When reporting a problem
A few details make it much easier to find the problem.
- Your device model and iOS, iPadOS, watchOS, Android, or macOS version.
- The app version, shown on the Settings screen.
- What you were doing when the issue happened, such as a merge, a new piece, or Castle Swap.
- If you can, send the board state from that moment. A screenshot helps.
- What you thought would happen, and what happened instead.
What to try first
- Close and reopen the app to reload the current state. Your run is saved between launches.
- If the board looks stuck, use reset to start a new run. Your lifetime stats stay saved.
- Keep the app updated so saved games and stats stay current.
- If a purchased theme isn't appearing, open Royal Extras and tap Restore Purchases. Apple or Google will check the purchase again.
Common questions
How do pieces merge?
Pick one piece, move it by simplified chess rules, and merge it with a matching piece of the same type and level. Pawns become Knights, then Bishops, Rooks, Queens, Kings, and higher-level Pawns.
What is Castle Swap?
If a king and a rook of the same level are aligned on a row or column with no pieces between them, you can swap their positions. It does not score, but it can free up a tight board. The pieces involved must match level.
What happens when a pawn reaches the back rank?
Nothing special. Royal Merge has no promotion; the back rank is a row like any other. Pawns climb the ladder by merging, and a pawn parked on the back rank can still be merged by a matching pawn moving in diagonally.
Does the game end?
The run ends when no legal moves remain on the board. Your final score and merge count are added to your lifetime stats. Tap to start a new run whenever you want.
Where is my progress stored?
On your device only. There is no cloud save. If you delete the app, the saved run, lifetime stats, and theme purchase records are removed with it. Theme purchases can be restored with Restore Purchases from your Apple ID on iOS, or your Google Play purchase history on Android.
Does the game have Game Center, Versus, or daily challenges?
Game Center and two-player Versus are in. Official Solo runs can count toward local records, Game Center scores, and achievements. You can turn that on or off in Settings. Versus works for two people on one 4×4 board, or against a local Computer player at Mild, Zesty, or Spicy. Daily challenges are not in the first release.
Which devices are supported?
On iOS, Royal Merge needs iOS 17 or later on iPhone and iPad. iPad supports keyboard play: Tab, arrows, WASD, Space, Return, and Escape. Royal Merge for watchOS is available on Apple Watch. Check the App Store or Google Play page for current device requirements.
Is the game free?
Yes. The base game is free, with several chess sets and the Quiet Royal theme included. Optional sets, themes, and the Royal Patron badge are available as one-time purchases. Purchases do not change movement, scores, spawns, hints, timers, Castle Swap, high scores, or match results.
I have an idea or feedback.
Please send it. Write to hello@eatchess.com, especially if a move or moment felt off.
Press and anything else
For press kits, partnerships, or other questions, use the same address: hello@eatchess.com. A one-line subject about what you need helps us route it.