Austin is known for its thriving Magic: The Gathering (MTG) community, with a variety of stores catering to both competitive players and casual enthusiasts. Whether you’re looking for singles, boosters, or places to participate in tournaments, these are the top 10 Magic: The Gathering stores in Austin:
1. Dragon’s Lair Austin
Location: 2438 W. Anderson Ln, Austin, TX 78757
Dragon’s Lair is one of the best and most well-known game stores in Austin. It offers a large selection of Magic: The Gathering cards, boosters, and accessories. The store is known for its great community, hosting frequent tournaments such as Friday Night Magic (FNM), Drafts, and Modern events. Whether you’re a casual player or a competitive one, Dragon’s Lair is a must-visit for any MTG enthusiast in Austin.
2. Mothership Games
Location: 4001-A, 14015 N I-35 Frontage Rd, Austin, TX 78728
Mothership Games is a favorite among local MTG players, offering a wide range of Magic cards, booster packs, and accessories. The store is known for its welcoming atmosphere and regularly hosts tournaments and casual events, such as FNM, Commander nights, and Drafts. Mothership Games also offers various other games and collectibles, making it a great spot for all types of gamers.
3. Austin Books & Comics
Location: 5002 N. Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78751
While primarily a comic book store, Austin Books & Comics is also a top destination for Magic: The Gathering players. The store offers a variety of MTG products, including singles, booster packs, and accessories. They host regular events such as FNM and other Magic tournaments. The store’s knowledgeable staff and inclusive environment make it a fantastic place for both beginners and experienced players.
4. The King’s Games
Location: 3801 S. Congress Ave Suite D, Austin, TX 78704
The King’s Games is a fantastic game store that offers a broad selection of Magic: The Gathering products, including singles and booster packs. They host numerous MTG events, including FNM, Standard, Modern, and Commander tournaments. The store is known for its casual and competitive atmosphere, making it a great place to meet new people and engage in exciting gameplay.
5. Guardians Games
Location: 12904 N. Hwy 183 Suite F, Austin, TX 78753
Guardians Games is a hidden gem for Magic: The Gathering fans in Austin. The store carries a wide range of Magic cards and accessories, as well as a strong collection of singles. Guardians Games hosts a variety of events, from casual Commander nights to intense competitive tournaments. The store is particularly known for its friendly staff and community-oriented events, making it perfect for MTG enthusiasts.
6. Empire Games
Location: 6240 Burnet Rd #C, Austin, TX 78757
Empire Games is an excellent spot for Magic: The Gathering fans in Austin. The store offers a variety of MTG products, including booster packs, singles, and accessories. Empire Games frequently hosts local events such as FNM, Modern tournaments, and Draft nights. The store has a great atmosphere for competitive players, but it’s also a welcoming environment for those new to the game.
7. Big Frog Toys & Games
Location: 13265 Hwy 183 N Suite 625, Austin, TX 78750
Big Frog Toys & Games is a family-friendly store offering a variety of board games, card games, and collectibles. Magic: The Gathering is one of the store’s major focuses, with a great selection of singles, boosters, and accessories. The store is known for its friendly environment and community-oriented events, including FNM and Drafts. Big Frog is a great place for new players to dive into Magic and for veterans to find competitive events.
8. Game Over Video Games
Location: 2309 W. Anderson Ln Ste 210, Austin, TX 78757
Game Over Video Games is a well-established gaming store in Austin that specializes in vintage games, but it also has a fantastic selection of Magic: The Gathering products. From singles to booster packs and accessories, Game Over offers it all. They regularly host Magic events like FNM and casual Commander nights, making it a great place for both casual and competitive players to hang out and enjoy the game.
9. Fun & Games
Location: 3710 Far West Blvd Ste 113, Austin, TX 78731
Fun & Games is a great place to find Magic: The Gathering products in Austin. They carry a large selection of cards, from singles to booster packs, and offer a variety of Magic-related accessories. Fun & Games regularly hosts tournaments, such as FNM, Modern, and Drafts, as well as Commander nights. The store’s welcoming environment and well-organized events make it a fantastic option for all types of players.
10. The Game Closet
Location: 2121 W. Parmer Ln, Austin, TX 78727
The Game Closet is a local game store that carries a variety of Magic: The Gathering singles, booster packs, and play accessories. The store is particularly known for its laid-back atmosphere and welcoming community. They host regular MTG events, including FNM and Commander nights. If you’re looking for a friendly place to pick up cards or enjoy a fun event, The Game Closet is a great choice.
Tips for Magic: The Gathering Players in Austin:
- Join the Community: Stores like Mothership Games and Dragon’s Lair have vibrant communities, so be sure to get involved in events like FNM and casual play nights.
- Check for Promotions and Sales: Keep an eye out for store-specific promotions, especially for big Magic releases or holiday sales, where stores like The King’s Games and Big Frog Toys & Games often offer great deals.
- Be Active in Events: Participating in tournaments and casual play nights can improve your skills and help you connect with other players. Many stores in Austin, like Guardians Games and Empire Games, host regular events that you won’t want to miss.
Conclusion:
Austin boasts a variety of excellent Magic: The Gathering stores, from large, well-known locations like Dragon’s Lair to smaller gems like The Game Closet. Whether you’re a competitive player or just looking for a casual environment to enjoy the game, these top 10 stores have everything you need. Visit them to expand your collection, participate in exciting tournaments, and become part of the vibrant Magic community in Austin!