Games are a good way to spend time with friends and family during the winter season. While there are lots of ways to play, many people aren’t aware of the growing tabletop scene located right here in Indianapolis. Indianapolis hosts a plethora of shops available to scratch that gaming itch this winter.
Tabletop games, such as Catan or Monopoly, are player-favorites. Wizards of the Coast’s Dungeons and Dragons and its numerous expansions have been a big hit for audiences around the world.
With the ever-growing Indianapolis hosted Gen-Con convention, many newer games have gained popularity here. Games such as Magic: The Gathering have previewed some of their biggest products at local conventions.
Some may see learning about these games and how to play them as a daunting task, but there are ample places to go for assistance with your quest. Local game stores such as Elf ‘N Moon Gaming & Hobby host learn-to-play nights for various popular games with hosts to explain the details of how to play.
Below is a list of different games to play and places to go to enjoy them with other gaming enthusiasts. These local game stores have plenty of space for those willing to take the dive into finding adventure for your winter gaming needs.
Games to play
Catan
Catan is a game where you establish settlements and trade routes using resources symbolized by cards on an expanding board. Compete against other players to gather the most resources and settlements to win.
Ages: 10 and older
Players: 3 – 4 players
Playtime: 30 minutes to 1 hour
Three Dragon Ante
Compete with rival players in this dragon fantasy card game to outwit your opponents and horde the most treasure.
Ages: 10 and older
Players: 2 – 6 players
Playtime: 30 minutes to 1 hour
Wingspan
In Wingspan, players compete as bird enthusiasts and scramble to see who can collect the most exotic birds to their network of wildlife preserves. The game features a card-based game system where players can gain food tokens, lay eggs and draw from hundreds of unique bird cards.
Ages: 12 and older
Players: 1 – 5 players
Playtime: 40 minutes to 1 hour
Root
In this woodland strategy board game, players must adventure across the land and battle for control of a vast wilderness.
Ages: 10 and older
Players: 2 – 4 players
Playtime: 60 minutes – 90 minutes
One Piece Luffy’s Bento Panic Board Game
In this bento box game, players must collect food tokens for their selected characters’ favorite bento box. Compete to collect food tokens and evade Luffy’s hunger before he devours all the food on the board to win.
Ages: 10 and older
Players: 3 – 9 players
Playtime: 30 minutes – 45 minutes
Trading Card Games
Magic: The Gathering
Magic: The Gathering is one of the most popular card games. Traverse the multitude of planes of existence in this card game and cast spells to defeat your opponents. Additional cards must be purchased separately and used to grow your library of spells to challenge your fellow planeswalkers in battle of fantasy.
Ages: 10 and older
Players: 2 – 4 players
Playtime: 30 minutes – 90 minutes
One Piece Trading Card Game
In this emerging trading card game, play iconic characters from the critically acclaimed anime One Piece. Collect your favorite pirates and marines and conquer the seas. Additional cards must be purchased separately and used to construct your personal deck to compete with other legends of the sea.
Ages: 10 and older
Players: 2 – 4 players
Playtime: 10 minutes – 30 minutes
Where to play
Elf ‘N Moon Gaming & Hobby
1354 Shelby St Suite A
Mon. – Thurs. 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Fri. – Sat. 11 – 12 a.m.
Sun. 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Good Games Indianapolis
111 S Meridian St
Mon. 12 – 7 p.m.
Tues – Thur. 12 – 9 p.m.
Fri. – Sat. 11a.m. – 10 p.m.
Sun. 11a.m. – 9 p.m.
Grandmaster Games
4200 S East St Suite 20
Mon. Tues. Thur. 12 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Wed. Fri. 12 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Sat., Sun. 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
The Dugout
5707 W Morris St
Mon., Tues. 12 – 8 p.m., Wed. 11 a.m. – 7 p.m., Thur. 12 – 9 p.m.
Fri.12 p.m. – 12 a.m., Sat. 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Sun. CLOSED
Game Preserve
1551 E Stop 12 Rd
Mon. – Sat. 10 a.m. – 9 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Contact Staff Writer Malik Simon at 317-762-7847.
Malik Simon is a Staff Writer for the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper. Originally from Memphis, TN, he graduated from Mississippi Valley State University with a Bachelor of Arts in General Studies concentrating on journalism. Before joining the Recorder, he wrote for the Devil’s Gazette newspaper at MVSU and served as a freelance content and video editor. He seeks to use media to help communities flourish through literacy and factual reporting.
