We stopped in on Saturday with our toddler! Mirarose got their last Paladin's Sword and although it's for dogs, she absolutely loves it!! Their Meditating Squids are for a present for an avid squid collector! Think it would make an excellent desktopper! Games of Berkeley has been in business since 1980! They have game rooms and sell lots of board games, card games, dice, plushies, toys and more! Sweet and helpful staff and gorgeous mirror/rainbow ceiling! SYOY! :-) read more

Games of Berkeley - Their Meditating Squids are for a present for an avid squid collector! Think it would make an excellent desktopper! - Hobby Shops Near Me - Berkeley, California

See all

This game shop is massive and seemingly has everything (in fact, if they don't, they can probably order it for you). Lots to explore. Board games, co-op games, strategy games, trivia games, coloring books, origami & craft kits, stuffed animals, toys, and puzzles galore, including unique brainteasers. I came for the jigsaw puzzles of course, and they had such an awesome variety available on display. It didn't take long to find a winner for me and my bf. A new 1000-piece puzzle, Greg "Craola" Simkins: Let The Outside In, the perfect quirky art piece for our next puzzling adventure. Service was fast and friendly at the purchase counter, and parking was free and easy in the Telegraph Channing Garage nearby. read more

See all

I love checking out Games of Berkeley when I'm in the area. It's definitely my favorite board game store in the Bay Area. The organization is superb and I appreciate that there's a section dedicated to toddler friendly games and children's games. There is a used games section as well. On my last visit, I ended up with a board game, a puzzle for a gift, and a couple of birthday cards. They also happened to have Tetris Tumblr XL set up outside to try out. Looking forward to my next visit! read more

See all

Tldr; purchased a "case" of cards, and actually got a repackaged case with no case hit. Purchased a "case" of Lorcana Fabled, to increase my odds of pulling an Enchanted card. Was assured it was a full case that was brought from the back. Didn't realize until after opening the boxes and not hitting the case hit that something seemed off. Sure enough the case had been resealed, likely after someone had pulled the box with the enchanted and it got replaced with another. Extremely disappointed and would not recommend buying from here. Yes, should have raised the concern before leaving the store, but thought that I could trust the store to not deceive their customers, especially when spending over $500 on product. I don't doubt that the boxes were sealed, nothing seemed wrong with the boxes themselves, but the case was definitely cracked and were put together with other boxes from other opened cases. read more

Games of Berkeley - Re-Sealed "seal" on a case that was supposed to be unopened - Hobby Shops Near Me - Berkeley, California

Personally I think Games of Berkeley 'deserves' 3 stars from me but I'm going to give them five because they are a local business we've had for years and if they closed it would be a shame. Round of applause to gob for surviving Covid, economy crashed and everything else that threatens small businesses. That alone is a five star feat. Now for the problems; For local mtg casual commander play there are two spots (victory point and your move) that I personally enjoy more. GoB is the cleanest of the three but their commander nights start at 5pm on Friday and the staff will start hassling you to start packing up between 8 and 8:30. That's just not enough time. Additionally, they just don't offer much mtg product. For some reason, with the store of their size, I kind of expect more deck boxes or playmats or really much besides collectors packs and a small selection of sleeves. Also, their staff is just generally unhappy, defensive and snappy. It's not a good sign when your staff is irritable and defensive. I assume this is largely because their average customer is a meathead and they don't get payed enough; however, that doesn't change the fact that I often feel sub-textually insulted when I asked questions. Parking near GoB is awful. Today, for example, I spent 25 minutes looking for parking (not exaggerating, I checked timestamps in my messages to track). Today was worse then usual, but generally it takes 10 minutes and walking 3 blocks. Let me give some positives though. Most of the staff are incredibly knowledgeable and opinionated and if you don't mind being judged, they will provide informative conversations when game shopping. If you don't know board games and need help buying one, GoB will help. I shop at GoB every Christmas. They have the best overall board game selection. They have great stocking stuffers. They even sell "mystery games" that can help you buy a mystery gift for a friend when you can't decide (or they just love gambling/gachas). Also, and this is a big plus, they are the cleanest game store. Their tables are spotless. Berkeley would not be the same without them. Three stars. read more

Games of Berkeley - Around the holidays they sell "mystery games" which make a great gift for that gamer friend you don't know what to purchase for - Hobby Shops Near Me - Berkeley, California

See all

The store has a good selection of games and knowledgeable employees. I appreciate the owner acknowledging community feedback and reversing an unpopular policy. It's definitely nice to have a local game store and I know times are financially tough for small businesses in the current environment. read more

I went here with my friends, and I desperately needed to charge my phone. The whole time I felt uneasy , because one of the workers (a white male) kept watching me. Eventually he came up to me and told me if I had permission to charge my phone so I apologized , asked if I could and he said no with attitude. Then told me to get up and unplug my stuff. I went with my friends to continue looking and he kept following us around the store. We're a group of 3 Latinos so I think it's kind of weird. Do not recommend coming here if you're not a geek white male. read more

Very friendly employees and a great selection of puzzles and board games.I always make sure to stop by when im visiting Berkeley.

I went in to help get my kid what he needed to start playing Magic the gathering and we were helped by Will. He was wearing a black dickies jumpsuit. He was so helpful and understood we didn't know anything and explained the game , what we needed to get started, steered us away from getting decks ($$$$) we didn't need yet. I seriously appreciate the time he took and the effort he took to educate us. He clearly has an expertise in the merchandise they sell there. This is hands down the best customer service I have had anywhere in years. This place will continue to get my patronage. Outstanding employee in the age of apathy. Give this guy a raise!!!! read more

Games of Berkeley - Hobby Shops Near Me - Berkeley, California

See all

Store: clean and open feeling. The back rooms are a favorite of mine. They have them decorated like a tavern, woodlands, and a sci-fi aesthetic for games. Product: the dice, books, pins, and D&D events have all been great. They have a variety of products, and the prices are reasonable. Service: The best. Their staff is knowledgeable, helpful, and incredibly kind. read more

My son found this little gem during a visit to the Bay (I relocated here.) This place was GREAT! I had fun for my little 2 hour window. My only wish it that they had more (different) games as a lot of the ones i like was not found. Still had a good time though. read more

Cool place with lots of well categorized games to choose from. Also a lot of tables to play at in the back. Friendly staff.

They have almost every game you can think of, and their staff is knowledgeable and helpful. Prices are competitive with online alternatives, and I prefer to spend locally so I always check them out first. read more

Friend of mine went here and was pressured into purchasing an item she didn't want, by being intimidated by the men here. Not a welcoming place and rude. When we went to return the item they were going to go with the return until they realized it was us and it was the item they pressured us into buying . Do not recommend, and the hygiene in the men that checked us out was disturbing and disappointing. read more

Walks in w a loose objective of buying some gifts for my young nieces. Leaves w four gifts for nieces + 2 friends AND two greeting cards (I spotted while waiting for gift wrap). This place is almost as bad as going to Target and coming home w things that you don't need (but also obviously need ). Thank you to Will and the entire staff for your kindness, knowledge and time! read more

This hobby store is an important pillar of the TTRPG and TCG gaming community. I go here pretty often to buy or peruse TTRPG books, and they have a great collection of both popular and more indie titles. The staff are also very knowledgeable and good at making recommendations. If you can, buy from GoB instead of online retailers -- support your local hobby shops! read more

Incredibly rude service. Will never come back here. Recommend It's Your Move in Oakland, way better vibes.

Lots of selection of mtg cards and friendly staff who are sociable and welcoming You won't regret checking them out read more

I come here every now and then because it's my boyfriend's favorite board game store in the East Bay. They have a big selection of all kinds of board games--there is definitely something for everyone. They also have stuffed animals, mystery boxes, greeting cards, and other cool gift ideas at the front of the store. The store is quite large and there's lots of room to walk around which I find really inviting. I love walking through to see which games we want to get next. I have noticed that the prices here are a bit higher than other retailers (ex: Amazon or Walmart) but you are supporting a small business so it's not as big of a deal. The staff are all super friendly and knowledgeable as well. Would definitely recommend checking out this place if you're a board game fan! Don't think you will be disappointed. read more

I came for puzzles and there was a full wall of puzzles!! I had no idea there were this many games in this world! Wow biggest board/card game (and puzzle) selection I've ever seen! read more

Shop associates are quick and efficient in answering your questions or showing their offerings! Such an expansive selection of party games, card games, and tabletop games for the avid D&D connoisseur. read more

Awesome game store in downtown Berkeley. Huge with a great selection and perfect recommendations (thanks Alex!!). Friendly folks, great games. Hope they hang in there through COVID. read more

Games of Berkeley - Outside - Hobby Shops Near Me - Berkeley, California

Great , very knowledgeable and kind. Staff chose to buy local instead of buying on Amazon, and was very satisfied.

I came here one night with my bf and noticed they had tables to play games at. Loving games, I was so excited to get a table with my friends! We tried calling to reserve a table and were directed to the email. We emailed, and got no response. So we decided to come in and try our luck. To say the customer service was trash is an understatement. They had an event going on, so we were prepared to leave. The girl at the register asked her supervisor and it was okay to stay. Great! She was then pretty snippy with us and seemed like she was annoyed with all of our questions even though it was our first time. Idk if it was because we were a group of Black and Latine individuals, or because she was having a bad night or what, but we didn't feel welcome or comfortable and decided to find somewhere else to hang out. Super disappointing because we were so excited to make this a regular thing! read more

Won't be back here again after being a long time customer for over 20+ years, all the way to when they were located near Shattuck Ave.! I came in here tonight with my 4 children who absolutely love visiting Games of Berkeley every time we are in town. The first red flag was my youngest child having a bit of a sprint in her step, so excited to see the toys and the white woman cashier lady telling her "oh no running!" Instead of welcoming us in and telling her to slow down. The next atrocity was myself and my 4 children browsing what I could only call the "fidget bin" near the checkout. An older white man came over to myself and my biracial children and proceeded to stand there and watch us. Mind you, my original purpose of coming in the store was to purchase a puzzle. I LOVE the selection of the ravenburger puzzles, even though I can find a larger selection on Amazon. I've always purchased the speciality ones at small, local toy stores to support small business. Well my oldest son was looking at a giant pencil. It was in the "fidget bin." He was done looking and placed it RIGHT IN FRONT of the giant pencil container in the fidget bin. The giant pencils were standing straight up and my son placed it right in front, but laying on its side. The old white owner man proceeded to walk over to my biracial son and tell him "oh yes, it's sooo fun to look and touch all the toys but we ask that you put them back!" I jumped in and immediately said "oh he did put it back, jts right there" (pointing at the other 5 giant pencils, not even an inch away.) He then got loud with me and said "NO! He placed it on a random shelf, NOT WHERE HE GOT IT." Knowing my children were right there listening and watching, I gather my composure and politely asked the man if he would like me to do his job for him and restock the shelves while I was at it ?! And he just proceeded to give me the most ignorant, racist look! He wanted me out of his store, along with my children but couldn't gather the courage to say it. I then decided the puzzle wasn't that important and at this point, if the owner is going to be racist, I'd rather support Amazon any day. So I gathered my children and left. And on my way out, literally every employee (about 5 people) was standing behind the counter, arms crossed, watching us leave and didn't thank us for coming in or wish us a nice day. SHAME ON YOU GAMES OF BERKELEY! Won't be back! read more

This review is in response to the business owner and other customers who are defending and justifying the establishment for wrongly kicking out a customer. 1. I was at the event and witnessed first hand how the staff were treating the customer. In no way did he ever speak in a aggressive or loud manner. He was simply offering his opinions and even offer to assist the staff in ensuring folks signed and spoke with the front desk before entering the back room. He was literally helping you guys do your job! 2. If anyone made me uncomfortable at the yugioh event, it was the staff. The first staff that entered the back room could have handled the situation better without causing a uproar. She could have just went to each participant, without making a scene, and asked if they spoke to the front desk before entering. No announcement is needed. Instead, she walked in and spoked in a loud and aggressive voice demanding to see everyone's ID. And the second staff who entered gave the wronged customer no opportunity to explain his side of the story. The staff only made threats to call the cops. If any parent should be notified of their child's behavior, it's the staffs'. read more

We have been patrons of Games of Berkeley for almost 2 decades. Even in the new location and through the pandemic this business has been a haven for gamers and community. The selection of games is amazing, they now have a robust online ordering system, and they have so many puzzles!! I especially appreciate their approach to safety and masking in their store. As a community space as well as retail space Games of Berkeley always puts safety and science first for the good of all who come into the store. Buy their games! Play at their events! They are the best! read more

This place had my husband's name written all over it. We decided to make it a point to visit the game shop and peruse around their selection. Not only did they have games of all kinds, they also had puzzle boxes, kendamas and YOYOs!! It was heaven for my husband! Lol! The selection is overwhelming and they also jad a back room where Friday night Magic tournaments were happening. We bought a yoyo, 3 new games and some trinkets for the kids. Tip: check in on yelp to get 10% off your purchase! If you have a board game lover/card game lover in your life, make sure to stop by Games of Berkeley! read more

See all

I recently moved up here for school and was pleased to find a store that sold Pokémon related product. Despite the staff being kind, I am dumbfounded by the prices being charged for their Pokémon product. I asked for the pricing on a Chilling Reign booster box about a week ago and the lady working there told me it was over $200! Likewise, I recently stopped by to purchase packs for the new set that has been released (Fusion Strike). They told me that by purchasing 36 packs (a booster box), I will get 20% off. The total with this "deal" was going to be $144 before taxes. That is ABSURD!!! Without this "deal" of 20%, the pre-tax total would come out to $179. I understand running a brick-and-mortar is quite expensive in the Bay Area; however, it does not justify the ridiculous prices being charged. I have to drive 20-30 minutes to get booster boxes at other shops when I am a 5 minute walk from Games of Berkeley. I am an advocate for supporting local game stores, shopping in person before looking online. Now, I will be shopping online and elsewhere. read more

This is an amazing little spot in the heart of Berkeley. Paul is a great employee there and is knowledgeable about almost anything you could ever be curious about! They also have recurring game nights and competitions so Make sure to stop by when you get the chance! read more

Easily the best game store in the Oakland/Berkeley Area. It's been a number of years since I've been to Game Kastle, so can't give it best game store in the Bay Area, but it definitely is up there. With Endgame long closed, Dr. Comics & Mr. Games has been my default game store. But as they are a hybrid store, I honestly use them more for comics and usually only for a few packs of Magic or grabbing a D&D book. There is Its Your Move Games, which I'll hit up from time to time. But from a pure size, selection, ambiance, and helpful staff selection, Games of Berkeley is the place to shop. Also I am glad I only recently discovered it as had I known about it earlier, they would have claimed... well I've already dropped about $300 on them this month. My first time there I had to pick up some supplies for a friend's birthday. He was hosting a board game mini convention in a hotel and I went for the Magic: The Gathering Adventures in the Forgotten Realms sealed tournament he was throwing. As there was a chance we might have time for more Magic, I offered to bring my box of Jumpstart, but if I was going to bring that, I was going to need to bring sleeves. Cape & Cowl doesn't sell sleeves; I assume Dr. Comics does but probably not a huge selection. So off I went to Games of Berkeley. While I rented a car, the place is honestly a nice 17-18 minute walk from the Downtown Bart station. You can explore, but Shattuck to Durant is an easy, mostly shaded, minuscule inclined walk. Opening at Noon Wednesday through Monday (closed Tuesdays), you will enter in wearing a mask or immediately told my multiple employees to put one on. The register is on your left, and off you go to see what they have: a huge selection of classic board games and puzzles mostly fills the middle, with staff working for any questions. Beyond that are the multiple miniatures games like Warhammer (whatever it is called at this moment), as well as all the paints, brushes, and gear for it. I was impressed with the role playing game selection: sure the D&D 5e books, but some 4e, Savage Worlds and more. But I came for my Magic: the Gathering fix (both times) and its without a doubt the best selection in the area. Between a large selection of sealed products like booster packs (including draft, set, and some collectors), bundles, boxes, commander decks, and even Planeswalker decks. The prices for the boosters are fare, I did balk at the price for the Modern Horizons 2 booster bundle at $94.99 when TCGplayer has them for ~$69. Even nicer is the related Magic or similar card game gear. I needed sleeves. I really don't know anything about sleeves, though I have been learning through Tolarian Community College on YouTube. I asked about certain things, and the staff gave me a legit rundown on every type of sleeve, from the Rolls-Royce of Katana to the don't waste your time cheapos. I also had questions about deck boxes, came with a suggestion, and they offered an improved option (which turns out the professor also prefers). So great selection, fantastic helpful staff, the products I want. Yeah, I'm going to keep coming back, sadly for my wallet. read more

Deeply disappointed and angry. We bought a game last week and realized they hadn't given us a receipt in the bag. We also decided we wanted a different game so didn't open the one we had and brought it back to exchange it for a different (more expensive) one. Despite us having the original credit card and an unopened game, the manager explained quite condescendingly that while they *could* look up the receipt, it was their "policy" to refuse to do so. Even for store credit on an unopened game. I couldn't believe how little they cared about customer service as we sat there holding an unopened game just a couple days old. Was straight up told they'd prefer we never shop there again over them having to look up our receipt. Ok, as you wish. Guess we're not shopping there again. read more

My wife is all about board game night. So when I stumbled of Games Of Berkeley I figured I would find some random toys and maybe a game I could surprise her with. I got lost! I spent an hour today looking around and never made it through the whole place. I am bringing my wife and my sister and her kids back this weekend. Good staff. Though I would suggest training in actual engagement vs scripted responses. But overall knowledge. As for masks. It's utter bullshit that people are so ignorant and entitled that this pandemic is still going on. It was good the staff cared enough to PROVIDE masks for people. read more

I am so glad that this business cares about the health of its employees and customers. Covid Protocols aside, it's great that GoB still has the same wonderful level of friendly staff and amazing selection! read more

I called in ahead of time to check a price on a product and the Eliza ( I believe that was her name) told me on the phone that a product was $105 and I drove all the way from sf to pick it up. When I got there they tried to sell it to me for $158 instead. Not only that but they knew they were wrong. Instead of apologizing they told me that it's the end of the conversation and they won't be able to honor that price. I do not believe that's right. As a business they should have at least be nice about a mistake they did not attack me for something they did wrong. And the way they talk just felt very belittling. I would never do business here and if you do come to the store please make sure you are not overcharged. This is not right. They didn't take any responsibility for their mistake. Not even a sorry. And that shows a lot. read more

I am overwhelmed. I have been trying to help get a gift for my godson. He is the best kind of geeky and is in to everything. I recently called Games of Berkeley to see if they had something on my list. "Sage" answered the phone in the most delightful way. They were so sweet and funny. They didn't have what I was looking for but told me exactly where to get it. So as soon as I had a free breath, I went straight over there, even with all the nonsense going on. I was stunned by the selection and quality there. Equally amazing was the friendly and engaging floor staff. "Kevin" and I believe "Paul" were so helpful deciphering games I have no experience with. "Jackie" was attentive and eager. I got so many things I never would have thought of. I will say some of the staff are a just a bit extra, but it's berkeley. Do yourself a favor and go find all the great games your remember and all the ones you never knew existed. Ten out of ten will go again. read more

Their selection is decent, so it's a fun store to browse, but it's quite expensive especially compared to online. They have a rewards program where you save 5% or something if you buy a lot, but they're not very good about asking if you have an account so you have to remember to remind them. read more

Left feeling completely ripped off. I asked to purchase a booster box of magic trading cards to gift someone (forgotten realms set booster box). Was charged $180. The price seemed a little high in afterthought so I step directly outside of the store and google my purchase online just to see the exact same product for sale for $110 shipped on multiple websites. I step back inside to ask if I can return my purchase of two minutes ago, and am met with adamant rejection from some purple-haired employee who hadn't rang me up. She/they swore up and down that I couldn't return it because of the possibility the product could have been tampered with or swapped with a fake ... ??? I am never going back here again. read more

I've been shopping Games of Berkeley before they moved from their larger location to this current location. as of this review, I haven't attended any gaming events they host due to my status, so I cannot comment on how they are as hosts. make that what you will. however, that's not what this review is about, the shop is pretty cool, always greeted by someone at the front, and I'm always checking out their selection of RPG books, and lately, their BattleTech selection while small is cool to know they carry BattleMech packs. one thing I really like is the variety of RPG books, I don't remember if it was the owner himself, or someone else, we were talking about the Traveller 2022 Revised edition core book. I love that they took the time to talk about the game, as I feel there isn't enough conversing with the patrons about the games they sell, this isn't a negative statement, just an observation, that said, I usually come 5-10 minutes after they open, so maybe they do and I am not present. to my knowledge, it's one of the few remaining Gaming stores in the Bay Area, I give them my business because I want them to be around, they have a great selection of board games, card games, and their War Gaming selection is pretty cool, it's mostly War Hammer, they have other War Games as well, as I mentioned BattleTech is there. Check out this spot, and see if it's the store for you, again I cannot comment on their gaming events, so you'll have to take that chance. I forgot their rewards program is pretty neat, 5$ rewards goes a long way, especially for me when I buy a new RPG book. read more

Games of Berkeley is great! Wide selection of games. I special ordered something they didn't have in stock, they ordered if for me, no extra charge. Convenient for me to swing by to get it from them when it came in (and got to see what else they have.) Much better option than ordering it online for delivery for the porch pirates to steal! read more