If you’re a gamer exploring Indianapolis, you’ll quickly find that the city offers far more than sports and convention crowds. Indy has a deep and growing scene for gamers, collectors, and nerd-culture fans, with everything from retro game stores and tabletop hubs to arcade bars, pinball spots, and pop-culture landmarks spread across the metro area.
This guide highlights the best things to do in Indianapolis for gamers, including must-visit game shops, places to play, and unique stops worth building into your day. Whether you’re a local, visiting for a weekend, or passing through, these spots showcase the side of Indy that gamers tend to appreciate most.
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Game World (South Indy)
Address: 7625 Shelby St, Indianapolis, IN 46227
Game World – South Indianapolis is a go-to spot for gamers who love physical media and retro hardware on Indy’s south side. The store specializes in used and retro video games, consoles, and accessories, with inventory spanning everything from Atari to the Sony PlayStation 5. In addition to video games, they also carry Pokémon cards, Funko Pops, Blu-rays, figures, and other collectibles.
What sets this location apart is its deep selection and knowledgeable staff, making it easy to track down a specific title, rebuild a childhood collection, or just browse at your own pace while talking games with fellow enthusiasts. As a small bonus, every purchase even comes with a free popsicle!
This location has even been featured in the Daily Journal
At all Game World locations, they offer permanent in-store specials, including:
- Buy 4 used games, get a 5th free
- Buy 2, get 1 free Funko Pops
- 3 Blu-rays for $12
- 5 DVDs for $8
To explore what’s currently available, you can check out their online catalog here.
Mage’s Comics and Games
Address: 7623 Shelby St, Indianapolis, IN 46227
Mage’s Comics and Games is a local comic book destination on Indianapolis’s southside, recently opening under new ownership in the space formerly occupied by Comic Book University. The shop carries a wide selection of comic books, trading cards, Pokémon, Magic: The Gathering, Funko Pops, and more, with new releases and events happening regularly. Each spring, they take part in Free Comic Book Day, where participating stores give away free comics as part of a nationwide celebration of the medium. While you’re in the neighborhood, you can also visit Game World – South Indianapolis next door for retro games and collectibles.
Gen Con
Gen Con is the largest tabletop gaming convention in North America, held each summer in downtown Indianapolis at the Indiana Convention Center and Lucas Oil Stadium. The four-day event features thousands of games and events spanning board games, role-playing games, card games, miniatures, cosplay, and a massive exhibitor hall filled with publishers and vendors from around the world. For dates, badges, and full event details, you can visit their official website here.
16-Bit Bar + Arcade
Address: 110 E New York St, Indianapolis, IN 46204
16-Bit Bar + Arcade is a lively downtown arcade bar that combines classic video and pinball games with craft beers, creative cocktails, and a fun nostalgic atmosphere. Located next to University Square, the 21+ venue features 35+ vintage arcade cabinets and blends old-school gaming with modern nightlife, making it a great spot for happy hours, weekend outings, or a night out with friends who love retro games and good drinks.
The Game Preserve
Addresses: 1551 E Stop 12 Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46227 & 8487 Union Chapel Rd Suite 660, Indianapolis, IN 46240
The Game Preserve is a must-visit destination for board game and tabletop fans of all ages. They have two locations in Indianapolis, including one just down the street from Game World’s South Indy location. The stores carry a wide and well-curated selection of family games, party games, strategy titles, card games, role-playing games, puzzles, and accessories, making it easy to find something new for any type of game night. Both locations also offer in-store gaming space, so you can try out games or enjoy a casual session with friends or family, with knowledgeable staff available to help with recommendations.
Elf ‘N Moon Gaming and Hobby
Address: 1354 Shelby St Suite A, Indianapolis, IN 46203
Elf’n Moon Gaming & Hobby is a welcoming tabletop gaming hub located in Fountain Square that feels more like a fantasy tavern than a traditional game store. The space is built around community and play, offering open gaming tables and reservable private rooms for groups running campaigns or longer sessions. Elf’n Moon regularly hosts events for games like Dungeons & Dragons, Magic: The Gathering, and other tabletop and card games, making it easy to jump in whether you’re a seasoned player or completely new. In addition to games and accessories, they also serve snacks, drinks, and beer and wine, creating a relaxed hangout spot where gamers can spend hours rolling dice, slinging spells, and meeting like-minded people.
PopCon Indy
PopCon Indy is Indianapolis’s largest pop culture convention, held annually at the Indiana Convention Center and celebrating comics, video games, anime, movies, TV, and cosplay. The multi-day event features video game free-play areas and tournaments, celebrity guests and voice actors, panels and workshops, cosplay competitions, film screenings, live performances, and a massive vendor hall filled with collectibles, art, and fandom merchandise. PopCon brings together gamers and pop culture fans of all kinds, making it one of the biggest and most immersive geek culture events in downtown Indianapolis each year. For details on the next event, including dates, guests, and tickets, check out their website here.
It’s a Block Party
Address: 2220 E Southport Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46227
It’s A Block Party is a family-friendly LEGO store in Indianapolis that specializes in buying, selling, and trading new and used LEGO sets, parts, and minifigures. With thousands of sets ranging from current releases to retired and hard-to-find pieces, the shop is a fun stop for builders, collectors, and fans of all ages. Whether you’re looking to complete a collection or just browse creative builds, It’s A Block Party offers a playful break for gamers and hobby lovers exploring Indy.
Tappers Arcade Bar
Address: 501 Virginia Ave #102, Indianapolis, IN 46203
Tappers Arcade Bar is a popular 21-and-over arcade bar in Indianapolis that blends classic gaming with craft drinks and a lively social atmosphere. The bar features dozens of free-to-play retro arcade cabinets and pinball machines, making it a go-to spot for gamers looking to unwind with friends. With regular events and a strong nostalgic vibe, Tappers is a must-visit stop for anyone who enjoys old-school arcade games paired with a night out.
Press Play Gaming Lounge
Address: 1004 E Main St, Brownsburg, IN 46112
Press Play Gaming Lounge is a gaming and entertainment lounge just outside Indianapolis that offers a mix of arcade games, console gaming, virtual reality, and interactive attractions. With gaming pods, group activities, and food and drinks on site, it’s a solid option for casual gamers, groups, or anyone looking for a more hands-on gaming experience beyond traditional arcades.
Bonus: Take a Day Trip to Bloomington, Indiana
If you’re open to a short drive, Bloomington makes for an easy and worthwhile day trip from Indianapolis. Located about an hour south, the city has a surprisingly strong gaming and nerd-culture scene, with retro game stores, pinball and arcade spots, conventions, and a college-town energy that feels very different from Indy. It’s a great option if you’ve already hit the major Indianapolis spots and want to explore something nearby. We put together a full guide covering the best gamer-friendly things to do in Bloomington here: Things to Do in Bloomington, Indiana for Gamers & Nerds.
Conclusion
Indianapolis may be known for sports and conventions, but for gamers and pop-culture fans, the city offers far more than meets the eye. From retro game stores and barcades to board-game shops, conventions, and nerd-friendly hangouts, Indy has a deep and growing gaming scene worth exploring.
Whether you’re a lifelong collector, a casual player, or someone rediscovering games as an adult, these spots make Indianapolis a great place to experience gaming as a culture — not just a hobby.
Of course, exploring Indy adds up — whether you’re grabbing drinks at arcade bars, attending events, or building your game collection. If you’ve got video games, consoles, or accessories collecting dust, selling them locally is an easy way to fund your next night out.
At Game World, we buy video games, consoles, and accessories every day at our Indianapolis location. No listings, no shipping, and no waiting — just bring your items in and get paid the same day. To learn more about how the trade-in process works and what we buy, you can check out our trade-in page here.
Did we miss any of your favorite spots? Send us an email at admin@gameworldindiana.com — we’d love to hear from you.
Disclaimer: This article was published in January 2026. Hours, offerings, and event details may change, so please visit each business’s website for the most up-to-date information. This article is purely informational. Game World doesn’t endorse or partner with the businesses/events mentioned in the article.