Perma-chess is a chess-inspired tower defense roguelike where players defend a stationary King by strategically placing chess pieces that attack based on their traditional movement patterns. Enemies advance across a grid-based board in turn-based waves, forcing players to plan placements carefully, adapt to new threats, and evolve their strategy through upgrades and unlocks. In addition to towers, players can place walls to manipulate enemy pathing, creating their own custom routes and optimized kill zones.