"All LEGO Chess Sets: A Comprehensive Release History"

LEGO patented its signature "binding brick" in 1958, but it took nearly 50 years for the first official LEGO chess set to hit the market in 2005. As a LEGO enthusiast, I found this surprising. The concept of LEGO Chess seemed like a natural fit, offering an easy and marketable way to engage a broader audience with their bricks.

However, in 2005, LEGO's primary audience was children. The company didn't start catering to adults in a significant way until 2007. Moreover, the idea of integrating LEGO into non-LEGO living spaces, which we now see as part of the LEGO lifestyle, didn't gain traction until around 2020. What we now consider commonplace in 2025 was groundbreaking back in 2005, when LEGO launched its first chess set. Before that, LEGO sets were mostly miniature playsets rather than realistic depictions of everyday objects.

Here's a detailed, chronological look at all 12 LEGO Chess Sets, including the only one still available for purchase in 2025. For those interested in other options, check out 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 part of the Knight's Kingdom, expanding the LEGO Castle brand. It featured two armies: the Shadow Knights, led by the evil sorcerer Vladek, and the Kingdom of Morcia, led by King Matthias. The set included 24 minifigures with detailed armor and stylized 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 Knight's Kingdom set, the Vikings set included 24 minifigures, this time wearing iconic horned Viking 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
Another Castle-themed set, this one pitted a crown knights army against an undead skeleton army. A standout feature was the Grim Reaper bishops, complete with massive 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 ornate LEGO chess set ever designed, the Giant Chess Set was a marvel. The board spanned two feet on each side and came with four miniature builds representing different realms. The smooth board and intricately designed pieces, including wizards as bishops and minifigures on horseback as knights, added to its elegance.

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 featured a Royal Navy versus a crew of pirates. Each pirate pawn had a unique costume and accessory, and the pirate knight was a curly-tailed monkey armed with a knife, adding a touch of chaos.

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
This compact, travel-friendly set allowed players to enjoy nine classic board games, including Chess, Checkers, and Solitaire.

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
This Castle-themed set depicted a battle between the Green Dragon and Red Lion armies. The detailed minifigures, including a Jester with a big smile, and a unique baseplate with corner bastions, made it a display-worthy set.

8. Pirates Chess Set #2 - Retired

Set: #40158
Release Date: 2015
Piece Count: 776
Dimensions: 21 inches long, 11 inches wide
Price: $59.99
The second Pirates-themed set featured an outdoor beach theme with sand and ocean. It was the first to use smooth squares with central studs, enhancing its aesthetic 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
The first LEGO chess set without thematic elements or minifigures, it offered traditional blocky pieces and storage space beneath the board. It remained on shelves for seven years before retiring 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 AFOL Designer Program, this tiny set was designed by fan CorvusA and featured a steampunk theme.

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

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12. Traditional Chess Set

Set: #40719
Release Date: 2024
Piece Count: 743
Dimensions: 12 inches long, 12 inches wide
Price: $74.99
The latest and only currently available LEGO chess set, it features dark brown and beige squares that mimic polished wood. It's simple, appealing, and functional, marking a shift from the more elaborate designs of the past.

LEGO Traditional Chess Set

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Where to Buy Retired LEGO Chess Sets

Discovering a favorite LEGO set from the past can be challenging because most are retired. This applies to nearly all the LEGO chess sets listed here. If you're interested in a retired set, you'll need to explore third-party sellers. While Amazon may carry some retired sets at a higher price, your best options are eBay, Craigslist, and Facebook Marketplace.

For more information on where to find LEGO sets, see our guide to the best places to buy LEGO sets.