Chess is one of the oldest games in the world, dating back to the year 501. The game involves an 8 x 8 square playing board and a set of 32 pieces (16 per player). There are six different types of pieces on each side: a king, queen, knight, bishop, rook, and pawn.
3D model repositories are loaded with chess models, with boards and sets in countless variations. In this article, we’ll divide up the different chess models into six categories of chess sets, including also a few boards that will offer a different kind of playing challenge and sets that take the friendly competition on the road.
These sets are a collection of 3D chess piece models (the standard 16, or 32 for two players) that you can use on any chessboard. If a particular set only has six different files, you’ll need to print two knights, bishops, and rooks, as well as eight pawns. And then do it all again in another color!
If you want to take down Bobby Fischer but don’t have the time or tools to 3D print your dream set, check out Craftcloud by All3DP. With 3D printing partners around the world offering a huge variety of materials and finishes, it’ll be delivered to your door before you can say, “Checkmate!”
Now, let’s explore our options!
Film & TV
In this section, we’ve listed a few chess sets that are based on characters and props from popular movies and television shows. Print one of these to wage epic fictional battles against your friends!
Star Wars
This is a set where you can play good vs. evil, or in this case, light against dark! The Dark Side has assembled Stormtrooper pawns, Boba Fett, Darth Maul, Darth Vader, Lumiya, and Darth Sidious, while the rebels have R2-D2 pawns, Han, Luke, Admiral Ackbar, Leia, and Yoda. It’s perfect for a strategic space battle that spans the whole galaxy.
One maker recommends printing this set in PLA using 3 to 16 shells and a 15% infill. Another maker stated in the comments that printing this set with a 20% infill and 5 shells worked great.
- Who designed it? Anubis_
- How printable/popular is it? This Star Wars-themed chess set has over 46,000 downloads and 13 makes on both sites.
- Where to find it? MyMiniFactory, Thingiverse
Pokémon
This set uses popular Pokémon for all the different pieces. This project has enough files to print two different groups of pieces, and you can choose either Mew and Mewtwo or Nidoqueen and Nidoking as your royal couple. The set also includes all the starter Pokémon as pawns, along with a few other fan favorites.
The creator of this set designed different base shapes for each type of piece, so you can tell the difference between your bishops and your rooks! The pieces are designed to be printed flat in two parts lying horizontally, and the base can be weighed down using M8 nuts. One recorded maker used a 0.15-mm layer height and a 20% infill to print this set. The maker also printed the set with supports but no raft.
- Who designed it? sch00f
- How printable/popular is it? This Pokémon chess set has 61 recorded makes, 16 remixes, and over 277,000 downloads. You should definitely be able to print this set, as so many others have already succeeded.
- Where to find it? Thingiverse
Lord of the Rings
Based on the characters from Middle Earth, this Lord of the Rings chess set includes enough different pieces for you to play good vs. evil! The “good” set includes stylized pieces based on hobbits, dwarves, elves, ents, Gandalf, and Aragorn (the king, of course), while the “evil” set includes goblins, Uruk-hai, Nazgûl, Shelob, Saruman, and Sauron.
The designer of this set noted that even though the pieces are hollow, you shouldn’t need supports for a successful print.
- Who designed it? NathanSquire67
- How printable/popular is it? This Lord of the Rings chess set has 5 recorded makes, 1 remix, and over 9,000 downloads!
- Where to find it? Thingiverse
Mandalorian
The Mandalorian is quite a popular series, so naturally, there is also a themed chess set featuring characters from the show. Each piece is very detailed, all the way down to the weapons and gear.
The standard size for the chess squares in this design is 1 1/14″, but the beauty of this set is that it can be customized to fit any desired size. It’s important to note that this design is specifically intended for resin printing and giving the models a nice coat of paint can really go a long way.
- Who designed it? MDSW
- How printable/popular is it? This ready-for-battle set has 1 make and more than 2,000 downloads.
- Where to find it? Thingiverse
Minecraft
This chess set is based on the popular open-creation game Minecraft. The set features a few well-known characters, like endermen for the king and queen, slimes for the pawns, and creepers for the rooks. Except for the creepers and slimes, all of the pieces are printed in two pieces, which can easily be attached together.
While the designer of this chess set didn’t provide any of the print settings they used, one recorded maker posted their own set. These settings include a 0.2-mm layer height, a 20% infill density, and rafts but no supports.
- Who designed it? PotatoFi
- How printable/popular is it? This Minecraft chess set has 35 recorded makes, 10 remixes, and almost 54,000 downloads. So many people have printed this set before, and you can too!
- Where to find it? Thingiverse
Game of Thrones
This Game of Thrones-inspired chess set includes artifacts and characters from the epic TV series. It includes sigils for you to play Stark vs. Lannister. The queen (Daenerys, who else?) has two different crown options, and the king is seated on the Iron Throne.
One recorded maker suggests using a 0.2-mm layer height and a 25% infill. The maker listed that no supports or a raft were used to print the set.
- Who designed it? Abu_Jayden
- How printable/popular is it? This Game of Thrones chess set has 10 recorded makes, 2 remixes, and almost 38,000 downloads. You’ll be set to play once winter is here!
- Where to find it? Thingiverse
Doctor Who
Doctor Who has been on our screens for almost 60 years, so this is a chess set that will bring generations together. The set features six different artifacts from the show, including Dalek rooks, Cybermen knights, and adorable K-9 pawns. The set is scaled to play on a board with 28-mm squares.
The designer suggests using a 0.2-mm layer height and a 10% infill to print this set. They also advise printing in PLA and using some supports.
- Who designed it? DoctorFil-ament
- How printable/popular is it? This Doctor Who chess set has 1 recorded make, 1 remix, and over 5,400 downloads.
- Where to find it? Thingiverse
Harry Potter
Get ready to immerse yourself in the enchanting world of the famous Harry Potter series with this captivating chess set. Designed with inspiration drawn from the various magical elements of the series, it makes for a perfect gift for Christmas or any special event.
One of the remarkable features of this set is its deceivingly simple design. You won’t need any additional support structures, making it hassle-free and easy to print. The pieces are thoughtfully crafted to ensure a smooth and enjoyable gaming experience. With a 20% infill and a layer height of 0.28, the intricate details of each piece are beautifully preserved.
- Who designed it? 3DPrintBunny
- How printable/popular is it? This popular chess set has 10 awesome-looking makes and positive user feedback.
- Where to find it? Printables
Avengers
Are you a fan of the famous Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU)? If so, why not indulge in the excitement by owning a unique chess set inspired by this amazing Avengers franchise? The team of heroes from the 2012 movie serves as the foundation of this exceptional chess set.
Designed with convenience in mind, this set includes a model for the carrying box that neatly accommodates all the pieces. No additional support or accessories are required. The versatility of this set allows you to use it as a wonderful gift or prize for events, adding an extra touch of Marvel magic to any occasion.
Immerse yourself in the world of Marvel with this captivating chess set and bring heroic battles to the chessboard.
- Who designed it: 3DPrintBunny
- How printable/popular is it: On Thangs, there are over 60 likes and 200 downloads of this model.
- Where to find it: Thangs
Super Mario
Super Mario (and its spin-offs) is one of Nintendo’s most popular games. If you love any of the many games, now you can bring it into 3D and play the chess version! This set is based on the Nintendo Super Mario 64 game and was designed in Tinkercad.
This is another set pitting goodies against baddies. This time, we have mushrooms, warp pipes, Yoshi, Toad, Princess (Queen!) Peach, and Mario pitted against goombas, thwomp blocks, Koopa, Bowser Jr, Birdo, and the biggest baddie of them all, Bowser.
If you want to take it even further, the designer of this set has also created a laser-etched chessboard!
- Who designed it? West3DP
- How printable/popular is it? This super chess set has 1 recorded make and almost 6,000 downloads.
- Where to find it? Thingiverse
Stylized Design
If you’re all about that visual appearance for 3D prints, these chess sets put a modern spin on the traditional pieces with some unique designs, including geometric and irregular patterns.
Spiral
These pieces all have a spiraling helix design, which makes for a modern take on the classic chess set. In the project description, the maker states that the most challenging piece to design was the knight.
The creator of this design recommends printing the set in PLA with a 0.2-mm layer height. The maker also suggests printing the pieces at a 75% scale and that no supports are necessary.
- Who designed it? krisnaas14
- How printable/popular is it? This spiral chess set has 1 shared make, nearly 2,000 downloads, and over 25,600 views.
- Where to find it? Cults
Minimalistic
Keen to print your own chess set but hoping to save on material? This set is designed to be low profile to minimize filament usage. The different pieces are inspired by a variety of historical and fictional sources, and the maker has even listed the swords for the king, as seen on the Iron Throne from Game of Thrones!
One recorded maker suggests printing the set with a layer height of 0.2 mm and a 30% infill. You should print the pieces with supports activated to account for any overhangs.
- Who designed it? Trezhunter
- How printable/popular is it? This minimalistic chess set has 4 recorded makes, 2 remixes, and almost 8,000 downloads.
- Where to find it? Thingiverse
Celtic Chess
If you aspire to play chess like true royalty, you deserve a set of chess pieces fit for kings and queens of old, just like this exquisite collection. Get a closer look at this stunning set in the accompanying video.
Crafted with utmost attention to detail, the bottoms of these pieces are solid, providing a satisfying weight and remarkable stability on the chessboard. The tops are skillfully designed to be hollow, adding an elegant touch to the overall aesthetic.
To ensure compatibility with tournament standards, the height and base diameters of these pieces are standardized according to the guidelines set by FIDE, the International Chess Federation. With these dimensions, you can experience the game in its truest form, just as chess was meant to be played.
- Who designed it? DaveMakesStuff
- How printable/popular is it? There are an impressive 1,000 downloads and many views for this recently posted design.
- Where to find it? Thingiverse, Thangs
Low-Poly
The chess set includes traditionally-shaped pieces made modern with a low-poly design. This type of design consists of parts that, instead of featuring intricate and irregular detail, are 3D shapes built from flat polygons. This makes low-poly parts generally simpler to 3D print.
These pieces were designed in Blender and are intended to be printed in PLA. The knight and king pieces may require supports, but the others should be fine without.
- Who designed it? Matt Kerekanich
- How printable/popular is it? This low-poly chess set has over 35,000 views as well as over 6,500 downloads.
- Where to find it? MyMiniFactory
Hexagonal
Each of these pieces has a hexagonal base that twists all the way up to the top. The resulting pieces look innovative yet still traditional. There’s also a matching chessboard if you want to commit to the honeycomb aesthetic!
One recorded maker suggests using a 0.2-mm layer height and a 20% infill to print the pieces. The maker also listed that they did activate supports to successfully print the pieces.
- Who designed it? Tronn
- How printable/popular is it? This twisted hexagon chess set has 7 recorded makes and over 8,000 downloads. The creator has provided the vector file along with the numerous STL files.
- Where to find it? Thingiverse
Abstract
Do you like things a bit more abstract? This set contains different twisting models for the six chess pieces. Each art chess piece has a unique structure and a ball on top to signify its type, as seen in the image above.
If your printer isn’t the best at handling overhangs, you might want to activate supports for some of these. Just be careful when removing them because the pieces might be a bit delicate.
Voronoi
This chess set uses a Voronoi structure for each piece. A Voronoi structure is a mathematical construction of a partition of a plane that results in cool, webbed-looking 3D structures. The advantage of a Voronoi structure for 3D printing is that it generally requires less filament to print – which is a good thing when you’re printing 32 chess pieces!
This design has had one update since its creation to flatten the pieces’ bottoms so that the parts are easier to print. One recorded maker listed that they used a 0.1-mm layer height, 2 shells, and a 15% infill to print the pieces in PLA.
- Who designed it? roman_hegglin
- How printable/popular is it? This Voronoi-style chess set has 17 recorded makes, 2 remixes, and almost 26,000 downloads. You should totally be able to print this set, as so many others have printed it, too!
- Where to find it? Thingiverse
Classic
We couldn’t have put together such a long list without including the classic. Just want to play a regular game of chess? This set is for you! According to the maker, this set was designed in OpenSCAD, and even without any unique or novelty features, the pieces look timeless.
The king and queen print in halves, so you can print each of them twice and glue them together for easy bed adhesion. The other designs are standing up and will need supports to be printed, as they have overhangs.
One recorded maker suggests printing the pieces with a 0.15-mm layer height and a 100% infill to make the pieces heavy. The maker also recommends printing with supports activated and no raft.
- Who designed it? TimEdwards
- How printable/popular is it? This classic chess set has 39 recorded makes, 26 remixes, and over 75,000 downloads. So many people have printed this model; you should too!
- Where to find it? Thingiverse
Miscellaneous
Some chess sets just didn’t fit the above categories, so we’ve listed a few other sets below. From the most traditional design to one made of tiny plant pots, these are the ones we just couldn’t leave out!
Inductive
Here’s a chess board that will light up your family game night. The pieces of this chessboard are illuminated using a wireless LED powered by an induction coil integrated into the base of the board. As long as the chess pieces are placed upright on the board, you can move them freely and they’ll keep glowing!
The designer of this board gives detailed instructions on setting up the board and induction system that should be easier to follow. They recommend printing one set of pieces in a transparent filament for a cool effect. Unless you have a large (400 mm x 400 mm) build surface, you will have to split the board model in order to print it.
- Who designed it? Bloodhoundje
- How printable/popular is it? This unique set will take some commitment to get up and running, but over 150 makers have downloaded the files to get started on the journey!
- Where to find it? Printables
Space Race
This set recreates the battle of wits that was the Cold War. Pitting USA against the USSR, this set features 12 different spacecraft-inspired designs, including the Saturn V, Mercury capsule, Vostok-K, and more.
The maker states that almost all the pieces can be printed without supports, with the exception of the STS queen piece. One recorded maker recommends using 0.1-mm layer height with a 20% infill to print the pieces.
- Who designed it? WillisMakerBot
- How printable/popular is it? This chess set has 22 recorded makes, 3 remixes, and over 16,000 downloads.
- Where to find it? Thingiverse
Silhouette
This silhouette-themed chess set, titled “Siluett”, features a minimalistic design. Each piece has its own irregular geometric shape that subtly references traditional chess pieces. Despite looking very alike in the image above, the designer assures you that the pieces are distinctive enough to play chess easily.
The maker recommends printing this chess set with a 0.2-mm layer height and a 10% infill. The designer also states that the prints consume a total of 26 grams of material and take around three hours to print.
- Who designed it? Rufs11
- How printable/popular is it? This chess set has around 7,600 views, a remix, as well as about 370 downloads. If simple is your style, this set is perfect.
- Where to find it? MyMiniFactory
Bauhaus
This Bauhaus chess set was made to encapsulate the beauty of simplicity. The set’s theme and style were inspired by Josef Hartwig’s Model I chess set, created in 1922 at Bauhaus Weimar, a German art school.
The maker listed this design as easy to print and stated that it consumes 43.8 grams of material for printing. The maker recommends printing the pieces with a 0.15-mm layer height and a 25% infill.
- Who designed it? rozoom
- How printable/popular is it? This Bauhaus-style chess set has over 15,200 views as well as more than 1,000 downloads.
- Where to find it? MyMiniFactory
Flat
Perhaps one of the easiest chess sets to 3D print included on this list, this project is a set of flat chess pieces. As seen in the image above, each piece has a logo representing what type of chess piece it is. The designer stated that they used a mid-print filament swap to make the logo stand out from the flat body of each piece, and we suggest you do the same (or paint it afterward).
The creator of this chess set classified the project as support-free but provided no other printing advice. For this reason, we recommend you come up with your own print settings for the pieces, which shouldn’t be too hard as the design is pretty simple.
- Who designed it? Neophyte
- How printable/popular is it? This flat chess set has more than 620 downloads with over 6,700 views.
- Where to find it? MyMiniFactory
Architecture
Why not visit world landmarks as you outwit your opponent? This chess set consists of pieces inspired by different famous buildings, such as the Sydney Opera House, the Eiffel Tower, the Empire State Building, and more. This design also includes a storage box and chessboard, making it a great all-in-one option.
The maker suggests printing with a 0.22-mm layer height and a 30% infill. Also, this model is support-free!
- Who designed it? 3DPrintBunny
- How printable/popular is it? This architectural chess set has over 260 downloads and 115 likes.
- Where to find it? Printables
Steampunk
The steampunk genre of literature and design imagines an industrial society with advanced technology. This steampunk-inspired chess set was originally designed for a college assignment!
The designer classified the model as an easy print and listed that they used an FDM printer to make the pieces.
- Who designed it? MikeXWolf
- How printable/popular is it? This steampunk set has over 30,000 views as well as over 3,450 downloads! One maker has shared a fantastic print, pictured above.
- Where to find it? MyMiniFactory
Musical
This musical chess set has pawns shaped as pairs of eighth notes and the rest of the gang as different musical instruments. There’s a drum, French horn, harp, xylophone, and a guitar.
This project also includes a storage box and a chessboard printed in two pieces and slotted together in order to recreate a checkered look.
- Who designed it? 3DPrintBunny
- How printable/popular is it? This musical chess set has over 1,500 downloads and 3 makes have been shared on Printables.
- Where to find it? Cults, Printables
Multicolor
Have a Palette, MMU, or multi-extrusion 3D printer? MosaicManufacturing’s multicolor chess set is a great option to put a colorful spin on your pieces. These are curved geometries, and the project also includes a multicolor chessboard (if your printer is big enough).
Printing this set without a dual-extruder could be difficult, as the STL files are only set up for multi-material printing. MosaicManufacturing suggests printing the model with three shells, 0% infill, and no supports.
- Who designed it? MosaicManufacturing
- How printable/popular is it? This multicolor chess set has almost 2,000 downloads, though no one has shared their print yet.
- Where to find it? Thingiverse
Animals & Objects
In this section, we’ve listed some chess sets that are based around animals (whether real or mythical). We’ve got sets inspired by everything from stick figures to dragons!
Rubber Duck
Ducks are popular among makers because they are the symbol of programmers. When a piece of code doesn’t work, explaining every line of the script to a rubber duck will help you find the error. Now you can join the passion for informatic with chess since this cute chess set is composed only of ducks on pedestals.
With a simple filament swap, you can realize a fun dual-color print. Please keep in mind that you’ll need supports to print those pieces, in particular under the beak. To obtain a clean result, you should consider using organic supports.
- Who designed it? CalebMamula
- How printable/popular is it? Over 800 people have downloaded these models and two users have posted their makes. There’s a remix for a kid-safe (i.e. durable) version, too.
- Where to find it? Thingiverse
Dragons
This dragon set is made up of different dragons, including spiked dragons, skeleton dragons, and hatching dragon eggs for the pawns! The maker states that the pieces were designed in ZBrush.
One recorded maker suggests printing with a 0.18-mm layer height and a 15% infill. The maker also listed that they used a raft and activated supports for this print.
- Who designed it? MartialDesign
- How printable/popular is it? This dragon chess set has 5 recorded makes, 4 remixes, and over 17,000 downloads!
- Where to find it? Thingiverse
Pets
Our pets are part of the family. Some out there love dogs, some other cats, and others prefer smaller animals like guinea pigs. In this set, all kinds of pets are included. The graphic resembles cartoons, so even your kids will love this set! The designer has also included a handy display box where you can store the pieces when you are not playing.
The models print without supports. You can obtain the same bi-color result as the one of the creator with a simple pause-at-layer tactic for both the pieces and the case. Since the parts are small, make sure that your bed is properly leveled, and if the pieces don’t stick properly, use a brim.
- Who designed it? 3DPrintBunny
- How printable/popular is it? 75 makers have downloaded this cool model and 30 have left a like for this cute chess set.
- Where to find it? Printables
Egyptian
Next, this Egyptian chess set is a re-scaled and slightly modified (around the base) version of a similar chess set. The set takes after ancient Egyptian figures for the pieces, using workers as pawns, statues as the rooks, Anubis as the knights, and more. The designer explains that you can insert a few nickels into the holes underneath each part’s base to help keep the pieces grounded to the board.
The maker of this Egyptian chess set listed a few of the settings they used to print the pieces, including a 0.1-mm layer height and a 50% infill density, with supports activated but no raft. They also stated that they sanded and smoothed each piece and used some super glue to keep the nickels inside the base parts.
- Who designed it? Doctor_H
- How printable/popular is it? This Egyptian chess set has 6 recorded makes, a remix, and more than 32,000 downloads! You should be able to print this set, as many have successfully done so already.
- Where to find it? Thingiverse
Stick Figure
This stick figure chess set is based around the xkcd comic series characters, and you can make your own by selecting which characters you want to use for each type of chess piece. The designer has made custom base plates that each character should attach to, which allows you to tell which piece is which type (e.g. pawns have circle bases).
Available characters include a boy, a girl, a guitarist, someone with a shovel, someone with an axe, and even a person on a tank. If you prefer more famous figures, there’s Darth Vader and Don Quixote, along with a few more. The project page for the base pieces also includes a chessboard designed for the characters on the base pieces.
To assemble the pieces, you can stick one leg of each character into the hole on each base plate, then glue the other one to the base piece. As for the printing, not much information was provided by the designer other than you shouldn’t have to use supports to make any model. Moreover, we suggest you use your own print settings, as printing the models shouldn’t be too hard because they’re all flat.
- Who designed it? JohnOldman
- How printable/popular is it? This chess set has 180 downloads as well as nearly 6,200 views.
- Where to find it? MyMiniFactory: base pieces and board, character pieces
Animals
This animal chess set comprises an interesting array of animals, with two lions, a poodle, a seal, a horse, and penguin pawns making up the set. Each animal has a great design, especially the kingly lion, which has a very intricate mane and crown.
One maker posted a successful print and listed that they used a 0.4-mm layer height and a 20% infill. The maker also suggests printing without supports and no raft.
- Who designed it? David_Mussaffi
- How printable/popular is it? This animal chess set has 17 recorded makes, 2 remixes, and over 36,000 downloads. So many people have printed this set; you can too!
- Where to find it? Thingiverse
Aliens
This chess set is based on different aliens from the Black Marker in the Dead Space video games. There have been multiple updates to these files, with the creator improving designs for aesthetic and printing purposes.
One recorded maker suggests printing with no supports, no raft, a 5% infill, and a 0.2-mm layer height.
- Who designed it? ethanjurman
- How printable/popular is it? This model has 39 recorded makes, 8 remixes, and over 31,000 downloads. If you’re a Dead Space fan, you should definitely print this set!
- Where to find it? Thingiverse
Planters
This chess set allows you to get your gardening on, as you can add mini-plants to each chess piece. This is another set loosely inspired by the Bauhaus style but scaled up to allow for real plants. Either print the pieces in two colors or print them all the same and tell the players apart with your plant choices!
For a full set, the maker states that you’ll need approximately 168 grams of material. The model is classified as easy, and a community maker stated that they printed the set in PLA.
- Who designed it? xyzworkshop
- How printable/popular is it? This planter chess set has over 2,500 downloads and one user has shared their successful print.
- Where to find it? MyMiniFactory
Boards
Now that you’ve seen some epic chess sets, you’ll need a chessboard to play the game properly. While some of the sets above do come with a matching board, we’ve listed a few more options below!
Singularity
This strange checkerboard has a normal board on one side and a distorted chess pattern on the other. On the Singularity board, the pieces will move strangely, bringing a unique twist to the game. Check out the rules of gameplay for Singularity Chess.
You can choose whatever game pieces you like, but if you want the combination used in the photo, make sure to check out the beautiful Organic Chess Set by NTX9.
The board is printed in one piece with a single extruder printer. To obtain the various colors, you can follow the procedure described by the designer that uses the “Multiple Extruder” function PrusaSlicer or you can simply use a pause at layer color change. Make sure to choose an opaque filament to hide the base of the board since the squares and circles are only a layer thick.
- Who designed it? Matt Blissett
- How printable/popular is it? Over 120 have downloaded this design and a user has also published a super cool make, giving the design 5 stars.
- Where to find it? Printables
Wobbly
Want to spice up the classic game? This chess set is wobbly, and includes pieces with a concave bottom and a convex board to make the pieces wobble even more when playing.
This design has been updated once to add more options for the files (all-in-one models). The original designs are split into two pieces (one for the actual piece and one for the curved bottom), which can be glued together after printing for the wobble effect.
The creator of this design recommends printing with an infill percentage at or below 10%. The maker also suggests printing with no supports activated.
- Who designed it? MikeyB
- How printable/popular is it? This wobbly chess set has 10 recorded makes, 2 remixes, and almost 14,000 downloads.
- Where to find it? Thingiverse
Non-Euclidean
This non-Euclidean chessboard is a complex, mathematically based design that you can play chess on, as long as you have magnets on your pieces to keep them attached to the board. According to the designer, you have to print the mainframe piece and four of the tile quadrants (two in each color) to construct this unique chessboard. It’s also worth noting that the designer has included a compatible set of pieces on the project page, as the board isn’t usable with any chess set.
There are two versions of the mainframe part of this board, including one with built-in supports and one without. We suggest you use the former if you’re not too familiar with adjusting your support settings on your 3D slicer. Although the designer didn’t provide the settings they used to print the model, one recorded maker posted a great print of the board and listed that they used a 0.2-mm layer height and 20% infill density.
- Who designed it? DaveMakesStuff
- How printable/popular is it? This non-Euclidean-style chessboard has 6 recorded makes and over 3,200 downloads!
- Where to find it? Thingiverse
Three-Dimensional
Bored of playing on a flat space? This 3D chessboard, as seen in Star Trek, is five layers tall. Each layer has 4 x 4 spaces, and the model also includes the elevated frame for the platforms to rest on. The creator has designed the pieces to be lightweight and to use minimal material.
You’ll need a 1/4-inch threaded rod, some washers, and some nuts to assemble this board securely. Check out the project page for assembly instructions and the full list of the exact needed hardware.
One recorded maker posted a successful print and listed that they used a 0.1-mm layer height for the tiles and 0.3 mm for the rest of the parts. The maker also printed using a 20% infill without a raft or supports.
- Who designed it? alan_one
- How printable/popular is it? This 3D chessboard has 18 recorded makes, 1 remix, as well as over 19,000 downloads. This is a simple print for a challenging version of the game!
- Where to find it? Thingiverse
Three-Player
Why limit the fun to just two people? This unique chessboard is shaped like a curved hexagon to fit 16 pieces each for three players. The board requires a printing space of 180 mm x 180 mm, and, while three sets of any chess pieces will work, the design also includes pieces if you want them.
The maker states that the chessboard is an easy print, as the base of the board is printed in white with the smaller black pieces added afterward.
- Who designed it? blazpfajfar
- How printable/popular is it? This three-player chessboard has nearly 20,000 views as well as over 1,900 downloads, but no one has shared their print yet.
- Where to find it? MyMiniFactory
Magnetic Set
This design was created using OpenSCAD, a powerful software for 3D modeling. The distinctive aspect of this design is that the black and white pieces have different shapes, adding an extra layer of visual interest. Additionally, you have the flexibility to modify and customize the shapes according to your personal taste and preference.
A notable feature of this set is the incorporation of cutouts for magnets that can be inserted mid-print. This innovative addition enhances the playing experience by ensuring that the pieces stay securely in place during gameplay. The board can also be printed without cutouts.
The tiles are assembled with interlocking pieces on the underside. To ensure a perfect fit, the author suggests starting by printing two squares and checking their compatibility. This step allows you to make any necessary adjustments before proceeding with the rest of the set, guaranteeing a precise and satisfying result.
- Who designed it? JohnOldman
- How printable/popular is it? This unique magnet chess set has 225 downloads and around 3,000 views.
- Where to find it? MyMiniFactory
Extensible
This extensible chessboard consists of just one design that you can print as many times as you’d like to create a board size of your choice. The extensible board piece is 4 x 4 squares, with only every other square printed to keep material consumption low.
Print four to make a standard 8 x 8 board, or print some extras if you’re bored playing the normal way! The Customizer app on Thingiverse is activated for this design, if you want to adapt it to fit your needs.
One recorded maker suggests printing with a 0.15-mm layer height and a 35-mm/s print speed with 2-mm thick walls.
- Who designed it? emmett
- How printable/popular is it? This extensible chessboard has 5 recorded makes, 23 remixes, and just about 9,000 downloads.
- Where to find it? Thingiverse
Puzzle
This model is a jigsaw puzzle board for your chess set, which comes with its own set of unique chess pieces. You won’t need to solve the puzzle to put this board together, as the alternate pieces of the board are distinct.
Using different colors for the pieces, as well as for the edge, really makes the design pop. The maker used a layer height of 0.1 mm, but others have gone as high as 0.4 mm. You can try and see for yourself what you prefer.
- Who designed it? pbreeden0
- How printable/popular is it? It isn’t puzzling at all to see this board have over 139,000 downloads and 86 shared makes.
- Where to find it? Thingiverse
Buildable
This chessboard is buildable and easily portable for on-the-go games where space is limited, like on a backpacking trip. The model is split up into interlocking pieces that can easily be stored in a small bag or box.
One recorded maker recommends printing the board in PLA with a 0.2-mm layer height and a 20% infill. The maker also didn’t use any supports, as it’s basically flat!
- Who designed it? 1sPiRe
- How printable/popular is it? This buildable chessboard has 22 recorded makes, 164 remixes, and 68,000 downloads! This one is easily printed as well as portable.
- Where to find it? Thingiverse
Travel-Friendly
You can set up these chess sets and boards and be ready to play anytime, anywhere. They can also be put away easily without taking up much space, making them portable. A few of these sets don’t even need a separate chessboard.
CastleChess
This set is the CastleChess. You can place all the pieces inside one another, making a tube when all the white and black pieces are placed. Russian Dolls (nesting dolls) are the inspiration for this chess set.
You can easily store and carry this set with you, as it’s not taking up more space than a mobile phone. One of the other makers has designed a travel box for this chess set. You can also keep a rolled chessboard made of paper in it.
Many makers have experienced stringing, but there are some good solutions to avoid and tackle this.
- Who designed it? Kagarov
- How printable/popular is it? This chess set is quite trendy on both sites with more than 4,600 downloads and 34 makes shared.
- Where to find it? Printables, Thingiverse
Portable
This portable chessboard functions as a board and a box for chess pieces. The model uses a hinge to collapse the board, turning it into a smaller box.
The board has undergone a few changes to improve the hinge of the foldable board. The maker has included printable models for the hinge, but you’ll still need some neodymium magnets to keep the box shut, a steel sheet, a rod, and more. The project page includes the full list of parts needed and instructions.
The designer printed the board in PLA with a 0.1-mm layer height, a 30% infill, supports, and no raft.
- Who designed it? Kumoi
- How printable/popular is it? This portable chessboard has 2 recorded makes, 5 remixes, and over 5,000 downloads.
- Where to find it? Thingiverse
Roll-Up
Wouldn’t be cool to have an entire chess set in a pencil case? With this model, it becomes possible! This clever design consists of a checkerboard that rolls up into a compact hexagon case that you can bring with you on the go. The pieces are shaped like a small stack of coins. You’ll also need magnets to have the pieces stick to the board.
As the designer states, the project was modeled with tolerances for a 0.4-mm nozzle with a 0.2-mm layer height, so you should stick to these settings, too. The creator also suggests using a brim when printing the main body to avoid warping, particularly if you use ABS or ASA. Make sure to also follow the instructions about the supports to obtain the best results possible.
- Who designed it? Jerry
- How printable/popular is it? This model has been so appreciated by the community that it has been awarded in the Printables contest “Models with magnets”. Almost 500 makers have downloaded it and one posted their make.
- Where to find it? Printables
Compact
The maker of this set calls it the ultimate compact set, and it’s truly that. The pieces and board all fit together in a compact “S” shaped container. Some pieces lock into each other. If you’re worried about how these stacked chess pieces will stay in place without falling out, this can be prevented by using the box cap.
One of the most interesting parts of this set is its board, and there’s a twist. The board is made of tiny black and white dots, which are stored within the container, along with the pieces. The only downside to this is that every dot needs to be placed before playing (this can take some time). Although these can be spaced out, as per your preference, you can make the board infinitely long, too!
- Who designed it? Kagarov
- How printable/popular is it? There are over 1,700 views and 130 downloads on Printables, with 5 makers printing the chess pieces (but opting for different boards).
- Where to find it? Printables
Box
This is a chess set that stores the pieces in a box with cutouts for every individual piece. The top of the box itself is the chessboard. It’s perfect for both – traveling and keeping it at home.
The set pieces are unique: They’re almost thimble-shaped. Unlike other chess set boxes, the pieces won’t rattle or move inside the box but rather will fit snugly.
- Who designed it? dusdlgh
- How printable/popular is it? Seven people have shared their successfully printed chess set box.
- Where to find it? Thingiverse
Mini
This is a mini chess set that can fit inside an Altoids tin and in your pocket! You can print the pieces in two different versions – with and without magnets. Magnets are preferable, as they’ll hold on to the tin box and won’t move around (making an unpleasant rattling sound).
The set also includes tweezers, which you can use to move the pieces around. The tweezers also come with holes for magnets, which are stuck to the lid of the tin box.
Printing this model at 0.1-mm layer height will yield the best results.
- Who designed it? FrankDeschner
- How printable/popular is it? Combined from both sites, over 4,500 makers have downloaded the files, while 11 have shared their printed sets.
- Where to find it? Printables, Thingiverse
License: The text of "The 50 Best 3D Printed Chess Sets & Boards in 2024" by All3DP is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.