,319 reviews

Done

All announced content has been released

High confidence

Done

All announced content has been released

High confidence

Where to buy

Steam Updated 10 Oct 2026 $12.99 IndieGala Steam key Updated 12 Oct 2026 $12.99

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Evaluation

Chess Ultra launched on June 21, 2017 and received a series of paid DLC packs between September 2017 and April 2018 — covering new chess sets and environment packs. The final DLC, the Santa Monica game pack, released on April 26, 2018. All 10 listed DLC items have been released with no unreleased entries remaining. Following the DLC period, Ripstone continued issuing occasional maintenance and feature patches — most notably a quality-of-life update in July 2021 and an Epic Games cross-play update in March 2023. These updates kept the game functional and connected more players, but did not introduce new content in the expansion sense. In February 2025, Ripstone announced Chess Infinity, an explicitly described "spiritual successor" to Chess Ultra, and used the Chess Ultra news feed to promote it. The March 2025 post about a "major update" is directed entirely at Chess Infinity, not Chess Ultra. This strongly indicates that Ripstone has shifted its development focus to the new title rather than continuing to expand Chess Ultra. No future content has been announced for Chess Ultra itself, no unreleased DLC exists in the store listing, and Ripstone has not communicated any ongoing development plans for the game. The game launched as a complete chess experience and its DLC content cycle concluded in April 2018.

Evidence

Ripstone announced Chess Infinity as the 'spiritual successor' to Chess Ultra, using the Chess Ultra news feed to direct players to the new game

news post · Feb 11, 2025 source development ending

high

Chess Ultra Santa Monica game pack — the last of 10 DLC packs released, completing the DLC catalogue with no unreleased items remaining

dlc listing · Apr 26, 2018 source content shipped

high

Content

10 of 10 released · no outstanding content

Released

Chess Ultra Santa Monica game pack

Apr 2018

Released

Chess Ultra Purling London - Bold chess set

Apr 2018

Media

Details

Developer

Ripstone

Publisher

Ripstone

Achievements

Platform

Windows

Controller

full support

Steam Deck

Verified

Players

Single-player · Multiplayer · PvP · Local/Split Screen

Strategy Chess Indie Board Game Tabletop Simulation VR Casual Turn-Based Strategy Sports Turn-Based Turn-Based Tactics 3D First-Person Atmospheric

About this game

Introducing the most breathtaking chess game ever made.

Chess Ultra injects the greatest strategy game of all time with a modern twist; offering the ultimate chess experience with stunning 4K visuals, Grandmaster approved AI and full VR compatibility.

Stunning chess sets and beautiful environments
10 Grandmaster-approved AI levels
Intuitive, overhauled local and online multiplayer with ELO ranking system
Comprehensive time controls, including Classical, Blitz and Marathon, available online
Cross-platform online play and leaderboards
Spectate and compete in Official Ripstone tournaments
Demonstrate your skills in over 80 chess puzzles
Re-write the past by winning the biggest historic matches
Export portable game notation (PGN) for every game, locally and online
Full Twitch integration invites you to play against your community
Play in VR and immerse yourself in the Chess Ultra experience
In-depth tutorials to help improve your game

With full Oculus Rift and HTC Vive support, play Chess Ultra in VR for the most breathtaking chess experience to date. From the wood grains on the antique mahogany board in the library, to the luxury felt on the bottom of every chess piece; chess has never looked this good. Physically reach out to make your move and focus entirely on the game at hand.