Tabletop games offer a fantastic way to connect with friends and family, and the right accessories can elevate your game nights to a new level. Whether you're looking to protect your games or streamline setup, here are five essential accessories every tabletop gamer should consider adding to their collection.
1. Card Sleeves
Card sleeves are, surprisingly, a controversial topic for many gamers. Seasoned Trading Card Game players could never imagine playing a deck unsleeved, but many board gamers don’t mind playing without them. If, however, you want to enjoy your card-related board games with cards alongside drinks and snacks, sleeves can go a long way to make you and your friends feel more comfortable partaking in some refreshments mid-game (though Cheetos and Doritos might still be off limits). Learning how to shuffle with sleeves on can be an adjustment, but the preservation of your cards can be worth it!
2. Dice Trays or Towers
Dice trays help keep dice rolls contained and prevent them from scattering across the table or knocking over game pieces. Dice towers have the same function, and they can add a particular vibe to whatever game you’re playing. They also reduce noise when rolling, making them perfect for games where multiple dice rolls are involved, like Dice Throne or Eclipse: Second Dawn for the Galaxy. Beautifully crafted wooden or leather trays that add style and functionality to your game nights. They’ll also help you protect your table from the fancy dice you roll, unless you’ve got the next item on this list!
3. Game Table or Topper
Unless you're playing a game you can pause without risking the game state Worn Wanderers, game tables (and toppers) are an awesome way to preserve your game state if you’d like to take a break in a tabletop game like Arkham Horror or Twilight Imperium that you cannot pause while also retaining the table space those games can take up! It’s also great if you want to protect your game from cats, children, or other generally unruly friends while you’re not actively playing! Many come with recessed playing surfaces that make playing more comfortable and with play surfaces that make it easier to pick up your pieces. They can also be surprisingly affordable, like Allplay’s Jasmine starting at $499 to custom masterpieces by companies like Wyrmwood and Tiny Shed that can run you into five figures!
4. Playmats
If a table is out of your budget, a soft, high-quality playmat provides a smooth surface for your cards, tokens, and miniatures while protecting your table from damage. You can also choose designs that match your personal style or game theme. Playmats make for easy cleanup and ensure a professional-looking and feeling surface to play on.
5. Component Trays
Component trays, like those made by Gamegenic or Zen Bins, are fantastic for keeping tokens, coins, and other small game pieces organized and accessible during play. Instead of fumbling through piles of pieces on the table, component trays give each item a designated spot, improving the flow of the game and making it easier for everyone to reach what they need.
Let us know if you have any further recommendations or would like more details on any of these!