the staff is amazing, the collection of paint, minis and books is great. I recommend the store. I play D&D with my son and friends and I can get advise and materials no problem. if you are new or advanced you can find a store for you here. Great job !! read more

I called in to place preorders on a couple of MTG x FF decks on Feb 19th and whoever picked up the call said they would write down my name and orders for when they set up the pre-order list up. Everything cool, right? Well, it turns out, no. I came in today since I was in the area to double check if I was on the list and was not. They completely forgot to add me in and the list was so long, it was highly unlikely I would get the decks I pre-ordered. They told me it would be best to go to another shop to order and was not at all apologetic about the mishap. In fact, there were no apologies made. I really wanted to support a local card shop but the lack of accountability and the poor customer service makes it very difficult to do so. I won't be back. read more

An okay stop for tabletop games and minis, but nothing that really wowed me. The selection is decent, and you'll find the popular titles and basics you'd expect, of course. Staff were polite and professional, but the energy felt pretty flat, which made the visit less engaging. It's fine if you're already in the area and need a specific item, but not a destination I'd go out of my way for. read more

This place was awesome and a gamer's heaven! Walked in randomly as I passed by on the way to grab some bubble tea nearby. The store is deceivingly large as it goes back pretty far. This is not your typical Game Stop type of place with video games, this is more fantasy/dice/board/card game spot. They sell tons of figurines, both completed and unpainted. They also have tons of different paints for sale to create your own masterpiece! They have a whiteboard with a schedule on the wall of their daily events. As of 12/4/21 it was: Monday: Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) Tuesday: Infinity Wednesday: D&D "Recruiting DMs" Thursday: Star Wars Armada / Legion Friday: "Friday Night Magic" Saturday: Age of Sigmar Sunday: Warhammer 40,000 They sold decks of cards for games like Magic and others, various colored and sized dice, as well as specialty versions of board games like chess, CodeNames, Catan, etc. There are tons of tables set up for people to play the various games, and also areas where they have models and terrain and boards for war and other games laying out -- you can get a day pass to "Play All Day" for $5. There was one guy working who was friendly and greeted us as we came in. He was chatting with a customer who seemed to be a regular. In the back were two older gentlemen chatting at one of the tables. One guy was eating a sandwich (guess they allow food) and we found out he was a regular after chatting him up briefly. There is also a small section of comics for you comic book lovers. They have a drink cooler up front with beverages for sale like water and various glass-bottled sodas. I am more of a console video gamer myself, however I really enjoyed looking around this place and saw a handful of things I was interested in. For those into games like Magic, D&D, etc., I highly recommend checking out this hidden gaming gem! Gaming YouTube/Twitch/Instagram/TikTok - @FriscoGiants13 read more

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We stopped by on a Saturday afternoon, and there wasnt much going on. We told the person working that it was our first time in the shop. He said ok. He wasn't very welcoming and he didn't tell us much about anything. We realized they had games you can play for $5 for all day. This was a good deal so we played a game. It was okay, my som liked it so we purchased it. Problem was it was mispriced and was 129 not the 69 it said on it. I didnt want to make my 13 year okd decide so we went ahead with purchase. He wasn't apologetic in the slightest bit. If your looking for customer service, this may not be the place. We will probably go back. But we know what to expect now. read more

Made to feel extremely uncomfortable in the store on a Sunday. I don't know if he was the owner or just somebody who worked there, but he completely ignored me even though I made an effort to acknowledge him, yet he greeted my husband with no issues. The really weird incident occurred right before we left the store. I have a kind of large back tattoo that was partially covered by what I was wearing. He asked about it... but spoke to my husband, not me. Not sure what the person who doesn't have THAT back tattoo could tell you about his spouse's body, but it was very clear between the lack of eye contact and objectification that I was not welcome in the space as a femme. read more

Great local spot to buy cards and other collectibles. The owner and staff are extremely friendly and very fair priced. Great environment for new players as well. read more

I have to admit. I recently got into MTG and was excited to meet and entirely different community. Although the players are nice this place was odd. I may not look like the stereotypical MTG player, heck, you'd never imagine me playing MTG. I was not welcomed by the owner and his gf, and I was often stared at while shopping as if I was going to sell something. I expected this culture to be more welcoming than sports, but it wasn't read more

There are worlds in here. Really more like universes with multiple worlds. Our world would be better off if there were more spaces like this. Specifically places where real humans come together in the real world places where we can safely live at our dreams and let imagination run free. read more

My husband and I had walked by this place several times and always told ourselves we would go in 1 day and check it out. That day came this weekend when we walked over to Heretic Games to see what type of activities laid within. First thing I noticed was how packed this place was with people sitting at tables playing games either on their own or in large groups. They also have these giant tables that have 3d models of fantasy worlds where people are playing with one another and strategizing on the best course of action forward. My husband and I were primarily interested in getting a new board game to play and one of the staff members spent a large amount of his time walking us through his various favorites that were aligned with what our interests were. You could tell he really knew his stuff and had experience with pretty much every game that they sold. We ended up leaving with Hunt for the Ring - a LOTR board game that my husband is now super excited to break out and play. read more

I stopped by to pick up an online order and the people inside were friendly and my order was ready. Very smooth transaction. The only thing I would note is that they were doing some painting inside so heads up if you're particularly sensitive to fumes. read more

One of my favorite game stores. Knowledgeable and friendly. I wish they were closer to me. I could easily spend hours here if I had the time. read more

This place is pretty much everything I need in a game store... G R E A T set of regular & new players. Spacious tables. Byo food allowed. (real lifesaver) Clean & not stank. Mellow staff. Like 15 min drive outta SF. I just go to meet w friends & play *not* Dungeons & Dragons. I haven't bought merch here = Idk firsthand about the selection, but it always looks huge. That's what she said. I really like that the $5 gaming fee goes to store credit instead of just disappearing. I redeem it for "free" drinks and might eventually get a game or something "on the house". read more

Very kind and helpful when it comes to purchasing mtg singles. Happy that it's super convenient!

I appreciate the amazing events, customer support, and attentiveness Heretic Games provides for the community. I was looking at a particular item that wasn't in stock and they had it ordered and ready for pick up within a week. Pre-COVID, I've always walked past this place on the way to get AquaClub and it was always jam packed with patrons during games nights. I can't wait for the pandemic to be over and join one of these nights. Thank you again for providing great games for my family to enjoy during this pandemic! read more

The owner Scott was extremely nice and patient with teaching me how to play Star Trek Attack Wing; multiple times he had to explain the rules and symbols. Occasionally he even made suggestions on what I should do; basically a copilot or an advisor. Despite being confused and losing it was plenty fun. By the third game I played with the staff and friends, I got the hang of it. The store is open, bright, and very clean! There was so much variety of games it could almost be overwhelming! But the staff was so knowledgable and friendly it doesn't even matter! read more

Heretic Games - A MAGIC tournament! - Hobby Shops Near Me - San Bruno, California

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Super clean, inviting store with large open areas (a rarity in this kind of store). Friendly and knowledgeable staff who welcome everyone who enters with refreshing hospitality. Looking forward to having a place to not only buy but also PLAY games close to San Francisco. read more

Heretic Games - Neat receipt! - Hobby Shops Near Me - San Bruno, California

This spacious little shop is located in downtown San Bruno in between Busy Bakers and Cleo's Brazilian Steakhouse. Only street parking or public parking lots available. Geared towards games only, there's actually no comics here which really surprised me since most shops is half a comic book store and half boardgames. They have open board games if you want to try any out on the many available tables. They also sell Bundaberg drinks! Third toy store in a day to try to find 2 card games on the way to a birthday party in S. San Francisco. Looked around but was never greeted even though there were only a few people playing a game at one of the tables. Found one of the card games we were looking for here (FINALLY!) in a tiny corner by the register. We were about to leave too but I spotted it right as we were exiting. Picked up one of two copies left of One Night Warewolf for $25. It's kind of like Mafia if you've never played. GREAT party game since you can have lots of players. The gentleman at the cashier offered to place a specialty order for the other game we were looking for (Coup), but the shop is too far away from where my BF lives for it to be convenient. Great place to check out. read more

Heretic Games - Hobby Shops Near Me - San Bruno, California

I build model kits and this my go to place for Citadel, Vallejo and Master Series paint great selections plus they carry the different size brushes. I also use some of the miniature gaming bases and terrains as well. Great friendly environment. A cool place to checkout for sure. read more

I was curious about getting started with miniature painting, and Scott was really awesome and patient in providing me recommendations on what to get started with. He provided numerous tips on painting techniques, helped me pick out some starting paint colors and even gave me a free open box miniature to practice with! Super awesome customer service! Would definitely visit the store again if I need paint supplies. read more

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This is the premiere warhammer shop in the Bay Area. Thy have an amazing stock of models and painting supplies. In the rare case thy do not have what I am looking for, they have quickly ordered stuff for me. I am part of a large 30k group and heretic games has always been overly accommodating for game days, often providing up to 7 or 8 reserves tables. Some other shops in the Bay Area have treated us like they are doing us a favor by hosting where heretic treats ya as guests. They have even opened up discount pricing for the day on GW products for participants. The store has amazing gaming tables and terrain and there are many cabinets filled with awesome painted miniatures. This seriously is the go to spot for warhammer and it wouldn't surprise me if the other gaming system players hold Heretic Games in the same regard. read more

My friends and I play a decent amount of boardgames so I thought I would check this place out, maybe pick up a new game for the group. They have a decent selection of good games, some I have spent many hours playing. The prices are more expensive than Amazon, but if you can't wait expect to pay a few bucks more. I picked up Pandemic Legacy for $50, but when I went to pay I was overcharged $20. When I pointed this out to the sales rep he scoffed and said it was sales tax. As I stood there stunned at the absurdity of a 40 percent sales tax he noticed the error in his system and began processing the return. This would have been fine if not for the incredulous attitude of this guy. When it came time to return the money, he did not say anything, just looked at me like I was supposed to know what hes been poking around on the register for for the last 5 minutes in silence. Then he sarcastically asked "Do you want your money back or not?!". I have worked in retail before, this is definitely not how you provide customer service. As a sales associate you take charge of the interaction and if there is a mistake, you let customer know how you will correct it. I will not be returning to this shop, there is simply no reason to. The staff is unhelpful and uncommunicative and the products are not anything you could not get cheaper online and wait a few days for. read more

If you have someone in your life who is into board gaming this is a great place to go to get them a gift. My husband is a gamer and I'm not. I went there to get him a game for his birthday. It was one of the easiest and most pleasant purchasing experiences I can remember. I walked in on a Saturday and saw lots of people at tables playing games. Looked around and saw a dude sitting behind the register. He offered to help me. I told him I was not a gamer but my husband was and I wanted to get him a new game for his birthday. I said I needed a good recommendation. He asked me questions about the type of games my husband played and then offered a few suggestions. He explained each game he suggested and asked more questions about my husband's gaming group and made a final recommendation. It was like working with a well seasoned "Game Sommelier" Within a few minutes I had the perfect birthday gift for my husband. read more

I saw my sentiments echoed in a few other reviews, but I feel the need to chime in. Sunday night, rainy. Drove around the block four times to find parking. I'm not a local - just had to drop someone off at SFO. I love game stores. I have been frequenting them for thirty years. I love to find new stores, explore them, maybe find a deal or something rare and obscure. When I walked in, there is one employee and two other people in the store. As several others have noted, there was no greeting, no "can I help you?". Okay. Gamers are not always the most socially adept people, but this is Retail 101. I shopped for a solid ten minutes. The selection was decent, not brilliant. The signs on the tables displaying the cost to play on a table reeked of desperation, but this obviously a high rent neighborhood. Okay. I had a cup of coffee an hour before, and I asked if there was a bathroom. I was informed that the bathroom was for customers. I thought that since I was in the store and actively shopping that I had cleared that hurdle, but no. Apparently I needed to spend money before I was allowed access to the toilet. This is bad enough for me, really. The F in FLGS is supposed to mean Friendly, not F-ed up. The manner in which I was refused, the snide and dismissive manner was wholly unprofessional and entirely off-putting. Very "Android's Dungeon." I walked out. I was not happy and that was obvious. So, if this is your beloved FLGS, then have at it. I would rather shop online than support a store that is this unfriendly and poorly staffed. read more

The most legit game store on the peninsula, with the nicest gaming area.

My gf and I were looking for a game to get on the way home. We were thinking of getting Twilight Struggle. The guy at the register was friendly while we looked through the games. Girl tried to help us while we looked. I had to use the bathroom, and asked her if they had one. She said "sorry it's only for customers.." Uhh.. We are customers? And then she said I can use the Starbucks across the street. Thought it was a little rude of her and she even pointed us to a closed Starbucks. We left without purchase because that was too rude. Made us feel so unwelcomed. Was I supposed to buy first before I can be considered a customer? Usually I support these shops instead of buying at Amazon.. But not coming back to this one, so one star. read more

Great new shop - glad I stopped in before heading to the airport. Large stock for a new game store and a variety of open board games for you to sit down and play. Oh, and their custom gaming tables are reeeeally cool! read more

Super fun place to hang out...awesome game spot for game night!!! Scott was super friendly and one day I will swing by to make new friends and play some games!! read more

Heretic Games - Free game night social - Hobby Shops Near Me - San Bruno, California

Largest selection of games I seen around. Friendly staff who helped with all my gaming needs. They have a great set up for Star Trek Attack Wing and all the most popular ships in store for a very reasonable price. On top of that they have a huge selection of demo games for me and all my friends. read more

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Awesome place, lots of table spaces to play Star Trek Attack Wing, X-wing, D&D, magic The Gathering and more. Sonya, Scott and David are very knowledgeable are experts at different genre of the hobby. Great place to come by and browse, and maybe join a round of tabletop game or two. read more

I was pretty much looking for two specific games. I walked in and was immediately greeted. The guy was super friendly and I told him the first card game I've been searching for Gloom. BAM! It was in my hands. Lo, and behold...right next to where it was, was the other card game I was looking for. Resistance! I talked to him about games similar to those (being I work with twisted highschoolers) and showed me many more choices. Definitely coming back for more! Awesome selection! +2 stars Awesome & knowledgeable staff! +2 Stars Clean and spacious! +1 star read more

Best place ever. Home away from home. Sonya, Scott, and Dave are great people, and on any given day, every player in the store is warm and friendly. Good parking in a lot behind the store, or on the street. Great selection of board games--they basically have everything you could want. Enthusiast's selection of tabletop gaming products, X-Wing, Malifaux, and Games Workshop products. They have the best tables in the Bay for tabletop gaming, and the community of gamers is active and welcoming. Friday Night Magic and good weekend limited games. This place is as casual or as intense as you want it to be. read more

This place was exactly what I needed for my board game-loving kids. David was super helpful in recommending new strategy and cooperative games great for all ages (not an easy task when shopping for kids ranging from 8-18 + their adult parents). The store is pretty simple but they built some great table displays where large groups can play out their competitions. Plus have other gaming tables where they host game nights throughout the week. The staff was friendly and helpful, and their selection was unique. Wouldn't come here if you're looking to replace your Uno deck or Disney Monopoly game....but def check it out if you want to find new ways to game and play. read more

This is a decent table games and Magic store. They sell good packs, I bought 3 last packs from a conspiracy box but still got a mythic rare, a foil rare and one of the most expensive cards from the set in these packs. Owner is very open and nice guy. read more

I just moved back to San Bruno and in my absence I gained a local game store! I dropped by yesterday and the Staff was super friendly, I look forward to giving them as much business as I can. San Bruno now has the coolest downtown ever =) Cheers! read more

There aren't a lot of game stores like this in the South Bay, so we were really excited to stumble upon Heretic Games! We actually came here to buy Code Names, which was $20 cheaper than an Amazon. But I would always say to double check anyway, because Smallworld was $15 more expensive than Amazon. The guy manning the store was extremely helpful! He had played a lot of other board games before and seemed to know his stuff! I also really like that the space is so big. They have a lot of opened board games that they welcome you to try out and play, so this is great for trying out new games. They also have a big selection as well, and all the popular AND newer games! If you're looking for a game store, this is definitely a stop to make! read more

I called in asking if anyone was just hanging around casually playing magic, and the girl on the phone offered to play me :) the other staff I have spoken with have also been really nice, but I was especially appreciative of having someone to play against! The prices are a little high, but it's a brick and mortar store, so I get it, and am cool supporting it. I think they said they do booster drafts on Sundays, so I'm looking forward to trying it out here read more

A relatively new store with fantastic customer service. A small store that nevertheless has a strong selection of games, and located in a nice cute little part of town with a downtown feel. Besides a strong selection, customer service is the best I've ever experienced. I attempted to preregister for a competitive Magic the Gathering event, and due to a miscommunication spots ran out and I was placed on a waitlist. I figured I had no chance-until a store employee called me. I want to reiterate-this store employee CALLED a gamer customer! Instead of avoiding possible negative interactions with angry competitive Magic gamers, she called and let me know that a spot was available, and it wound up being a great event. Prize support was great as well ($30 entry but everyone in the top 8 got a box-extremely great.) Other stores that are bigger but have much worse prizing (cough cough Isle of Gamers-where top 4 at a sealed PPTQ gets 4 packs?) should take note. 10/10 travelling to the store again! read more

I'm very sorry for writing this terrible review as I really hate doing so but after repeated negative experiences, my husband and I felt the need to do so. TL:DR: Unprofessional staff, rude staff, untrained staff, and un kept play space with a lacking inventory and knowledge of the hobby they are supporting. Full version: My husband and I have had multiple negative experiences with the staff and the establishment as a whole but we've given the place multiple chances in hopes of better experiences and each time it has failed us. This review encompasses both of our experiences. First bad experience: My husband and I were there looking around and decided to impulse buy an expansion that we noticed to be priced better than we'd previously seen. When we were paying, we corrected the employee about the tagged price which led the employee in question to openly yell and berate another employee in front of us (and any other customers in the store at the time). There was even minor swearing in the verbal assault. He agreed to refund us the difference that was tagged but that took over 15 minutes to process while I went to another store to wait for my husband to finish the transaction. While I understand the place failing to price things correctly can seriously hurt livelihoods. It is extremely unprofessional to attack another employee in front of guests. Second bad experience: My husband and I stopped by shortly after the time of opening but the place was closed. After a quick look around and through the window, we decided to head off. As we were leaving, the employee arrived and didn't acknowledge us as he went inside and we turned around to wait for him to open. After several more minutes, he still hadn't opened and we chose to leave. I can accept when someone's running late to open a store but if there are people waiting, you shift your opening protocol and let them in, apologize for the delay in getting the lights or register on while they start looking around...you don't ignore them and leave them outside. Heck, even a, "sorry guys, give me 5 minutes. Can you come back?" would have made a heck of a huge difference for us. Third and fourth bad experiences: The place hasn't been open too long but unlike places like Game Kastle, which works to keep their play space clean and organize. The tables and play space were ill kept and the store wasn't even busy. In addition, during one visit, the store was empty but the employee behind the register didn't even bother to greet me with a simply hello or welcome when I entered the store. Aside from that, my husband has called the place to ask about their stock of a game and the employees didn't even have any clue as to the existence of a mainstream game. read more

This is an absolutely fantastic store. The management is incredibly helpful and friendly and I have been very impressed by the number of events they hold each week. Personally, I love to attend their Friday Night Magic the Gathering tournaments and I had an awesome time at the pre-release sealed tournament on Saturday. They have every game imaginable and a large collection towards the back where you can try before you buy ^_^ (I think they will even play with you to show you how it works!) Overall and awesome place to come hang out and I will definitely be coming every chance I get! read more