Bugchess is a competitive 1v1 prototype where pieces merge into stronger units based on how you position them.

How to Play:

1. Click Create Game.
2. Copy the link and send it to a friend (like on Discord).
3. Refer to the Patterns Legend on the side of the board for merge recipes or read on below.

Why am I playing a prototype? I'm a solo dev looking for 50 completed matches to see if this mechanic is actually fun. If you get stuck or the UI is annoying, please hit the feedback button at the end of the game or let me know via this form

Place pieces in a + pattern → they merge into a Wasp / Soldier

The Core Idea

You start each turn with basic pieces. Place them on the board. When they form a recognizable shape — a line, a plus, a diamond — they automatically merge into a stronger unit with special powers.

Maggot / Patrol

Three in a line. Shoots bullets in both directions.

Dragonfly / Sniper

An X pattern. Destroys any piece on the board.

Spider / Apex Predator

A large diamond. Moves anywhere, bursts adjacent enemies.

That's where the strategy lives: do you rush three-in-a-row Maggots to gun down your opponent's formations, or build toward a Dragonfly that can pick off any piece on the board?

▶ Try it now — Offline mode

Play both sides. Experiment freely. No account needed.

Quick Start

Place a piece — Click any empty square on the board (you get 2 per turn)

Move a piece — Click one of your pieces, then click where to move it

Use an ability — Click a merged piece with abilities to see information about its power

End your turn — Press Return or click "End Turn"

Undo — Press U to take back any action during your turn

Each turn you can do as much or as little as you want — place, move, attack — then end your turn. Win by eliminating all your opponent's pieces or accumulating 20 extra pieces on your side of the board.

All Pieces

Basic pieces can be placed directly. All others are created by merging basics into a pattern.

Placed directly from your hand — you get 2 every turn.

Moves: One square in any direction (including diagonals).

Ability: None. It's the building block for everything else.

Maggot / Patrol:

Pattern: 3 pieces in a straight line (horizontal or vertical).

Moves: Slides along the direction it's oriented.

Ability: Gunfire — Shoots bullets in both directions, destroying up to 2 enemy pieces.

Wasp / Soldier

Pattern: A + sign — 3 vertical + 3 horizontal, sharing the center (5 pieces).

Moves: Slides horizontally and vertically.

Ability: Shielded — Can't be captured by basic pieces.

Beetle / Castle

Pattern: 4 pieces in a small rotated square (diamond).

Moves: Stationary — it doesn't move.

Ability: Protection — Adjacent friendly pieces are shielded from enemy abilities.

Dragonfly / Sniper

Pattern: 5 pieces arranged in an X (diagonals).

Moves: Stationary — it doesn't move.

Ability: Long Range Shot — Target and destroy any piece on the board (once per turn).

Spider / Apex Predator

Pattern: 8 pieces arranged in a large rotated square (diamond).

Moves: Slides in any direction — horizontal, vertical, or diagonal.

Ability: Burst — Destroys all adjacent enemy pieces.

Play Online

Once you know the basics, challenge a friend: click Play with a friend above, copy the invite link, and start the room. Or click Find Opponent to be matched with a random player.