LEGO patented its iconic "binding brick" back in 1958, yet it took nearly half a century for the company to launch its first official chess set in 2005. This fact caught me by surprise, even as someone deeply immersed in the world of LEGO. The delay seemed odd, considering how a LEGO Chess set could easily appeal to a broad audience. However, in 2005, LEGO's primary focus was on children, and the concept of catering to adult fans was still on the horizon. It wasn't until 2007 that LEGO began to acknowledge its adult audience more broadly, and the notion of integrating LEGO into everyday life didn't gain significant traction until around 2020.
What we now see as commonplace in 2025 was groundbreaking in 2005 when the first LEGO chess set was released. Prior to that, LEGO sets were mostly miniature playsets, not representations of real-world objects. Here's a comprehensive timeline of all 12 LEGO Chess Sets, including the only one still available for purchase in 2025. For more options, you might want to explore our guide to the best chess sets overall.
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, 12.5 inches wide
Price: $49.99
The inaugural LEGO chess set was themed around the Knights' Kingdom, an extension of the LEGO Castle brand. It featured two opposing armies: the Shadow Knights, led by the nefarious sorcerer Vladek, and the Kingdom of Morcia, commanded by King Matthias. The set included 24 intricately detailed minifigures with armor and unique shields.
2. Vikings Chess Set - Retired
Set: #851861
Release Date: 2006
Piece Count: 60
Dimensions: 12.5 inches long, 12.5 inches wide
Price: $49.99
Similar to the previous year's Knights' Kingdom set, the Vikings Chess Set also included 24 minifigures, this time adorned with iconic horned helmets and wielding spears and axes.
3. Castle Chess Set - Retired
Set: #852001
Release Date: 2007
Piece Count: 162
Dimensions: 13.5 inches long, 12.5 inches wide
Price: $49.99
This set continued the Castle theme but was more generic, featuring a battle between crown knights and an undead skeleton army. A highlight was the Grim Reaper bishops, armed with formidable scythes.
4. Giant Chess Set - Retired
Set: #852293
Release Date: 2008
Piece Count: 2292
Dimensions: 22.5 inches long, 25 inches wide
Price: $199.99
The largest and most elaborate LEGO chess set ever created, the Giant Chess Set was a masterpiece. The board spanned two feet in each direction and included miniature builds representing the skeleton, troll, dwarf, and castle realms. The board's smooth surface added an elegant touch, while the pieces, including wizard bishops, knights on horseback, and siege tower rooks, were the most detailed yet.
5. Pirates Chess Set - Retired
Set: #852751
Release Date: 2009
Piece Count: 126
Dimensions: 12.5 inches long, 12.5 inches wide
Price: $49.99
The first Pirates-themed set pitted the Royal Navy against a colorful pirate crew. The variety of the pirate pawns, each with unique costumes and accessories, was a standout feature. The pirate knight, portrayed by a curly-tailed monkey armed with a knife, added a touch of whimsy.
6. Multi Game Pack 9-in-1 - Retired
Set: #852676
Release Date: 2009
Piece Count: 81
Dimensions: 10 inches long, 6.5 inches wide
Price: $24.99
A compact, travel-friendly set, the Multi Game Pack allowed players to enjoy nine different classic board games, including Ludo, Chess, Checkers, Solitaire, Backgammon, Fireman Hoses and Ladders, and three varieties of Travel Bingo.
7. Kingdoms Chess Set - Retired
Set: #853373
Release Date: 2012
Piece Count: 201
Dimensions: 13.5 inches long, 13.5 inches wide
Price: $49.99
Featuring a clash between the Green Dragon and Red Lion armies, this Castle-themed set was notable for its detailed minifigures, including the Red Lion knight depicted as a jovial Jester. The board, mounted on a unique baseplate with bastions in each corner, marked a shift towards sets designed more for display than play, as it lacked a carry case or storage compartment.
8. Pirates Chess Set #2 - Retired
Set: #40158
Release Date: 2015
Piece Count: 776
Dimensions: 21 inches long, 11 inches wide
Price: $59.99
This second Pirates-themed set featured a beach setting, with sand and ocean elements. It was the first LEGO chess set to use smooth squares with central studs, enhancing both aesthetics and functionality.
9. Iconic Chess Set - Retired
Set: #40174
Release Date: 2017
Piece Count: 1450
Dimensions: 10 inches long, 10 inches wide
Price: $59.99
This set marked a departure from themed sets, offering a traditional chess experience with blocky, classic pieces. Its longevity was notable, staying on shelves until its retirement at the end of 2022.
10. Steampunk Mini Chess - Retired
Set: #BL19013
Release Date: 2019
Piece Count: 372
Dimensions: 4 inches long, 4 inches wide
Price: $37.99
A collaboration between LEGO and the BrickLink fan site, this tiny set was designed by user CorvusA as part of the BrickLink AFOL Designer Program, which launched 13 fan-designed sets in 2019.
11. Hogwarts Wizard’s Chess Set - Retired
Set: #76392
Release Date: 2021
Piece Count: 876
Dimensions: 10.5 inches long, 10.5 inches wide
Price: $59.99
This set recreated the iconic chess scene from Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, complete with three minifigures representing Harry, Hermione, and Ron.
LEGO Hogwarts Wizard's Chess Set
0See it at Amazon
12. Traditional Chess Set
Set: #40719
Release Date: 2024
Piece Count: 743
Dimensions: 12 inches long, 12 inches wide
Price: $74.99
The latest LEGO chess set, reviewed upon its 2024 launch, is the only one still available in stores. Its dark brown and beige squares mimic polished wood, offering a classic look while maintaining functionality.
LEGO Traditional Chess Set
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Where to Buy Retired LEGO Chess Sets
Finding retired LEGO sets can be challenging, as most of the chess sets listed here are no longer in production. For those interested in purchasing retired sets, third-party marketplaces like Amazon, eBay, Craigslist, and Facebook Marketplace are your best options, though prices may be higher. For more information on where to shop, check out our guide to the best places to buy LEGO sets.
