How to Find Local Gamers: The Miniature Hobbyist’s Six Tip Guide

“How to find local gamers” is probably the biggest problem facing the modern-day miniature hobby enthusiast. Very few of us are looking for a game every night, or even every week. But let’s face it, we’d all probably like to play at least a handful more games each year.

Chaotic warband: How to find local gamers
Those weird guys down your local club or store.

On this episode of the Tabletop Miniature Hobby Podcast, I’m teaming up with Dan of Paint All The Minis to try and help you get more games in.

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How to Find Local Gamers

Dan and I found there to be six ways to find local gamers to play miniature games against (and with). We go into depth on each in this episode, but at a glance, here they are:

Convert a Friend: Is there someone you already know who might enjoy a game of something. Dan likes to test the water with an out-the-box game like Space Hulk. I think Song of Blades & Heroes works well for this.

Play Solo: Do you need to find local gamers to play against? Not necessarily. Solo wargaming exploded in popularity during the pandemic, and Rangers of Shadow Deep is one of the best games around.

Your Local Club or Store: Sounds like a no-brainer, but here’s a place where you’ll definitely find local gamers.

Apps & Tech: GameFor was a handy app where you could find gamers in your area. It isn’t available at the moment, but it’s apparently on its way back. Dan also recommends Tabletop Simulator which is the best online substitute for an in-person game.

Posters or Flyers: Is there a local community centre or library in your area? Then why not stick something up on their noticeboard. Better yet, order a few thousand leaflets and pop them through every door in your neighbourhood!

Social Media: The low-hanging fruit option. The games you like probably have communities on platforms like Facebook and Reddit. So why not just ask if there’s anyone nearby?

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