New York City is home to an energetic and diverse Magic: The Gathering (MTG) community. Whether you’re a casual player, a competitive enthusiast, or a collector, the city offers a wide range of stores that specialize in MTG cards, accessories, and events. Here’s a curated list of the top 10 MTG stores in New York, where you can find everything from booster packs to singles, along with exciting events and tournaments.
1. The Compleat Strategist
Location: 11 E 33rd St, New York, NY 10016
One of the most iconic game stores in NYC, The Compleat Strategist has been a staple for board gamers and card game enthusiasts for over 40 years. They offer a massive selection of Magic: The Gathering cards, along with hosting regular tournaments and casual play events. The store is also known for its friendly and knowledgeable staff.
2. The Uncommons
Location: 230 Thompson St, New York, NY 10012
This board game café in Greenwich Village is a perfect spot for Magic players who want to relax and play in a comfortable setting. The Uncommons offers a large inventory of MTG cards, booster packs, and accessories. With frequent events and tournaments, it’s a great place to meet other Magic players in NYC.
3. Kings Games
Location: 1685 E 15th St, Brooklyn, NY 11229
Kings Games in Brooklyn is a fantastic store for Magic players, offering a wide variety of MTG cards and collectibles. They have an inviting community space where they host regular tournaments and other events. Whether you’re new to the game or an experienced player, Kings Games provides a welcoming environment.
4. Midtown Comics
Location: 64 Fulton St, New York, NY 10038
Midtown Comics is a major comic store with locations throughout the city, and its selection of Magic: The Gathering cards is extensive. The flagship store in downtown Manhattan offers a wide variety of MTG products, including cards, boosters, and deck-building supplies. They also hold occasional MTG events, making it a must-visit for collectors and players.
5. Comic Book Jones
Location: 2220 Forest Ave, Staten Island, NY 10303
Comic Book Jones is a beloved comic store in Staten Island that offers a wide variety of Magic: The Gathering cards, booster packs, and accessories. The store frequently hosts tournaments and other events, drawing a loyal following of competitive players.
6. GameOn Games
Location: 107-22 70th Rd, Forest Hills, NY 11375
Located in Queens, GameOn Games is an excellent destination for Magic: The Gathering enthusiasts. The store offers a wide selection of singles, booster packs, and playmats. They also host regular MTG events, including casual play nights and competitive tournaments.
7. Forbidden Planet
Location: 832 Broadway, New York, NY 10003
Forbidden Planet is a popular comic book and pop culture store that also carries a variety of Magic: The Gathering cards. Their selection is diverse, and the store is known for hosting regular events for all kinds of games, including MTG. It’s a great stop for both casual collectors and competitive players.
8. The Painted Labyrinth
Location: 176 E 2nd St, New York, NY 10009
This store in the East Village offers a broad range of board games, collectibles, and Magic: The Gathering cards. The Painted Labyrinth also hosts a variety of gaming events, from casual play to competitive tournaments. Their staff is very knowledgeable and always happy to help newcomers with deck-building advice or finding specific cards.
9. Total Sports Cards
Location: 3024 Hempstead Turnpike, Levittown, NY 11756
Although a bit outside Manhattan, Total Sports Cards in Levittown is a great place to check out if you’re a Magic: The Gathering enthusiast. This store has a large collection of MTG singles and packs and is well-known in the Long Island area for hosting some of the best MTG tournaments.
10. The Labyrinth
Location: 265 5th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11215
The Labyrinth is a Brooklyn-based store that specializes in trading cards, including Magic: The Gathering. They have a wide selection of cards for both casual players and serious collectors. The store hosts weekly Magic events and offers a community-driven environment for all players to enjoy.
Tips for Magic Players in NYC:
- Check Event Schedules: Many stores like The Compleat Strategist and Kings Games host regular Magic tournaments and events. Be sure to check their websites or social media for the latest schedules and announcements.
- Attend Pre-Release Events: Stores like The Uncommons and Midtown Comics often host pre-release events for new MTG sets, which are a great way to get early access to cards and meet other players.
- Look for Singles: If you’re looking for specific cards, stores like Kings Games, The Painted Labyrinth, and Midtown Comics offer large selections of singles, so you don’t have to rely solely on booster packs.
Conclusion
New York City is a treasure trove for Magic: The Gathering fans, with a variety of stores offering everything from rare singles to tournaments and casual play events. Whether you’re looking for cards, accessories, or a community to connect with, the top 10 MTG stores listed above are the best spots in NYC to satisfy your Magic needs!