The 4 Best Places to Buy Board Games in 2025 (With Pros, Cons, & Pricing)

By Blaze Aldrich | July 15, 2025

The 4 Best Places to Buy Board Games in 2025

Can we all agree and lets stop buying our board games at Amazon, Walmart, and Target...Yes even on Prime Day! Its tough I know lol There are many other amazing places where you can find great deals & newly released board games. Plus these businesses that I will be mentioning are ALL IN on this amazing board game hobby. I listed these businesses in no particular order. Go check them all out!

4. BoardGameGeek Store - Best for finding Promos Exclusives & Used Games

   

   BoardGameGeek.com is one of the largest if not largest website in the board game hobby which offers a market where you can sell and buy new & used games. In addition, gamers can look up any game they desire to find reviews & every little detail about that game. Its my go to place to discover new games & see what other people in the hobby are talking about surround everything board games.

Website: www.boardgamegeek.com

Base Price Range: 20-40% off MSRP for Used Games

Shipping: Calculated at checkout; ships globally

Pros:

• Thousands of Used Games for sale including promos, kickstarters, & expansions

• Supports the board game community

• Well known & trusted site

• Limited-run accessories and upgrades

Cons:

• Prices aren't always competitive

• Shipping cost can be all over the place based on who you buy the game from

• Scammers, which BGG is getting better at catching them

• Website can be hard to navigate for someone on there for the first time

3. Friendly Local Game Store (FLGS) - Best for Community & Instant Gratification

   

   You want a game right now at this very moment! Get connected with a FLGS near you so you can instantly go grab a board game that can be played that same day. Moreover, FLGS run many different events such as TCG play ins and demos for newly released games. If you are here in Utah, I suggest going to a Game Haven near you! (not associated in anyway)

   
   

   Location: Varies by region (Google “board game store near me”)

   Base Price Range: Full MSRP or slightly higher

   Shipping: N/A – in-person pickup

   
   

   Pros:

   • Instant access: No waiting for shipping

   • Great place to demo games or attend game nights

   • Supports local businesses

   • Often offers trade-in or used-game options

   
   

   Cons:

   • Higher prices than online retailers

   • Limited inventory depending on store size

   • Store hours can be inconvenient

2. Miniature Market - Best for Board Selection & Notoriety

   

   When I've first entered this board game hobby I discovered Miniature Market. They offered every game under the sun. From brand new Kickstarters to newly released board games. Since they have a great reputation, I knew the games would be packaged well and I'd get them in a timely manner. And now they have become my competition, silly enough. Still a great company.

   
   

   Website: miniaturemarket.com

   Base Price Range: 10-15% off MSRP on most titles

   Shipping: Free U.S. shipping on orders over $99

   
   

   Pros:

   • Consistently lower than retail prices

   • Massive catalog with thousands of titles

   • Excellent pre-order system

   • Loyalty program offers cashback

Cons:

• Popular games and new releases may go out of stock fast

• Shipping and processing order times can be a bit slower compared to other sites

• Website can feel a bit crowded

1. Elevated Board Games - Best Overall for Price & Fast Shipping

   

   Elevated Board Games thrives on its curated selection of board games and it's top-notch customer service. It has gained popularity among board game hobbyists quickly. Even though its a new up and comer and may not have thousands of games like online Titans as Miniature Market, Elevated Board Games stock all the fan favorites and newly released games at competitive pricing.

   
   

   Website: www.elevatedboardgames.com

   Base Price Range: 10-15% off MSRP on most titles

   Shipping: Free U.S. shipping on orders $75+

   Disclosure: The Owner of Elevated Board Games is writing this blog... So I am a little biased lol

   
   

   Pros:

   • Fast Shipping: In Utah (1-2 Days Delivery) & Rest of the USA (3-5 Days Delivery)

   • Specially Curated Board Game Selection: no filler, just quality

   • Personalized customer service and recommendations

   • Modern, easy-to-navigate store design

Cons:

• Smaller catalog than mass retailers

• Retailer is not well known yet

• International Shipping is pricey

Side-by-Side Comparison

Store	Avg. Price	Shipping	Catalog Size	Best Feature	Ideal For
Miniature Market	$	Free over $99	Huge	reputation & variety	hobbyists &collectors
BoardGameGeek Store	$$	Variable	Large	Exclusive promos	BGG supporters & collectors
Local Game Store	$$$	N/A (in-person)	Varies	In-person events	Social & local buyers
Elevated Board Games	$	Free over $75	Medium	Customer Service & Fast Shipping	All Gamers & curated experiences

Final Thoughts

When it comes to buying board games in 2025, each store offers something unique depending on your needs. Some shoppers prioritize discounts and a wide selection, while others value exclusives, in-person community, or a more curated experience. Elevated Board Games offers a standout alternative for board game enthusiasts who value quality, curation, and personal service. Rather than endless scrolling or mass-market catalogs. While online stores like Miniature Market or the BoardGameGeek Store offer convenience and massive variety, and local game shops bring community and events. No single store is perfect for every situation, so the best approach is often to combine a few of these options to get the most out of your board gaming hobby.