PLAYER SUPPORT
Lost in time?
We'll help.
Questions, a strange move, or a timeline that needs a second look? Send us the details.
supportchesstimewars@gmail.comSupport is provided by Patrick Quilty. Please do not send your Apple Account password, verification codes, or payment-card details.
Reporting a problem
Include your iPhone model, iOS version, app version/build, ruleset, difficulty, which side you played, and the turn number. Screenshots or a short screen recording are especially helpful.
The essentials
See each mechanic in motion in our three short gameplay videos.
How do I start learning time travel?
Tap Start, choose a ruleset, then choose Tutorial. Tutorials are free and skippable. Select the highlighted time-direction control and turn amount to see the available moves change. Easy AI play also includes hints and Undo.
Why are the time-travel buttons disabled?
In Charged mode, your battery needs three blocks. Ordinary moves build charge; time travel spends it. Unlimited mode removes the charging requirement. Movement rules, king safety and available history still apply.
Can my opponent see my hidden travelers?
The player-facing travel preview shows only your own future arrivals. Computer opponents are designed to plan from visible information and their own travelers, not read your hidden destinations.
How do turns work across alternate realities?
You owe a move on each required reality before starting your next round. Choose the order of boards that are ready for you; you can answer a move while your opponent still owes moves elsewhere. Swipe to browse, or use Next Board. A checkmate on any reality decides the match.
Why can't I castle?
The king and that rook must not have moved, the squares between them must be clear, and the king cannot castle out of, through, or into check. Time travel does not waive king-safety rules.
Accounts, purchases & ads
When can I download Chess: Time Wars?
Coming Autumn 2026, first on iPhone and iPad. Public downloads will be announced here after App Store approval.
Is Chess: Time Wars coming to Android?
Yes—the Android version is in development. Its release date will be announced once it is ready. The Apple version is coming Autumn 2026.
Game Center says I'm not authenticated
Open iPhone Settings > Game Center and sign in, then reopen the game. Online opponents should use compatible app versions and the same ruleset and charge mode. Play vs AI does not require Game Center.
How do I restore a purchase?
From Start, open Options > Store & Restore Purchases, then tap Restore Purchases. Use the Apple Account that made the original purchase. One-time purchases do not need to be bought again. If an item remains locked, email support with its name and app build, but no payment details.
Where do I buy upgrades?
Only inside the iOS app, through Apple's purchase sheet. There are no purchases or payment forms on this website. Forward Time and tutorials are free. Optional one-time purchases unlock Causal Collapse, Alternate Realities, or ad removal; the Complete Pack includes all three benefits.
How can I request a refund?
Apple handles payments and refund decisions. Visit Apple's Report a Problem page using the purchasing Apple Account. We cannot issue App Store refunds directly.
How do I manage privacy or request deletion?
Use our Account & Data Deletion page to request help without reinstalling, or see the privacy policy. Where required, ad consent can be revisited from Options > Ad Privacy Choices. Contact the support email for questions about support correspondence. Apple and Google manage data within their own services.