Gaming & Arcades in Indianapolis

Press Play on Fun in Indy

Dive into the joystick jungle of Indianapolis with our guide to gaming and arcades that will level up your fun. From retro arcades that send you on a nostalgic quest to the latest gaming lounges, here is your cheat code to an epic adventure through the playful side of the Circle City. Explore our all-inclusive guide to gaming in the Circle City, dubbed one of the best places to game in the country. 

Gaming Events

Gen Con: July 31-August 3, 2025

Gen Con is the original, longest-running, best-attended gaming convention in the world. Each year, over 65,000 people make the pilgrimage to engage with thousands of events, a cosplay costume contest, film festival, anime, Authors' Avenue, art show, and more. "The Best Four Days in Gaming" fills both the Indiana Convention Center and Lucas Oil Stadium with the fun spilling out onto South Street for daily food trucks and events. If you are a gamer, Gen Con is a bucket list experience.

Who's Yer Con: April 18-21, 2025

Board game fans flock to this free, tabletop gaming convention that features a large game library (you borrow what you want to play), a dealer hall, kids' activities, escape rooms, a dance, game demos, and plenty of open gaming space.

Eat and Drink Like Pac-Man

These gaming-themed hot-spots are your haven in Indy. Enjoy the best game-themed cocktails, tasty treats, and authentic antique arcade games. 

• Tappers Arcade Bar: Located in the Fletcher Place neighborhood, Tappers stole the scene as Indy's original retro arcade bar. You'll find over 60 free-to-play games, regional craft beer, mouth-watering snacks, and craft cocktails. Don't miss themed trivia on Wednesdays and Sundays. 
• 16-Bit Bar+Arcade: This newest addition to downtown is redefining how a night out is best played. Offering classic arcade games, pinball, skeeball, old-school cocktails, and an awesome beer selection, 16-Bit will have you partying like it’s 1999, or 1989 for that matter.
• TILT Studio, Punch Bowl Social, Glow Golf, etc: These spots in Circle Centre mall have entertainment of all types: arcades, hyper-bowling, laser tag, a real Indy 500 Race Car Challenge, bowling, karaoke, table games,  miniature golf, and so much more. 
• Books + Brews: Conceived as a "place for people without a place," Books + Brews mixes craft beer, literature, table games, and community engagement to create a unique space for people to proudly be themselves. 
• Press Play Gaming Lounge: Brownsburg boasts this high-tech Ultra VR studio. Eat and game, book a party, and enter the omniverse.

Gaming Gear 

If you're in Indy and you need gear, these local shops have you covered.

• Good Games: The first US location for Good Games is right in the heart of downtown Indy. With over 20 tables and seating for well over 100, they are sure to have just the game for you and room to play.
• The Exchange: This Broad Ripple staple is your spot for vintage video games. Everything from CDs, to DVDs, to massive finds await you. 
• The Game Preserve: With two stores in the Indy area (Greenwood, Castleton) The Game Preserve is one of the longest-running shops specializing in miniatures, workshops, puzzles, and games of all types.
• Game Time: Stop by this Castleton store for Pokemon, board games, Magic the Gathering, storage supplies, and any gaming accessories you may need.
• Family Time Games: Gamers on Indy's northwest side trust the store to find just the right game for any family. It's a one-stop destination for all your gaming needs.
• Paradigm Games: Positioning itself as a friendly, local game store, Paradigm provides a welcoming space for all ages. Try before you buy with selections from the board game library.
• Saltire Games: Buy here, play here at this far eastside shop. Find new and used games of all types. If you don't find what you seek, Saltire will order it for you.
• Grandmaster Games: This Southport location is THE place to play card games in Indy. Play in tournaments, buy and trade cards, and learn new games.
• Hero's Emporium: A great selection of board games, miniatures, D&D, Magic the Gathering, and much more, all at great prices.
• Games to Die For: Your gaming destination in Brownsburg. With a knowledgeable staff and large range of games, this shop wants to help grow the Indy-area gaming community.
• Moonshot Games: Moonshot has two locations in Noblesville (9th Street, Conner Street) both specializing in board games, as well as MTG, D&D, Pokemon, and more. Start making family game night memories.
• Go! Calendars, Games & Toys: Moonshot has two locations in Noblesville (9th Street, Conner Street) both specializing in board games, as well as MTG, D&D, Pokemon, and more. Start making family game night memories.
• Elf'N Moon: This shop in Fountain Square immerses you in a fantasy world with custom gaming tables, classes, games, and accessories to maximize your RPG experience.
• Gray Gauntlet Games: Fishers is home to this welcoming space. Shop cards and Warhammer, dice, and other gaming accessories as well as playing in leagues and with groups.
• Gamer's Loot: Visit this Castleton store for board games, miniatures, cards, painting, tabletop, and in-store gaming events.
• Valkyrie's Vault: Just northwest of Indy is this gem in Brownsburg featuring clothing, accessories, card decks, books, D&D, board games, and frequent events.