The multiplayer strategy phenomenon, Auto Chess, has found its way to the PS4™ Tournaments, Open Series in all of its Chess-y, auto-y glory. While it’s extremely popular, many people aren’t yet familiar with the title. Learn how to play, more about the auto battler genre, and everything else you need to know to get started.
What is Auto Chess & the auto battler genre?
Auto Chess is an auto battler game. Remember all those tower defense games that were super popular years ago, where you set up objects and the game plays them out? It’s kind of like that, except on a chess board and more involved. Other differences include strengthening pieces and matching synergy to build a strong lineup that will outlast other players.
Drodo Studio established the auto battler genre after creating a Dota mod called Dota Auto Chess. It became so popular that the developer designed a standalone version called Auto Chess. Valve also made their own version called Dota Underlords.
How to play Auto Chess?
Eight players face off, each in two groups.The goal is to be the last one standing. A player must pick and strengthen the best chess pieces from a randomized pool to obliterate the competition.
How to strengthen your lineup?
Auto Chess pieces are divided into three tiers (one, two, and three star) and gain synergy by class and race. Three one star pieces make one two star piece, and three two stars make a three.
What is synergy?
Using the same race or class pieces will also help improve your pieces. Combine the right sets for boosts/buffs like HP and strength.
How to pick pieces & items?
The basics are simple, although the gameplay gets a bit more complex as you factor into other elements such as paying attention to your opponent’s lineup. Every player pulls pieces from the same randomized pool, leading to a mix of luck and strategy. For example, it’ll be harder to succeed if you and another player are looking for the same pieces.
Is Auto Chess like Chess?
The game has very little to do with actual Chess beyond the board. Both give players the ability to promote pieces, but the most consistent element is strategy. Auto Chess is more about thinking than reacting.
How long is an Auto Chess game?
Some games take upwards of 30 minutes. There are several rounds in every Auto Chess Match. Players pick pieces before each round. The pieces duke it out in real time with no user input, hence the auto. Win the round to continue playing and purchase better pieces. Lose and your match is over. Everyone starts at level one. As you progress you gain the ability to add units, all the way to level 10. The game ends when only one player remains.
Is Auto Chess easy or hard?
Auto chess sounds complicated, however the game is fairly straightforward once you get the rules down. Things purposely start slow before revving up to better ease players into the game. The fact that it’s free and offers tons of customizations like Chess board, player, and piece skins results in an engrossingly addictive experience.
List of every Auto Chess piece & item
For a list of all the pieces and their respective classes, check out this chart from the developers. For all the different items, take a look at this list here.
How to play Auto Chess free in a tournament?
Auto Chess is now one of the featured games in the PlayStation Competition Center. Join free tournaments for cash, exclusive prizes and your choice at in-game skins. Are you ready to make your gambit?