For those who love games, it can be a hobby that lasts a lifetime. The communities that love tabletop games (both board games and miniature-based games), role-playing games, and card games have many devoted enthusiasts who eagerly show up for new figures or new editions of the game. Salem and Keizer are lucky to have some excellent game stores that sell these items and also offer opportunities to connect with the larger gaming communities for that particular game.
Wild Things Games
241 Commercial Street NE, Salem
Wild Things Games is a Salem institution. People come from all over the Willamette Valley to visit Wild Things, especially for their extensive collection of single cards. They sell single cards from all of the major card games, including Digimon, Dragon Ball, Lorcana, Magic, Pokémon, Star Wars and more. For Magic: The Gathering, they even have a function on their website to build your own deck, and they will try to source the cards you’re looking for. If you want to start playing any of these card games, you’re in luck as well – they have an extensive collection of card packs and beginner sets.
In addition to the cards, Wild Things has a wide variety of game-related merchandise for role-playing games and tabletop games. They have a large area devoted to Dungeons and Dragons, including books, figures, and memorabilia. For anyone who loves dice, especially Dungeons and Dragons dice, the dice cabinet at Wild Things is a must-visit stop. From handmade metal dice to tiny, inexpensive sets, you are bound to find a set you love. Tabletop games are well-represented at Wild Things. If Warhammer 40,000, Star Wars, or Marvel are your style, they have a good selection of miniatures from a variety of armies. In addition to the sets, they have a strong selection of paints, finishes, terrain, and brushes for anyone looking to bring the miniatures to life. Finally, the store sells board games, aimed at an adult audience. For those who like new, complex board games with fabulous graphics, the selection at Wild Things is a wonderful stop.
Wild Things is also the site of weekly and monthly card game tournaments and Dungeons & Dragons meetups, with occasional tabletop games as well. The weekly and monthly tournaments are designed for experienced players, and most have an entry fee. There are so many weekly and monthly card games that we can’t list them here, so be sure to check their event schedule. Finally, they host a biweekly queer and trans game night to help youth around Salem find community and shared interests. Wild Things truly is a resource for anyone in the Willamette Valley who likes to play games.
Treasure Trove Games
3800 River Road North, Suite 160, Keizer
Treasure Trove Games is another outstanding game store in Marion County, with a real focus on the game community and promoting it. While it has a lot of the same stock as Wild Things Games, Treasure Trove Games is exceptional for those who want to find others to play games with or to learn how to play the card and tabletop games they sell. In addition to the shop, which has tabletop and RPG-related merchandise, cards, and stock for miniature painting, they have a large back room with 10+ tables large enough for tabletop games that anyone can use. They have also opened a separate painting area, with painting supplies and occasional workshops for miniature painters.
Treasure Trove Games has a robust section of Warhammer 40,000 and good selections of Battletech, Malifaux, Moonstone, Necromunda, and various historical armies for tabletop wargaming. All of these tabletop games have days when players are welcome to come and set up in the back room to play. Even though they don’t have the same single-card business as Wild Things, they sell new packs of some of the most popular card games – Magic: The Gathering, One Piece, Star Wars, Lorcana – and host play nights for the games. Unlike at Wild Things, beginners can show up and learn (with workshops available at different times) free of charge. The welcoming nature of Treasure Trove Games for people of all ages and abilities makes it a great place to game.
Radar Toys
1440 Lancaster Drive NE, Salem
Radar Toys has a much smaller selection of tabletop games and paints, but they have a great selection of board games and puzzles. They also have an area with tables open, welcoming anyone to come in and play games. Radar Toys also carries an array of comics, collectibles, and all-around great toys like Legos, stuffed animals, slime and fidgets, and pretty much anything you’d want in a toy store.
Whether you’re a long-time enthusiast or just getting started, the game stores in Salem and Keizer have pretty much anything you’d want. From buying your first set to learning the game, or being advanced enough to join a tournament, there is something for anyone at any level. Check these places out, and happy gaming!
