# Covenant Chess

## General Info
- **Year Published**: 2026
- **BGG Rating**: —
- **BGG Rank**: —
- **Players**: 2
- **Duration**: 10-120 min
- **Weight**: —
- **Designers**: David Shiguang Zhu
- **Artists**: David Shiguang Zhu
- **Publishers**: (Web published)
- **Categories**: Abstract Strategy, Medieval, Religious
- **Mechanics**: Grid Movement, Ordering, Spelling, Square Grid

## Verdict
For chess lovers craving something epic: Covenant Chess delivers a massive board, evolving armies, and battles that flip the script mid-game.14x14 board with deep strategyDynamic army evolution systemTactical formations matterFree to play onlineMatches can run long (up to 2h)Learning curve for 23 unit typesFOR GENRE FANS

## Description
Covenant Chess is a two-player strategy game that reinvents classic chess with a medieval and religious twist. The massive 14x14 board hosts armies with 23 unit types, split into three tiers: the royal court, common soldiers, and seven legendary figures that only join the fray after being earned. The goal? Capture the enemy King — but watch out, if the Heir is on the board, the crown passes to them and the battle rages on. The game revolves around the Holy Grail system: grails won on the battlefield recruit new units mid-game, transforming your army in the heat of battle. Formations are key: shield walls protect, troops march under leadership, and even the direction of pieces matters. You can start with predefined historical openings (all balanced so neither side has an advantage) or craft secret armies around Holy Cities in Free Play mode. The physical game boasts stunning 3D-printed pieces, but you can also play for free in your browser against AI, a friend on the same PC, or online. 3D printing files for the pieces are coming soon!

## FAQ
### How long does a match last?
It varies! Can be quick (10-20 min) with aggressive openings or stretch to 2h in epic battles.

### Do I need to 3D-print pieces to play?
Nope! The full game is free online. 3D pieces are a bonus for physical collectors.

### Is it hard to learn?
If you know chess, you'll pick it up fast. The 23 units have unique rules, but the online tutorial helps.

### Can I play against the computer?
Yes! The AI has multiple difficulty levels, from beginner to expert.

### How is this different from regular chess?
Beyond the bigger board, units evolve mid-game, formations change everything, and the Holy Graal flips the script!