Linear Chess
Launches 4 November 2026 · PC
Story
21 squares. One line. Chess on a single line of 21 squares. Familiar pieces, adapted moves. Each side starts with six pieces and gaps that leave room to manoeuvre. Read the position, protect your pieces and decide where to apply pressure. Familiar pieces, new moves Your queen passes through friendly pieces Open a route and prepare an attack even when your own pieces fill the line. Jumps that change the position The knight jumps three or four squares, forwards or backwards. Here, it leaps over an enemy pawn and captures a queen. The bishop moves and captures by jumping one, two or four squares. Their distinct moves let you cross obstacles and threaten from unexpected positions. A rook can travel the line, but friendly pieces can block its way. Set up castling to bring it back into play. Your pawn can step back once per game, so choose the moment carefully. Fight for the centre Win by checkmate or by controlling the centre. The knight occupies it and earns a point on White’s next turn. The opposing queen responds by capturing it, interrupting its hold. After the first four full turns, win by keeping the same piece at the centre for four of your subsequent turns, or...
Gameplay
21 squares. One line. Chess on a single line of 21 squares. Familiar pieces, adapted moves. Each side starts with six pieces and gaps that leave room to manoeuvre. Read the position, protect your pieces and decide where to apply pressure. Familiar pieces, new moves Your queen passes through friendly pieces Open a route and prepare an attack even when your own pieces fill the line. Jumps that change the position The knight jumps three or four squares, forwards or backwards. Here, it leaps over an enemy pawn and captures a queen. The bishop moves and captures by jumping one, two or four squares. Their distinct moves let you cross obstacles and threaten from unexpected positions. A rook can travel the line, but friendly pieces can block its way. Set up castling to bring it back into play. Your pawn can step back once per game, so choose the moment carefully. Fight for the centre Win by checkmate or by controlling the centre. The knight occupies it and earns a point on White’s next turn. The opposing queen responds by capturing it, interrupting its hold. After the first four full turns, win by keeping the same piece at the centre for four of your subsequent turns, or accumulate six control points. Pawns can contribute once promoted. Chaos mode: Rethink your opening The same pieces and rules, with a different way to prepare your duel: adapt to a random formation or...
Features
- Single-player
- Multi-player
- PvP
- Online PvP
- Shared/Split Screen PvP
- Shared/Split Screen
- Steam Achievements
- Adjustable Text Size
Release details
Linear Chess is developed by SHOWRIFT. Linear Chess launches on Wednesday, 4 November 2026 on PC. This date comes from Steam and was last checked on 2 November 2026.
Frequently asked questions
When does Linear Chess release?
Linear Chess launches on 4 November 2026.
Has the Linear Chess release date changed?
Gamelude has listed 4 November 2026 for Linear Chess since 30 October 2026, and that date has not changed.
Which platforms is Linear Chess on?
Linear Chess is on PC.
Who makes Linear Chess?
Linear Chess is developed by SHOWRIFT.