Finding a gaming community is one of the best ways to sharpen up your gameplay and share your love of board games with others. Start by figuring out what you’re looking for. Are you new to tabletop games and hoping to find gaming friends while learning the ropes? Or are you a seasoned player hoping to discover new play sessions through building connections? If you need help getting the ball rolling and tracking down the right groups, we’ve rounded up all of the best communities to connect with fellow board gamers.
Look in your local community
Knowing where to find a gaming community locally can sometimes feel as though you’re searching for a needle in a haystack. But, once you know the places to look, you’ll find board game opportunities popping up everywhere. Sometimes, it’s just about keeping your eyes open - a flyer on a café noticeboard, a poster in a comic shop, or a conversation with a friend or work colleague can all lead to great connections.
Build connections on forums
If you haven’t discovered them yet, forums like Reddit and BoardGameGeek are great places to connect with fellow gamers. BoardGameGeek in particular opens you up to a massive gaming community, linking you to thousands of board game enthusiasts around the world. It’s the perfect place to delve into product reviews, discuss upcoming releases, watch tutorials, and get clarity on tricky rules.
From beginner tips to advanced strategies, you’ll find endless advice to improve your gameplay. Even better, many gamers create subgroups where you can join remote sessions via video call, or discover local gaming communities nearby.
Board game cafes
Board game cafes are popping up all over the UK, offering a fresh way to play and connect - whether you’re meeting up with friends, or rolling dice with total strangers. Regular events keep the energy lively, and the atmosphere welcoming. Add in great food and drinks, and you’ve got the perfect hangout spot for gamers.
Head down to your local pub
Many local pubs have board games stacked near or behind the bar - ideal for playing with a pint. You might find they host games’ nights too. If your local doesn’t yet run one, why not pitch the idea? Landlords are usually up for new ways to bring people together, and a regular board games night can quickly turn into a lively community hangout. Plus, with good food and drinks on hand, it’s an easy, relaxed way to meet new players. For inspiration on what to play, check out our guide on the best pub games.
asmodee demonstrations
You’ll spot asmodee demonstration teams in stores, festivals, conventions and trade shows up and down the country. These events aren’t just about giving you the chance to play the latest releases, they’re about meeting fellow gamers, swapping tips, and finding a gaming community that shares your passion. They present the perfect opportunity to learn the rules of games, ask questions, and discover groups you might want to join. Your local game store might host an event too. Keep an eye out for open game nights and play sessions by signing up to emails to stay in the loop.
Board game conventions
Attending a board game convention is an ideal first step in getting stuck into a board game community, and will throw up countless opportunities to connect with fellow board game fans. Hundreds of games are ready to play and you’ll find fellow players are just as excited to connect.
Explore demo tables, try the latest releases, attend panel discussions, or jump into spontaneous game sessions, all under one roof. If you’re feeling brave and want to attend a board game convention right away, we recommend heading down to Essen Spiel in Germany as a starting point - the world’s largest board gaming event with a buzzing community. Our blog on the Essen Spiel board game convention gives you the lowdown on what it’s all about, as well as what to expect.
Build your own community
Looking for a gaming group nearby? You could consider setting one up yourself. Start small with a games’ night at home - invite friends, family, or neighbours - and let it grow organically from there. If you need a bigger crowd, you could try setting up a Facebook group to connect with local players. Before long, you could be hosting regular meetups at a café, pub, or your favourite local hangout.
Little steps make a difference
The right gaming community can transform your entire board game experience. While stepping into a new group might feel intimidating at first, starting small makes all the difference. Attend organised gameplay, drop by a games night, or even take the lead and build your own community from scratch - every step brings you closer to fellow gamers who share your passion.
Think about what fits your lifestyle, too. Some groups meet weekly, others only occasionally, and of course there’s the online gaming communities that require little to no commitment. So, choose one that matches your schedule, energy, and social vibe, and you’ll find gaming friends in no time.
