Top 11 3D Printed Chess Sets (Free Downloads)

3D printed chess sets offer a unique and customizable way to enjoy the classic game of chess.

Whether you’re a seasoned player or a newcomer inspired by popular culture, 3D printing allows you to create chess sets with limitless customization. From Pokémon-themed pieces to large-scale sets fit for outdoor play, the possibilities are endless.

In this article, I’ll share my 11 favorite 3D printed chess sets, along with the STL files you need to print them today.

Whether you’re looking for a learner’s set to help you master the game, a jigsaw chess board for an added layer of complexity, or a Star Wars-themed set to indulge your fandom, we’ve got you covered.

I’ll also touch on the costs of 3D printing chess pieces and sets, and provide tips for creating your own designs from scratch.

When 3D printing chess sets, remember you need at least two colors for the boards and pieces. This can be done with a dual-extruder 3D printer or by printing each piece in one color at a time.

Pokémon Chess Set – Gotta Win ‘Em All!

• Download: Thingiverse
• Designer: sch00f
• Price: Free

Because of its immense popularity, there are plenty of 3D printed Pokémon chess sets to choose from all across the internet for two players of the massive franchise to go head-to-head in a different kind of Pokémon battle. But this one caught our eye due to the impressive design and clear attention to detail.

Instead of the pieces being made distinct in shapes, these 3D printed chess pieces are instead marked by the shapes of their bases. Pawns are round, the kings and queens are pentagons, etc. The designer assures us in the notes that keeping track of which piece is which while in play is far easier than it seems.

Nidoking and Nidoqueen being a king and queen pieces in this Pokemon chess set respectively is a touch I personally adore, while the same roles being filled by Mewtwo and Mew on the opposite side is also quite clever. Though the use of multiple different Pokémon as pawns is admittedly a little confusing.

Since the designer created this print as a birthday present for a friend, it’s clear to see that a lot of love went into each piece. While the limited number of pieces on a chess board means you may not find your favorite here (I got lucky with the inclusion of Vulpix) any lover of the Pokémon franchise will find a particular joy in printing and owning this fine set.

Of course, if you are disappointed to find that your own favorite isn’t available in these files, don’t lose hope! You can always make your own and add it to the chess board yourself, as the bases are the main important part of each chess piece.

You can check out the options in our article on 3D printed Pokémon to have any Pokémon you like as a knight, rook, or any other piece you think is more fitting than what’s included by this designer.

The Learner’s 3D Printed Chess Set – First Step to Mastery

• Download: Thingiverse
• Designer: Misdemeanour
• Price: Free

These pieces are decorated with their corresponding names and a visual representation of how they move, ideal for young children and total newbies in mind.

This is a fantastic way to teach and learn chess, as the simple labeling will get any learner used to the pieces’ names and their legal movements. By memorizing these movements as a learner, you’ll grasp the fundamentals of chess much faster than if you were taught using a traditional board.

After a few games with these 3D printed chess pieces, even the most inexperienced newcomer will be able to take on a traditional set with a good idea of how the game is played.

The files for each chess piece available here come in a few different sizes, the larger of which is ideal for households with particularly young children to make sure they don’t choke on them.

3D Printed Jigsaw Chess Boards – Pieces on Pieces

• Download: Thingiverse
• Designer: jwrm22
• Price: Free

This 3D printed chessboard and pieces require a double-take to confirm that it’s not your average set. The jigsaw pattern of the board is cool enough to stand out while being subtle enough to not be immediately noticeable at a first glance.

The instructions included with the files here seem to suggest white and blue as standard, but this set would look just as cool within a red and black, green and brown, or any color combination to match your tastes or décor.

A concise guide on how to make this printable chess board is included, along with a few dos and don’ts to make sure you don’t confuse this 3D printed chess set with the plywood-cut original that it was based on.

For a more minimalist but no less impressive jigsaw piece chess set, you can check out the alternate design here. While more of a standard design aesthetically, these pieces easily separate from the rest and are pretty fun to put together in pairs like a standard jigsaw puzzle as a mini activity before playing.

Roll-Up Chess Set – The Portable Chess Set

• Download: Thingiverse
• Designer: Kumoi
• Price: Free

Many chess sets these days fold in half for easy portability, but they still take up quite a bit of space in a backpack or suitcase. This creator took a leather design and turned it into a 3D printed chess set that rolls up neatly into a cylinder for easy transportation and storage.

Powerful magnets are used to both hold the pieces in place and ensure that the board stays rolled up when not in use. In the files here, there are also details on how to make a slightly downgraded version if you’re only able to print in one material.

Star Wars Chess Set – Dark vs. Light

• Download: Thingiverse
• Designer: pverduijn
• Price: Free

The black and white colors of a chess board lend themselves perfectly fitting the struggle between the light and dark sides of the force in the movies.

The Star Wars chess set wasn’t created by a professional, but by a teacher as a project for their 8th-grade students. Because of this, the set is open for improvement, customization, and a little bit of tweaking to get just right.

Of course, the only real downside is that those who are used to traditional chess sets may find the different pieces are a touch confusing, but with enough games, it will become second nature.

Darth Vader representing the dark side’s queen and Jedi Knight Luke Skywalker representing the light side’s king, it’s a fun take on the story. Not to mention AT-ATs and tauntauns representing each respective knight pieces is also a clever touch.

The designer using R2D2s and Stormtroopers making up the eight pawns on either side is a particularly nice detail, as is the mix of heroes, villains, and various ships that are easily recognizable to fans of the series.

And if you’re looking for more options for awesome Star Wars prints, you can check out our top pics here.

3DPrintBunny’s Chess Sets – Tiny Skyscrapers

• Download: Cults3D
• Designer: 3DPrintBunny
• Price: Free

Prominent and very creative designer 3DPrintBunny has many 3D printed chess sets in her impressive portfolio, including unique designs of pieces resembling famous figures from notable films and shows like South Park, The Avengers, and Game of Thrones.

Each of her sets comes as individual pieces and includes a storage and display box.

My personal favorite of hers, however, is her 3D printed chess pieces made to look like famous buildings from around the world.

The Eiffel Tower, Sydney Opera House, Empire State Building, and Burj Al Arab are a few of the pieces included here, and the rest of this designer’s creations are just as impressive.

All of the pieces can be put together without needing glue, and the attractive display case will let you display this set with pride when not in play.

There’s a box lid within the files for easy transportation, and it comes blank as standard. 3DPrintBunny offers custom designs with personalized text if you want something unique or are planning on giving one of her sets as a gift.

Large Scale Chess Set – King Size Kings

• Download: Thingiverse
• Designer: tamccain
• Price: Free

The large-scale chess set maxes out at a 60mm base, which is far larger than your average chess set. Along with the pieces is a printable chessboard that’s also designed to house checkers.

The example image shows a multicolored set to add a pop of color to any room, though it will look just as good as a standard two-tone set if you choose to create that.

Because of its size, this chess set will need some gluing to stay together post-print. How to stick the pieces together is shown in the video attachment included in the instructions.

If you’re a fan of the design but not the size, the board and pieces can easily be scaled down. The board can still act as a place to store checkers if you design your own to a size that suits whichever scale you choose.

3D Printed Planter Chess Set – Black and White Goes Green

• Download: Cults3D
• Designer: XYZWORKSHOP
• Price: $2.50

Speaking of decorative, 3D printed chess sets don’t get more aesthetically pleasing than this.

A simple design in concept, but beautiful in execution, the 3D printed planter chess set is made of printable pots in which you can plant succulents, cacti, and other houseplants.

These 3D printed plant pots fit onto the chessboard like any other pieces, and can either be used to play a truly unique game or as a beautiful, modern, and one-of-a-kind household ornament.

Included in the files here is an ultra-thin 3D printable chessboard that’s designed to go practically anywhere, meaning you can turn any space – indoors or out – into an unusual but inspired board on which to play. This board is only 0.6mm thick, so be careful with it as it will be very fragile once completed.