Of the many niche hobbies out there, tabletop gaming might be one of the more difficult to approach. Not only must you go through the process of finding out what games you actually like and how to play each one, but you also need to gather a consistent group and align schedules and availabilities to consistently have game nights with your friends.
All these can be successfully curbed by one simple thing — a reliable and friendly local game store. At its best, a local game store becomes more than just a place to pick up new games, it can become a cozy, nerdy oasis for you and your friends.
Typically, stores will hold multiple events that welcome their patrons to participate in all sorts of games, such as weekly “Magic the Gathering” tournaments or “Dungeons & Dragons” Adventurers League. There are several local game stores in San Antonio, and finding the right one for you and your group is an adventure in itself, but here are the two best options for nerdy game nights, purchases and hangouts.
- Dragon’s Lair Comics & Fantasy
Despite being a franchise, stepping into one of San Antonio’s two Dragon’s Lair locations will automatically reassure you that you are in the hands of an inclusive local team dedicated to providing the best experience you could ask for. Dragon’s Lair hosts prolific events, including multiple nights dedicated to “Magic the Gathering,” workshops teaching how to play “Dungeons & Dragons” and other tabletop role-playing games and miniature war games, such as every game in the Warhammer franchise. The stores also feature open-play board games and tables, where patrons are free to pick up a game from the in-store library and play with friends. Dragon’s Lair is also one of San Antonio’s premiere comic book shops, featuring an extensive library of new releases and graphic novels, both mainstream and indie. The diverse and passionate staff are extremely helpful and ready to offer information or friendly recommendations.
- Knight Watch Games
Knight Watch Games’ biggest draw is its atmosphere and ambiance. The store is decorated like a medieval tavern, complete with long wooden tables, weapons and banners adorning the walls, and costumed staff who serve themed food. The tables are free for patrons to use, and the store features a boundless collection of open-play games, but the store’s coolest feature is its themed rooms available for rent. The store offers four private rooms available for private gaming sessions or TTRPGs: a gothic renaissance room, a high fantasy room perfect for sessions of D&D or Pathfinder, a military bunker room ideal for miniature wargaming and the best of the bunch, a room built just like the interior of the Death Star, perfect for sci-fi board games or RPGs.
Dragon’s Lair Comics & Fantasy has two locations, one at 5511 W Loop 1604 N Suite 111, and another at 7959 Fredericksburg Rd #129. Check out their event calendars for the Alamo Ranch and Medical Center locations.
Knight Watch Games is located at 16350 Blanco Rd #116. Check out their event calendar here.
