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Atomic Empire

4.6

3400 Westgate Dr
Durham, NC 27707
Phone: (919) 490-7900
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Google Reviews

Photo of Shreyas Sampat Shreyas Sampat
Jan 7, 2024 5

This place is pleasantly quiet whenever I’m there and stocks a great variety of products. The staff are friendly and attentive without being clingy. I only have good things to say about the business!

Photo of Jason Black (jblack31981) Jason Black (jblack31981)
Jan 2, 2024 5

Purchase a product from them back in 2018 that I was incredibly happy with. Checked back to make sure they were still around after some problems with my local game stores and was glad to see they are still in business. Surprised to see their expanded tabletop role playing section online and will be getting an order in soon. Atomic Empire just might be come my non-local friendly local game store. Sorry for taking so long to get a review in guys!

Photo of Gabrielle Dunkin Gabrielle Dunkin
Dec 19, 2023 5

Just had a great experience ordering from Atomic Empire for a Christmas gift. My husband wanted a specific volume of the Invincible collection that was unavailable at my usual online and in-store shops locally. I finally found it and ordered it online from Atomic Empire. Price and shipping costs were reasonable and it shipped quickly and arrived within the estimated delivery timeframe (7 days after order was placed). I was a little nervous ordering from a smaller retailer so close to Christmas, but they packaged my item with care and sent me regular order updates.

Photo of Patrick Carlton Patrick Carlton
Dec 12, 2023 4

Nice little spot in Durham! Bunch of comics, d&d and Warhammer 40,000. In the middle of the day there was a bunch of people there playing. Small selection of pokémon cards but still an awesome place. Didn't interact with the staff much but they seemed like cool folks

Photo of Matthew Patterson Matthew Patterson
Oct 8, 2023 5

Always friendly staff, very welcoming and has loads of board games and card games. Huge gaming area to bring your games. They sell alcohol and sodas as well as plenty of snacks! I always come here when I'm passing through.

Photo of Ken Ray (mrkenray) Ken Ray (mrkenray)
Sep 17, 2023 4

Speaking as the ambivalent adult who drives the kids to this place, I find it utterly bewildering and overwhelming. How many comic books are there? I never dreamed that the world had so many different board games. There are more tables in the back than there are at the elementary school. And every one is full of people, some playing card or board games, others painting tiny figurines. But wait, there's also draft beer?!? If I ever need to get a present for a nerd, I will be know where to go to get it.

Photo of Samuel Parnau Samuel Parnau
Sep 14, 2023 5

I wish I lived close enough to this store to shop in person. So far all of my online experiences with this shop have been fantastic. All the cards I ordered have been in described condition or better, packaged nicely, and delivered quickly. I would recommend this shop to anyone looking for an alternative to the abomination that TCGplayer has become. Next time I’m in the area, I’ll definitely be stopping in. Keep up the good work!

Photo of Jacob Kim Jacob Kim
Sep 7, 2023 5

I have been to many LGS (Local Game Stores) and Atomic Empire is EASILY in my Top 3. They offer a wide array of board games and they merchandise new ones fairly often. Their pricing on board games cannot be beat! Whenever I have my siblings come to town, they love to come here and pick up a game to take home. They serve beer which is also a huge plus for adults. There is usually something good on tap, as well as in cans. I am primarily a Magic player and the play area is quite large. They have nice tables and chairs here as well - no plastic white folding tables / folding chairs here! I'm not much of a comic book guy but it appears they have a pretty wide selection of comics to choose from. The discord community is fairly active so you will want to join up if you want to stay up to date on any of the latest communications / updates from AE. All in all, I highly recommend this place if you are a gamer.

Photo of andrew wright andrew wright
Aug 20, 2023 5

Atomic is hands down the best game store in North Carolina, no questions asked. The staff is always helpful and the store is always well stocked and clean. If they don't have something you need, they can get in it matter of days - not to mention they have prices that are usually 20% off many other retailers. If you live in the triangle and haven't been to Atomic, do yourself a favor and get there.

Photo of Javier Gil-Ceballos Javier Gil-Ceballos
Aug 7, 2023 5

Haven't been personally to the store but ordered online for the first time recently. Experienced a technical error when placing the initial order as a guest and deciding later to create an account (instead of the recommended other way around), but customer service responded quickly and solved the minor issue. Item ordered had a better price than other big name places. Shipped fast and arrived safe and sound. Would do business again.

Photo of Meara Ivins Meara Ivins
Aug 5, 2023 5

Fantastic games and comic book store! Large, clean, and spacious game room. Unisex bathrooms. BEER ON TAP!! Friendly and helpful staff too 😁 This is a great place to hang out and play games with friends.

Photo of Kristen McClara Kristen McClara
Aug 5, 2023 5

Visited here during my stay in Durham for work training. This place surprised me with the number of board game options they have! I saw games I'd never even heard of before! Huge board game selection with quality games. Everything from heavy Euros to simple dice games; this place has it all! Awesome little spot if you're looking for board games of all kinds. The checkout clerk was so friendly and excited to be there and help answer any questions. Can't wait to visit again on my next trip to NC!

Photo of Andrew Kellerhals Andrew Kellerhals
Jul 26, 2023 5

These guys are great! I am 40 years old and know pretty much nothing about gaming. The guys here were able to assist me in finding special MTG cards for my daughter's birthday with the minimal information I had to give. I would definitely recommend any parents trying to find a gamer kid a gift to check them out.

Photo of Robbie Robbie
Jul 21, 2023 5

Atomic Empire totally nailed it with fast shipping and my comics arrived in excellent condition. Plus, their subscription service is great – I can pre-order my favorite titles, and I don't pay until they actually ship them out. Their website is super easy to use too. Definitely sticking with these guys for my future comic orders!

Photo of Paul Braun Paul Braun
Jul 15, 2023 5

Atomic Empire has a great range of games, comics and other items. Spacious, open game area with refreshments including good beer selection. Staff are very friendly and helpful. They offer fair prices for buying / selling Magic cards and hold regular gaming events.

Photo of Owlboy _ Owlboy _
May 30, 2023 5

Such an amazing store!!! Loads of figurines & dice, reasonably priced; huge selection of games & indie comics, too, as well as a great gaming space & lots of demo board games as well. Lovely staff. Best game shop I’ve ever been to. And also conveniently close to an excellent asian grocery store.

Photo of Nicodemous Nicodemous
Apr 24, 2023 5

Awesome Hobby Shop! Loads of miniatures and any and everything you need for them. Some so large I wouldn't even all them by that name. A wall full of board games and plenty of room in the back to play them all or host multiple DND sessions! Great place to come and experience in the Triangle area! Largest board game and miniature selection ive seen in NC.