Duolingo has launched its Chess Player-vs-Player or PvP mode on Android, expanding access to its beginner-focused chess course following its iOS debut in late 2025.
With the Android rollout, more mobile users can now access chess lessons designed to build critical thinking and strategy skills, along with the option to compete against real opponents in real time.
Why It Matters: Mobile-first learning continues to grow in the Philippines, with users increasingly turning to apps that combine education and interactive play. Adding real-time PvP to a structured learning course blends skill development with social competition, which may appeal to younger learners and casual players.
Built on the Duolingo Method, which focuses on learning by doing instead of memorization, the Chess course introduces players to one of the world’s most established strategy games in a beginner-friendly format.
Learners start with the basics, such as how each piece moves, then progress through puzzles and mini matches guided by Oscar, Duolingo’s in-app chess coach.
Around 75 percent of the course is puzzle-based, giving learners hands-on practice with core tactics. The remaining lessons include mini and full games where players apply what they have learned. Difficulty increases gradually, helping users move from guided play to solving checkmates independently.
To access PvP mode, users can go to the Matches tab and tap “Play a Person” to be paired with an opponent of similar skill level. Duolingo said expanding PvP to Android improves match availability, resulting in shorter wait times globally, including for higher ELO players.
The company is also developing additional updates for the Chess course. Planned features include playing with friends, game review tools, web platform support, and more advanced content for experienced learners.
Duolingo’s Chess course is free to access on Android and is available in English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, and Portuguese.
As educational apps continue blending gaming with skill development, will chess become the next popular learning category among Filipino mobile users?
