Anichess has officially launched Season 4, titled Ranked & Reckless, bringing with it a renewed competitive format and a $10,000 prize pool in $C tokens. This new season offers players a clean slate through a full reset of all previous ratings, allowing participants to compete on equal terms from day one. With the rating system now simply referred to as "Rating," the game aims to make competition more accessible for both new players and returning participants.

About Anichess

Anichess is a browser-based strategy game that combines traditional chess with fantasy elements and web3 integration. Developed by Animoca Brands in partnership with Chess.com, and backed by Grandmaster Magnus Carlsen, Anichess introduces a layer of spells and mana-based mechanics to the classic game. While the basic rules of chess remain, players can collect and use spells to modify gameplay. These spells can change piece behavior, provide temporary movement abilities, and add new tactical options. The result is a hybrid game experience that remains rooted in classic chess while introducing elements of strategy through digital enhancements.

Anichess Season 4 Offers $10k Prize Pool

Season 4 Offers a Reset for All Players

With all previous ratings cleared, Season 4 encourages both experienced and first-time players to test their skills without the pressure of past performance. The continued use of the Glicko-2 model provides a reliable structure for ranking, but the simplified naming helps lower the barrier for newcomers. This structure supports a more balanced and fair environment, giving every player an equal opportunity to climb the leaderboard.

Anichess Season 4 also emphasizes daily engagement through the M8 system, an onchain point tracker introduced in April. M8 is designed to reward consistent play by awarding points for daily activity and performance. Players earn M8 by completing at least one Quick or Ranked match per day, with additional points available depending on how many matches are played. The system also considers player rank, with higher-tier players receiving more M8 per day. However, even unranked or lower-tier players can earn a baseline amount. These points must be claimed daily before 00:00 UTC or they expire, making regular logins and gameplay essential for progress.

Anichess Season 4 Offers $10k Prize Pool

M8 System, $10k Prize Pool and Rewards

The M8 leaderboard has been refreshed for the new season, meaning only points earned during Season 4 will count toward the current rankings. Points from previous seasons remain active for other uses within the Anichess ecosystem but do not contribute to the new leaderboard. This separation ensures that all players have an equal chance to compete for rewards tied specifically to the current season’s performance.

At the end of Season 4, the top 64 players by Rating will qualify for the official playoffs. These matches will determine who wins a share of the $10,000 prize pool, distributed in $C tokens. This final stage of the season will bring together the highest-performing players to compete in direct matches, concluding the season with a focused, skill-based contest.

Beyond tracking daily performance, M8 points serve multiple functions within the game. They can be used to unlock additional in-game content, such as strategic spells, cosmetic upgrades like themed boards and pieces, and lootboxes containing elemental items and $C tokens. M8 also serves as the entry mechanism for Gambit Mode, a competitive player-versus-player format that uses tokens for participation. As players accumulate M8 throughout the season, their opportunities to earn higher-tier rewards, including $C tokens, increase accordingly.

Anichess Season 4 Offers $10k Prize Pool

Final Thoughts

Joining Season 4 requires players to visit Anichess.com and sign in through one of several supported platforms, including Google, Discord, or WalletConnect. New players must complete five Quick Matches to unlock access to Ranked Mode. From there, daily participation helps accumulate M8 points and contributes to ranking progression. Active and consistent play throughout the season provides the best chance of qualifying for the Season 4 Playoffs and earning a share of the prize pool.

Season 4 of Anichess offers a structured and competitive environment that rewards both performance and commitment. By combining traditional chess with web3 and blockchain mechanics, the game continues to expand its reach while maintaining strategic depth.