01
Build one connected hive
Place new insects beside your own color without touching the opponent, then keep every piece connected when movement begins.
A game of surrounding
Place. Crawl. Outthink.
Bug Hive is an independent bug-chess strategy game where the pieces build the board. Protect your Queen, pin the enemy swarm and turn eight different insects into one connected plan.
Offline computer play
Local pass-and-play
8 distinct insects
Animated movement
Built for thoughtful turns.No timer. Read the hive, test a plan and commit when the shape makes sense.
The board is alive
Simple objective. Constantly shifting tactics.
There is no fixed board. Every placement changes the perimeter, opens new routes and creates fresh ways to trap or rescue a Queen.
02
Use movement as leverage
Ants sweep the edge, Beetles climb, Grasshoppers clear lines and Spiders trace precise three-step paths around the perimeter.
03
Surround the opposing Queen
Fill all six neighboring spaces first. The surrounding pieces may belong to either player, so every defensive move can become part of the trap.
Eight movement languages
Know what every creature can become.
Five base insects form the core game. The optional complete set adds three pieces that create higher stacks, copied abilities and relocation tactics.
QueenOne-space slide
AntPerimeter runner
BeetleClimbs the hive
GrasshopperStraight-line jump
SpiderExactly three slides
LadybugTwo up, one down
MosquitoCopies neighbors
PillbugRelocates a neighborReal interface
A clean table for complicated ideas.
Colored creatures, open space and animated legal moves keep the board readable as the hive grows and stacks rise.
Choose your table
Play a computer opponent or pass one device between two people.
See both plans at once
Ivory and Onyx reserves frame the board while the shared hive stays centered and free to pan or zoom.
Your first match
Learn the shape in three ideas.
Grow from the edge
Add one insect each turn. After the opening, a new piece may touch your color but not the opponent’s.
Keep the hive whole
Once your Queen is placed, move exposed pieces without splitting the connected group or squeezing through a closed gate.
Make every neighbor count
Threaten the enemy Queen while preserving escape routes for your own. Surround all six sides to finish the game.
Bug-chess field guide
Rules that click. Strategy you can use.
Start with the complete beginner path, then dig into the movement questions that decide real matches.
Start here
How to play bug chess
Setup, placement, Queen timing, movement and the win condition in one first-game walkthrough.
Read the guide → StrategyBeginner strategy that survives contact
Preserve mobility, spend tempo carefully and learn why early Queen pressure often backfires.
Build a plan → ReferenceEvery base insect movement
Queen, Ant, Beetle, Grasshopper and Spider movement with a legality checklist.
Meet the pieces → Core ruleThe One-Hive rule explained
See why some pieces are pinned even when their destination appears completely open.
Understand pins → StacksBeetle climbing and height
Who controls a stack, how Beetles descend and when a tall gate blocks movement.
Climb the hive → ComparisonSpider vs Ant movement
Both crawl around the edge, but only one must stop after exactly three legal slides.
Compare paths → Complete setLadybug, Mosquito and Pillbug
Learn the three extra abilities, including copying, relocation, stun and stack restrictions.
Explore expansions → Ways to playOffline computer and pass-and-play
When to practice against AI, when to share a device and what still needs a connection.
Choose a mode →Questions, surrounded
What new players ask first.
What is the goal of Bug Hive?
Surround the opposing Queen on all six sides before your own Queen is surrounded. The colors of the surrounding insects do not matter. Learn the complete turn sequence.
Can Bug Hive be played offline?
Yes. Computer matches and local pass-and-play use an on-device rules engine. Purchases, advertising services and future store features may still require a connection. Compare the offline modes.
Does it have a computer opponent?
Yes. Easy and Medium offer approachable practice, while the Pro search engine is designed for a more demanding tactical game. Difficulty is chosen before a computer match.
Which insects are included?
The base set has Queen, Ant, Beetle, Grasshopper and Spider pieces. The complete optional set adds Ladybug, Mosquito and Pillbug. See how the extra insects move.
Can two people play on one phone or tablet?
Yes. Local pass-and-play lets two people share one device. No account or online matchmaking is required.
Why can’t I move a piece that looks free?
It may be holding the hive together. Removing it even temporarily would split the board into separate groups, which the One-Hive rule forbids. See the bridge test.
When must the Queen be placed?
Your Queen must be placed by your fourth placement turn. No piece already on the board can move until your own Queen has entered play. Tournament opening can also prevent the Queen from being your first piece.
Is Bug Hive the official Hive game?
No. Bug Hive is an independent game with original artwork and interface. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or the official digital edition of Hive® or Gen42 Games.
The first move is almost yours.
Bug Hive is preparing for release on iOS and Android. Until the store pages are public, explore the guides or contact support with a question.