Once A Pawn A King Launches June 15th for PC

Developer Clover Bite and publishing platform indie.io have announced the turn-based strategy roguelike Once A Pawn A King will launch on June 15th, 2026 for PC.

The game will be available on Steam and the indie.io Store, with a 20% launch discount. It will also be available for Indie Pass.

To learn more, here is the overview and trailer as provided by the developer. 

About:

Once A Pawn A King invites players into a world where the rules of chess are twisted and the board itself is broken. As a player, you will gather a party of chess pieces, each with unique movements and abilities, to battle through an ever-shifting castle. The objective is clear: rescue the beloved Black King from the tyrannical White King. This game combines classic chess strategy with unpredictable roguelike elements, pushing players to experiment and outthink a game that no longer plays by its own rules.

The game sets itself apart with its asymmetric approach, where no prior knowledge of chess theory is required. Instead, Once A Pawn A King focuses on accessibility, allowing players to learn by playing and adapting to unexpected situations. Each run is a unique experience, with randomized boards and endless possibilities for strategic experimentation.

Key features include: 

• Dynamic Party Building: Assemble and upgrade a team of chess pieces, each with distinctive skills and movement options.
  
  
  
  
  
• Strategic Depth: Engage in turn-based gameplay that emphasizes positioning and decision making over memorization.
  
  
  
  
  
• Roguelike Elements: Experience the unpredictability of random boards and permadeath, ensuring no two games are the same.
  
  
  
  
  
• Accessible Gameplay: Designed for players of all skill levels, offering a fresh take on chess without the need for extensive prior knowledge.
  
  
  

Players will embark on a journey where every decision matters, and losing the wrong unit can alter the course of a run. The satisfaction comes from mastering the balance between strategic planning and on-the-fly adaptation, delivering a fresh and engaging player experience with every session. 

Trailer: