The Guardtower — Local services in Columbus

Review Date: May 27th, 2023

The West location was successfully defended.

Everyone in our group is nerdy as hell so it was only natural we stopped at a nerd store while visiting friends in Ohio.

This was a nice game store with plenty of options for whatever type of nerd you are. The offering of board games, card games, Magic cards, paints for minis and your everyday accessories was plentiful and fairly priced. The staff was very friendly as well considering the place was swarming with people for some tabletop campaigns that were going on.

Sadly, we were only here for 10 minutes before we booked it to the Asian festival… so I don’t have much to comment about this place. I will say that there is a store cat running around! I only briefly saw it before it slalomed between our legs and dipped into the back room. So, no photo of the majestic beast. 😦 but I did snag a game called Trash Pandas that I can’t wait to play someday.

If I lived in Columbus, this would be the place I would come for my gaming needs. It reminded me very much of the store I visit at home called Just For Fun. There is a second The Guardtower and I hope to visit the next time I am back in town. Apparently one is referred to as East Guardtower and this one as West. Not sure why but if you plan to visit one of the stores, don’t be surprised if you hear them referred to in...

This is a hidden gem. The people that work here are gamers. Keep this in mind when you shop here. They are not out going or even voluntary with their conversations. No gamers are. When you ask for help you get it. Now, these same employees are deeply knowledgeable about the hobby side of games. If you want to paint miniatures, go here and ask questions. They will lead you to the correct product and explain how to use it. This is where this gamer, introvert staff shines. Don't try to be a part of whatever deep club of gaming you think lies beneath the surface. There is none. The staff is just trying to get through the day and they are very insightful and friendly but you have to ask questions. The prices are very fair here too. That is very helpful. Lastly, they have genuinely honest and generous return policy. If a paint doesn't look right? Bring it back and talk to them. If card sleeves don't fit? Keep the packaging intact and they will exchange. I've never had a missing part in a game but I can only imagine the staff opening a box and giving it to you. Also, they will order things and then send you a text when it is in. Super helpful store and place to do all your game...

My husband and I quickly and surely fell in love with this store: it’s a 2-3 hour drive but we make it a goal to go at least every month, which our budget accommodates more easily than expected since they mark down from retail. A warm and relaxed atmosphere lends a “friends and family” vibe to a well-stocked, organized store that carries all the popular brands and more for TTRPG and TCG. The employees are sweet, helpful, and great for nerdy conversation, as well as recommendations on brands and systems to try out. Two gorgeous cats stroll the aisles and keep an eye on shoppers- I never have any issue with my cat allergy unless I give in and give them all the pets I can manage before I need to go wash my hands in their always-clean bathrooms. If you’re looking for somewhere to play games, they have a back room with plenty of tables and free-to-use terrain/props, making for a wonderful place to try out your new buys or talk to other nerds. I’m normally not a “loyal customer” sort of person, but I don’t buy miniatures, paint, or terrain from anywhere else. The quality of service and the quality of humans at the Guardtower is...