Gauntlet Games

Gauntlet Games is a game store at 3219 S 13th St in Lincoln, Nebraska, split about evenly between retail shelves and room to play. It stocks board games, miniatures and tabletop war games, role-playing games, dice and hobby supplies, with collectible card games, led by Magic: The Gathering, as one part of that mix. It suits players who want a table and a crowd as much as a purchase, and gamers who like a store with some history behind it.

What's on the shelves

The card game section carries Magic: The Gathering, Legend of the Five Rings, Game of Thrones, Star Wars: Destiny and Munchkin, along with a range of other titles. Defunct FFG card games such as Android: Netrunner and Warhammer 40K: Conquest are still available while supplies last. Singles for collectible card games are sold in limited supply, so this is a place to pick up packs and boxed product more than a deep singles inventory.

Beyond cards, the store carries a wide selection of board games, from family staples to heavier titles like Scythe, Pandemic and Twilight Imperium. Miniature games include Age of Sigmar, Warhammer 40K, Star Wars: X-Wing Miniatures Game and Kings of War, along with the hobby side of those games: paints, brushes, modeling tools and putty, scenics and terrain, card sleeves and playmats, and storage boxes with foam inserts. Dice come in buckets, in many colors and sizes, and role-playing games are stocked across fantasy, science fiction, superhero, western and cyberpunk settings.

Anything not on the shelf can be special ordered, and the order typically arrives within a few days.

Used games and selling

A used games bin rotates fairly often and holds games, books, miniatures, supplements, expansions and accessories, both out of print and current. It is a common stop for anyone hunting older Games Workshop miniatures to kit bash.

The store also buys used games and books. Bring them in, and if the store wants them, an offer and payment happen on the spot, with no shipping or waiting.

Play space and community

The card game area has room for a pair of friends or a large tournament group. Tabletop war games have free space and plenty of terrain to play on in the store. Role-playing groups meet there regularly, and an in-store message board lists groups looking for more players.

The store hosts leagues, tournaments and special gaming events through the year, and runs new game demonstrations. Dates go on the in-store events board, a dry-erase calendar. Anyone curious about a game on the shelves can ask, and staff or other patrons can demo it. Snacks and beverages are sold at modest prices for long sessions.

Hours and getting there

The store sits at 3219 S 13th St, Lincoln, NE 68502.

History

The store has been in business for 20 years, and its gaming community goes back further. That community traces to Hobbies Etc. at the original Reunion Building location in downtown Lincoln, and to Spellbound Books and Games in the years that followed. Regulars from those earlier shops still make up part of the core crowd, joined by newer players.

The local scene

Behind The Glass Comic Book Art Gallery is in the same spot as Gauntlet Games, so the two pair easily on one trip. About 2.3 miles away are Trade A Tape Comic Book Center and Dolezal's S.J. Antiques, Collectibles, Jewelry, Appraisals/Referrals & Purchases. Gameroom is about 2.4 miles away, and Video Games And Booze about 2.6 miles.