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"All LEGO Chess Sets Released: A Comprehensive History"

by Sarah May 12,2025

In 1958, LEGO patented its iconic "binding brick," revolutionizing the world of toys. Fast forward to 2005, and LEGO surprised many by releasing its first official chess set. As someone deeply immersed in the LEGO community, I found this delay intriguing. The concept of a LEGO Chess set seemed like a natural fit—a fun, engaging way to introduce the classic game to a broader audience. Yet, in 2005, LEGO's primary focus was on children, and it wasn't until 2007 that the company started to seriously engage with adult fans. The notion of integrating LEGO into everyday life, beyond just play, didn't gain significant traction until around 2020. What we now see as a common theme in 2025 was groundbreaking back in 2005, when the first LEGO chess set debuted. Prior to that, LEGO sets were mostly miniature playsets, not realistic representations of everyday objects.

Here's a detailed look at the evolution of LEGO Chess Sets. There have been 12 sets released over the years, with only one still available for purchase in 2025. If you're interested in more chess options, don't miss our comprehensive guide to the best chess sets available.

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 Knights' Kingdom, an extension of the LEGO Castle theme. It featured two opposing forces: the Shadow Knights, led by the evil sorcerer Vladek, and the Kingdom of Morcia, led by King Matthias. The set included 24 minifigures adorned 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 its predecessor, the Vikings set included 24 minifigures, this time sporting 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, another Castle-themed entry, featured a battle between crown knights and an undead skeleton army. The highlight 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 to date, the Giant Chess Set included a two-foot-square board and four miniature builds representing different realms. The smooth board and intricately designed pieces, including wizards as bishops and siege towers as rooks, set it apart.

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
This set pitted the Royal Navy against a pirate crew, with unique costumes and accessories for each pirate pawn. The standout piece was the pirate knight, a curly-tailed monkey armed with a knife.

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 that included nine different 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 showcased a battle between the Green Dragon and Red Lion armies. The detailed minifigures, including the Red Lion knight, a jester with a big smile, were a highlight. The set was designed for display rather than travel, marking a shift toward more adult-oriented LEGO sets.

8. Pirates Chess Set #2 - Retired

Set: #40158
Release Date: 2015
Piece Count: 776
Dimensions: 21 inches long, 11 inches wide
Price: $59.99
Featuring an outdoor beach theme, this set introduced smooth squares with single studs in their centers, 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
The first LEGO chess set without minifigures or thematic elements, it offered traditional blocky pieces and remained on shelves until 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 BrickLink, this tiny set was part of the BrickLink AFOL Designer Program, showcasing fan-designed creations.

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
Recreating the iconic scene from Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, this set included 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 addition, reviewed upon its 2024 launch, features dark brown and beige squares reminiscent of polished wood, offering a classic yet functional design.

LEGO Traditional Chess Set

0See it at LEGO

Where to Buy Retired LEGO Chess Sets

Finding retired LEGO sets can be challenging. Most of the chess sets listed here are no longer in production, so you'll need to turn to third-party sellers. While Amazon may offer them at a premium, your best options are platforms like eBay, Craigslist, and Facebook Marketplace. For more insights on where to purchase LEGO sets, check out our guide on the best places to buy LEGO.