This post was last updated on July 23rd, 2023
Are you an avid board game enthusiast but you struggle to find board game friends? Or maybe you’re looking to expand your network of people to be sure to play whenever you fancy?
Building a community of board game buddies can certainly enrich your gaming experience and open many doors to discover new games.
Luckily, there are numerous locations and resources that can help you find fellow human beings who share your passion for board games.
This article will offer you 14 suggestions on where to search for potential board game friends, from online platforms to local gaming events.
By exploring these options, you are sure to connect with individuals who share your interests and enthusiasm for board games, leading to unforgettable game nights and, ultimately, lasting friendships.
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Friendly Local Game Stores (FLGS)
Organised Events
Your friendly local game store (often called FLGS) is a great place to find board game friends.
They often host organised events like game nights where people from the community come together to play a variety of board games.
You can find out about these events by visiting the store’s website or checking out their in-store bulletin boards.
Attend these events to socialise, make new friends and discover new board games you might enjoy.
If you’re in London I highly recommend the FLGS Leisure Games and Dark Sphere.
Demo Days
Demo days are another fantastic opportunity for you to explore board games with others.
On these days, local game stores showcase new and upcoming releases, allowing you to try them out before you commit to purchasing.
By attending a demo day, you can not only get a sneak peek at new games but also meet people who share your interests.
Remember to stay friendly and open during these events, as engaging with others in the board game community can help you build lasting friendships.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions or seek advice from more experienced players; they’ll likely be happy to help and share their love for board games with you.
Libraries
Visiting your local library is a fantastic way to meet and find fellow board game enthusiasts.
These places often host various events and activities that cater to different interests, including board games. Keep an eye out for the notice board or the events calendar to stay updated on any upcoming gatherings.
If you’re unsure about where to start, approach the staff at your library, as they are often aware of any ongoing clubs or groups. They can also connect you with people that share your same hobby and might even help you find resources to start your own board game group.
Many libraries nowadays have a selection of board games available for borrowing, just like books, allowing you to try out different games and discover new favourites.
Ask the librarian for recommendations or explore the collection at your leisure.
Community Centres
Community centres are great places to gather with others and participate in dedicated board game nights or workshops. Many community centres have game rooms or areas where you can play board games with friends or meet new people.
Joining clubs or groups that share the same passion can lead to more fun and engaging game nights with your newfound friends.
There are usually many different types of games to choose from, including strategy games, word games, and party games. You’ll almost certainly find your favourite genre.
Remember, when attending these events or joining a group, the key is to be friendly and open-minded. This will make it easier for you to forge new connections while also contributing to a positive and welcoming atmosphere for everyone.
Online Platforms
BoardGameGeek
BoardGameGeek is a fantastic resource for board game enthusiasts like you.
You can find discussions, reviews, and forums dedicated to all kinds of board games.
On this platform, you can join specific guilds and participate in discussions with others who share your passion.
Additionally, the site has a dedicated Marketplace, where users trade, buy, and sell board games.
Meetup.com
Meetup.com is another excellent platform to find board game friends.
By searching for board game groups in your area, you can easily find people who share your interests.
This website boasts numerous local board game groups across the world, making it simple for you to locate and attend events.
Chances are you’ll discover a variety of gaming groups, ranging from casual game nights to more competitive tournaments. These events cater to players of all experience levels.
So don’t be shy – join a group that sparks your interest!
If you live in London there’s a specific group I’d like to suggest to you: meetup.com/Londononboard.
Meetup Groups and Events
The journey to find board game friends to share your passion for games like Gloomhaven or Villainous can be both enjoyable and rewarding.
One great way to get started is by attending Meetup groups and events in your area.
Attending a meetup event is a fantastic opportunity to socialise with friendly people and discover new games. Many of these events feature popular titles, such as the ones mentioned above, as well as lesser-known gems waiting to be discovered. Be prepared to broaden your gaming horizons!
In addition to joining existing groups, you can also start your own game night or party with friends. Check out local venues like cafes, bookshops, or community centres for a cosy space to host your event.
Invite your friends and encourage them to bring their favourite games. You’ll soon have a lively gathering of board game enthusiasts!
Board Game Cafes and Bars
Visiting board game cafes and bars is a fantastic way to find board game friends who share your passion for this hobby.
These establishments combine the social atmosphere of a cafe or bar with a wide selection of board games, catering to the growing board game culture.
At these venues, you can play popular games like Mysterium, Here to Slay and Tokaido, while enjoying a drink and some delicious food.
Many board game cafes and bars have knowledgeable staff who can recommend games, help with rules, and even join your table if you need an extra player.
Overall, board game cafes and bars create an inviting, friendly environment where you can meet like-minded fellow gamers and participate in scheduled events, such as tournaments, themed nights, or game release parties.
Don’t hesitate to strike up a conversation with your fellow board game enthusiasts and ask for game recommendations or exchange a few tips and tricks.
These venues are designed for people with a common interest in board games.
So, it’s the perfect place for you to make new board game friends and immerse yourself in the thriving board game culture.
Conventions and Tournaments
Attending conventions and tournaments is a fantastic way to meet board game enthusiasts like yourself. These events bring together people who share a passion for various types of games, including strategy games and party games like Bang and Colt Express.
At conventions, you’ll have the opportunity to try out new games, expand your knowledge of old favourites, and even participate in competitions. These competitions can range from casual matches to more intense strategic contests, and offer a dynamic environment to learn and connect with fellow players.
Tournaments, on the other hand, are usually centred around a specific game and often attract highly skilled players. This is your chance to test your expertise and gain insights from others who have honed their skills.
Participating in tournaments can be particularly rewarding if you enjoy competition and thrive on the excitement of playing under pressure.
To find suitable conventions and tournaments in your area, look out for announcements on social media or check with local gaming stores and clubs. Additionally, you can find listings online through websites dedicated to board game event calendars.
Remember that conventions and tournaments aren’t only an opportunity to play games but also a chance to network, share ideas, and make long-lasting friendships with people who share your interests.
So, pack your favourite games and bring your enthusiasm to your next convention or tournament and have fun connecting with your future board game pals!
Tabletop Gaming Clubs
Are you looking for a friendly environment to enjoy your favourite board games and make new friends? Tabletop gaming clubs can be an excellent place to start.
These clubs include players of all levels and usually embrace a wide range of modern board games, classic chess, and popular role-playing games like Dungeons & Dragons.
Joining a local board game group can provide you with opportunities to participate in regular meetings and engage in lively discussions about various gaming topics. Most clubs run on a schedule, offering weekly or monthly events that cater to different interests such as strategy games, war games, or family-friendly options.
To find a tabletop gaming club near you, you can use social media and online search tools to browse through options and read reviews from other players. Websites like Meetup.com and BoardGameGeek often list numerous clubs and events, helping you identify the perfect group for you.
Remember to be friendly and open when attending club meetings, as this can lead to lasting friendships and regular gaming partners. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or seek advice from more experienced players; the board game community is generally welcoming and supportive.
Game Design Courses
Game design courses can be a fantastic way to meet new people.
In these classes, you’ll have the opportunity to not only learn about game design but also to participate in group projects, fostering connections with fellow learners who are also passionate about the hobby.
During your time in these courses, friendly discussions and debates on various board game topics are highly encouraged.
These conversations can help solidify your relationships, as well as promote a sense of camaraderie that can last long after the classes have finished.
If you’re thinking about designing a board game from scratch this could also be the perfect place to learn the fundamental of design and meet some people who could become friends and the first game testers for your new project.
Finding board game friends is as easy as opening your Facebook app and searching for groups and pages related to your favourite board games.
There are plenty of online communities and groups that often organise events or online game nights that you can join.
Some popular Facebook groups dedicated to board games include THE BOARDGAME GROUP, Board Game Revolution Community and BoardGameGeek.
You can follow these pages to stay updated on new game releases or engage in conversations about various aspects of board gaming.
When joining a group or page, remember to read and follow their guidelines to foster a friendly and respectful environment. And generally don’t be a d**k when replying to other people, there are way too many nowadays.
Reddit is yet another excellent platform where you can discover new board games and find board game friends.
Subreddits such as /r/boardgames and /r/Tabletop are dedicated to discussions about board game strategies, news and events.
Here is a short list of popular board game subreddits:
To make your Reddit experience interactive, don’t hesitate to ask questions, share your experiences, and participate in conversations.
Just keep the subreddit rules in mind and enjoy your time discovering new board game friends.
Digital Board Game Platforms
If you’re looking for board game friends, there are plenty of digital platforms to explore. These allow you to connect with players from all around the world.
Board Game Arena is an excellent starting point. This platform offers a vast collection of online board games, both popular and lesser-known.
You can join existing games or create your own, inviting friends or welcoming new players. With a friendly community and options for both real-time and turn-based gameplay, you’ll find plenty of friends to share your board gaming passion.
Another great option is Tabletop Simulator. Not only does it offer a realistic, 3D environment to recreate the feeling of playing physical board games, but it also allows for modding and customisation.
From classic games to unique creations, Tabletop Simulator is perfect for finding friends who share your interests.
Tabletopia is a versatile platform with a clean interface and hundreds of games to choose from. Whether you fancy a quick, casual game or a more complex, strategic experience, Tabletopia has something for everyone.
Additionally, their built-in chat feature makes for easy communication with your gaming partners.
For fans of the classic Catan, don’t forget to check out Catan Universe.
This platform recreates the beloved board game in an engaging digital environment, allowing you to test your settlement-building skills against players from all corners of the globe. With a mix of ranked games and casual play, it’s easy to make connections with other Catan enthusiasts.
Roll for Group
RollForGroup.com is a website specifically designed to help you find board game friends.
- Create a profile: you can create a profile on the website, which includes information about their gaming preferences, location, and availability.
- Search for groups or players: you can search for gaming groups or individual players based on their location, preferred games, and gaming style. The website uses a matching algorithm to suggest groups or players that are a good fit based on the user’s profile.
- Connect and coordinate: once a user finds a group or player they’re interested in, they can use the website’s messaging system to connect and coordinate game sessions. The messaging system allows users to discuss game details, schedule game sessions, and share information about their gaming group.
You can also platform to discover gaming events and conventions in your area. It’s really a great resource for anyone looking to join a new gaming group or find players to start their own group.
Party and Word Games
Looking for a lively way to spend a night with friends? Party and word games like Cards Against Humanity, Apples to Apples, Taboo, Pictionary, and Exploding Kittens are excellent options. These games foster social interaction and laughter, making them a great way to bond with others who share your love for board games.
Cards Against Humanity and Apples to Apples are both popular card-based games with endless possibilities. Players select cards with words or phrases to create humorous combinations, with the goal of getting the most votes.
These games are terrific icebreakers when meeting new board game enthusiasts, as they encourage conversation and laughter.
Another great option is Taboo, a game that challenges your vocabulary and creativity. During a turn, you must describe a given word without using certain related keywords, while your teammates try to guess what you’re describing. This game is an excellent way to test your communication skills and engage in friendly competition with fellow players.
For fans of drawing and visual understanding, Pictionary is a must-try game. Teams work together to guess what one player is drawing within a specified time frame. Your artistic abilities will be put to the test, but remember, it’s all about having fun and meeting new friends in the board gaming community.
Finally, Exploding Kittens is a fast-paced card game that’s easy to learn and filled with humour. Players draw cards from a deck, hoping to avoid the dreaded exploding kitten card which would knock them out of the game. This game is perfect for light-hearted gatherings and making connections over laughter and excitement.
Party and word games provide fantastic opportunities to meet fellow board game lovers.
Give one of these games a try at your next event, and you’ll soon find yourself surrounded by a lively and joyful group of friends.
Happy Gaming!
