The LEGO Group secured its iconic "binding brick" patent back in 1958, laying the foundation for decades of creative play. Yet, it took nearly half a century—until 2005—for the company to unveil its very first official chess set. This revelation came up during my research for this article, and even as someone deeply immersed in the world of LEGO, I found it surprising. At first glance, a LEGO chess set seems like an obvious concept—an elegant fusion of strategy and construction that could appeal to both casual players and AFOLs (Adult Fans of LEGO).

However, back in 2005, LEGO’s primary audience was still children. The brand hadn't yet embraced its adult fanbase or ventured into lifestyle branding—the kind of marketing that encourages people to incorporate LEGO builds into everyday life and interior spaces. That cultural shift didn’t fully materialize until around 2020.

So what feels natural today was groundbreaking at the time of the original release. In 2005, the idea of using LEGO bricks not just for imaginative play but also to recreate real-life objects like a chessboard was novel. Prior to that, LEGO sets mostly revolved around miniature worlds, vehicles, and fantasy themes rather than functional decor or collectibles.

Below is a complete chronological list of every LEGO Chess set ever released—12 in total—with details on each one, including the only currently available set in 2025. You can also explore our guide to the best overall chess sets for more recommendations.

All LEGO Chess Sets In Order of Release

1. Knights’ Kingdom Chess Set – Retired

• Set: #851499
• Release Date: 2005
• Piece Count: 80
• Dimensions: 13.5 inches long x 12.5 inches wide
• Price: $49.99

The inaugural LEGO chess set was part of the Knights’ Kingdom line—a spin-off of the classic LEGO Castle series. It featured two opposing armies: the Shadow Knights under the evil sorcerer Vladek, and the noble warriors of King Matthias from the Kingdom of Morcia. Each side had 24 intricately designed minifigures with themed armor and shields.

2. Vikings Chess Set – Retired

• Set: #851861
• Release Date: 2006
• Piece Count: 60
• Dimensions: 12.5 inches long x 12.5 inches wide
• Price: $49.99

This second chess set followed a similar structure to the previous year's release but shifted focus to the Viking theme. Each army consisted of 24 minifigures clad in horned helmets, wielding spears and axes, adding a rugged flair to the game board.

3. Castle Chess Set – Retired

• Set: #852001
• Release Date: 2007
• Piece Count: 162
• Dimensions: 13.5 inches long x 12.5 inches wide
• Price: $49.99

A more generic take on the castle theme, this set pitted armored knights against an undead skeleton army. A standout feature was the Grim Reaper bishops, each equipped with menacing scythes for weaponry.

4. Giant Chess Set – Retired

• Set: #852293
• Release Date: 2008
• Piece Count: 2,292
• Dimensions: 22.5 inches long x 25 inches wide
• Price: $199.99

To date, this remains the largest and most elaborate LEGO chess set ever produced. The smooth-surfaced board measured over two feet per side and included four mini-builds representing different realms: the Skeleton Realm, Troll Realm, Dwarf Realm, and Castle Realm. The pieces were highly detailed, featuring wizard bishops, mounted knight minifigures, and fortress-like rooks.

5. Pirates Chess Set – Retired

• Set: #852751
• Release Date: 2009
• Piece Count: 126
• Dimensions: 12.5 inches long x 12.5 inches wide
• Price: $49.99

This pirate-themed set offered a fun twist, pitting Royal Navy officers against a colorful crew of pirates. Each pirate pawn had unique accessories and costumes, making gameplay visually engaging. Notably, the pirate knight piece was a monkey armed with a knife—adding a touch of chaos to the battlefield.

6. Multi Game Pack 9-in-1 – Retired

• Set: #852676
• Release Date: 2009
• Piece Count: 81
• Dimensions: 10 inches long x 6.5 inches wide
• Price: $24.99

A compact and portable option, this set allowed you to play nine classic games including Chess, Checkers, Ludo, Solitaire, Backgammon, and more. Its travel-friendly design made it perfect for on-the-go gaming.

7. Kingdoms Chess Set – Retired

• Set: #853373
• Release Date: 2012
• Piece Count: 201
• Dimensions: 13.5 inches long x 13.5 inches wide
• Price: $49.99

This set depicted a clash between the Green Dragon army and the Red Lion army. The Red Lion knight was a jester-style figure with a playful expression. Unlike earlier sets, this version lacked a carry case or dedicated storage, emphasizing display over portability.

8. Pirates Chess Set #2 – Retired

• Set: #40158
• Release Date: 2015
• Piece Count: 776