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Alternate Reality Games

Meet others in your local area interested in Alternate Reality Games. ARG is known as a cross-media game that deliberately blurs the line between in-game experiences and the real world.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Yes! Check out alternate reality games events happening today here. These are in-person gatherings where you can meet fellow enthusiasts and participate in activities right now.

Discover all the alternate reality games events taking place this week here. Plan ahead and join exciting meetups throughout the week.

Absolutely! Find alternate reality games events near your location here. Connect with your local community and discover events within your area.

Alternate Reality Games Events Today

Join in-person Alternate Reality Games events happening right now

Boards & Barrels
Boards & Barrels
Whether you’re new to modern games, or a seasoned gamer, our new Boards & Barrels game night is the place to play. We’re pairing the best wines with new and classic games for an evening of analog fun and community. Choose from our growing game library or bring a favorite. *Unplug. Uncork. Unbox.* **Every Wednesday 6 pm - 9 pm**
Board Game Night @ Board Room in Clarendon, Wed, 6:30-10:00
Board Game Night @ Board Room in Clarendon, Wed, 6:30-10:00
**NEW GAME LOCATION at The Board Room** Let's play board games. Not the ones your ancestors played but the really cool ones of the new millennium. We play everything from fun, social games to light to heavy strategy games. Don't know how to play? Not a problem - we're happy to teach. It's a great chance to learn new games or play your favorites with non-competitive people who like to laugh. You can build a railroad, eradicate a plague, or explore the far reaches of the galaxy in one evening. While many will bring their own games, you can show up gameless and still play. We play at the Board Room in Clarendon on Wednesday from 6:30-10:00. It's within walking distance from the Clarendon metro. **Find us in the far left by the fermentation tanks.** If that area is reserved for a private event, look for us in the middle. Look for a group that has containers and carrying bags with multiple games. We're very fortunate to have this great venue for our game nights and they take care of us for 3-1/2 hours, so please spend a minimum of $10 on food or drink and tip generously (at the very least $2, even if 20% of your bill would be $1). Thanks!
Wednesday Board Game Night at Your Hobby Place, Alexandria
Wednesday Board Game Night at Your Hobby Place, Alexandria
We're playing board games at Your Hobby Place, a Friendly Local Gaming Store in Old Town Alexandria. Feel free to bring your own games. They also have their own library of games available for play. We start at 6:00, but your group can certainly show up earlier. The store closes at 9:30. Snacks and drinks are available for sale, and several good restaurants are nearby. Free parking on Wythe St. and Columbus St. The store is 1/2 mile east from the Braddock Road Metro station down Wythe St.
DMV D&D One-Shot Event!
DMV D&D One-Shot Event!
Folks! We heard that you wanted to do more "Let's play!" events, so that's exactly what we are going to be doing! Whether you are a newbie or someone who wants to try out that crazy character concept, come join the DMV D&D Group on January 28th at 6PM ET for our first one-shot night of 2026! The schedule is as follows: 6:00PM ET - 6:45PM ET: Welcome/Mini Social Happy Hour 6:45PM ET - 7:00 PM ET: DMs pitch their campaign and Players find their seat 7:00 PM ET - 10:00 PM ET: Gameplay Happens \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- If you want to DM, please fill out this [form here](https://forms.gle/A3ZKJrkELBxFaSCN8)! For folks who DM, they will receive a free slice of pizza and a drink! Please note that this form is a first come, first served. DM Form Here: https://forms.gle/A3ZKJrkELBxFaSCN8 \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **Can't make it? No worries! Join the [DMV D&D Group](https://discord.gg/bDvGRtKfhR) to stay aware of future events!**
Reston Plays Games
Reston Plays Games
Come out to the Reston Community Center and play some games! Party games? Strategy games? Tabletop role-playing games? This massive space can accommodate games for every interest. While the event starts at 5pm, feel free to roll in whenever you are able! If you have games to bring that you'd like to share or run, please do! Food and drink are not provided within the venue, but you are allowed to bring in anything you need from outside locations, just please be considerate of other people's games and the tables when doing so. Park anywhere in the parking lot. The Community Center building is located directly behind Ledo Pizza. Walk straight back to the main room once you enter the building. If you have questions, feel free to reach out to either David Gray or Bill Parker through Meetup, or you can email Bill at william.parker@fairfaxcounty.gov. Hope to see you all there!
Kamigawa: Neon Dynasty Cube Draft (Free!)
Kamigawa: Neon Dynasty Cube Draft (Free!)
This week we'll be heading back to fan favorite set Kamigawa: Neon Dynasty, expanded to contain the likes of Theros, New Phyrexia, and more! The event will take place a James's home in Pentagon City. The cube centers the conflict between old Kamigawa and new Kamigawa, manifesting that conflict via the mechanical themes of Enchantments and Artifacts. Want to play with powerful Sagas? Pilot giant mechs with your creatures? This cube is for you! [https://cubecobra.com/cube/overview/neo2](https://cubecobra.com/cube/overview/neo2)
DESERTFALL Dune: Adventures in The Imperium One-Shot RPG-at 3 Gear Games
DESERTFALL Dune: Adventures in The Imperium One-Shot RPG-at 3 Gear Games
# DESERTFALL Dune: Adventures in The Imperium One-Shot RPG **Sign-up**: [https://www.3gearstudios.com/desertfall-dune-adventures-in-the-imperiumoneshot.html](https://www.3gearstudios.com/desertfall-dune-adventures-in-the-imperiumoneshot.html) **\* RSVP using the link above to ensure your spot\*\*** **Description:** "DESERTFALL" - By order of the Emperor of the Universe Shadam Corrino IV: House Atreides is to take control of planet Arrakis, the single most important planet in the imperium. Fearing that your enemies will not take this lying down, you will be sent to the city of Arrakeen to smoke out any traps or assassins left by the previous house, and prepare the city for the safe arrival of Duke Leto Atreides and his family. Be sure not to become another casualty in the two houses' blood feud." Learn how to play Dune - Adventures in the Imperium! Desertfall is an introductory adventure that will teach you the basics of the 2D20 system. Pre-generated characters will be available, and the game can be enjoyed by both fans of the classic Dune universe, as well as fans of games of politics, intrigue, and combat set in a sci-fi feudal setting (Think 'Game of Thrones In Space'). * **Date: Wednesday, February 25th** * **Time**: 6pm - 10pm EST * **Slots:** 6 * **Cost:** $10 **per person/ per session** (Free for gold Patreons) * **Game Master**: Alex A. Jr (He/They) * **Rating**: R for Adults Only * **Place: In Person at 3 Gear Games** (25 C Street Laurel, MD 20707) --**Refund Policy**-- Refunds will be issued should we have to cancel this event, and are unable to reschedule it. They will not be issued for no-shows. --**Game Room Code Of Conduct**--[https://www.3gearstudios.com/service/code-of-conduct/](https://www.3gearstudios.com/service/code-of-conduct/?fbclid=IwAR054LDLzN5OeBImBfQpND1a_83AGAxPeFHwMO303UD3Z7rggbPn-TRYH64) Email questions to 3geargames@gmail.com

Alternate Reality Games Events This Week

Discover what is happening in the next few days

King's Dilemma: Session 1
King's Dilemma: Session 1
First session! This will take place in one of the collaboration rooms at the Connie Morella Library in Bethesda. I expect most of the playtime to be taken by going over the rules, getting situated, etc, but if we can get a round in, that's great too. Location: Connie Morella Library 7400 Arlington Road Bethesda, MD 20814 240-777-0970 To get to the collaboration rooms, head straight through the library from the main doors all the way to the far back wall. I'll be in the slightly larger room that's right-of-center.
Rockville Gamers
Rockville Gamers
Nemesis (6pm)
Nemesis (6pm)
Nemesis is a 1-5 player space survival game with incredible miniatures and clever, immersive rules that include cooperation, bluffing, backstabbing, and all other elements of an iconic science-fiction horror adventure. The crew Wakes up from hibernation. The damage report States there is a critical system failure and the ship cannot continue its cruise. The task to find the damage, repair it and safely return to earth. The problem: one crew member is dead. Somebody ripped open his hibernation pod and pulled his body out. To make matters worse, you can hear noises in the vast corridors of the ship. I'm not saying its aliens...
Board game swap and gatherspiel game night at City-State
Board game swap and gatherspiel game night at City-State
Beer & Board Games is partnering with City-State to host a Board game swap & Gatherspiel Game Night. Got some games you don’t play anymore, want to try out some new games? Come out to swap your old game for a new to you game. Please make sure your old game is in good condition, has its instructions, all the pieces, cards, and boards securely in its original packaging. Don’t have anything you want to swap? Not a problem, come out and try some other Eurogames like Wingspan, and hang out with other tabletop game enthusiasts. **Directions from Metro:** City-State is a 5 minute walk from the Rhode Island Metro station on the Red Line. **Directions from parking:** City State has parking outside the loading bay and on the roof of the building. \*NOTE\* You will have to walk back down the ramp if you park on the roof. **Food**: [La Michoacana](https://www.tacoslamichoacanadc.com/) will have a food truck at City-State.
Bowie Sci-Fi/Fantasy Game Factory
Bowie Sci-Fi/Fantasy Game Factory
Playtesting Agent and Battle-scale of the Zone-17 role-playing and miniatures game.
High Interaction Board Games at Western Market
High Interaction Board Games at Western Market
We play a variety of games with a focus on high interaction Euros. Events will start with quick games while people arrive and eat lunch. We will start longer games between 1:30pm and 2pm. While the official end time is 5pm, people are welcome to continue playing games afterwards. Western Market closes at 7pm on Sundays. This page has more examples of high interaction Euros: [Old-school German-style Games](https://boardgamegeek.com/guild/view/3948). Here are some games that have been played at past events: High Interaction Euros * [Medici](https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/46/medici) * [Catan](https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/13/catan) * [Hansa Teutonica](https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/43015/hansa-teutonica) * [Puerto Rico](https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/3076/puerto-rico) * [Concordia](https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/124361/concordia) * [Power Grid](https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/2651/power-grid) * [Brass: Birmingham](https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/224517/brass-birmingham) Other high interaction games * [Innovation](https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/63888/innovation) * [Imperial](https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/24181/imperial) There are a variety of food and drink options. Western Market is allowing us to use the space for free. Please reciprocate by purchasing something, even if it is just a soda. Directions If you're taking the Orange, Silver, or Blue lines, exit at the Foggy Bottom metro station and walk two blocks to the east. If you are taking the Red Line, Farragut North is an approximately a 15 minute walk away. There is also free street parking to the north.
Come Play Flotilla OR Manhattan Project: Energy Empire
Come Play Flotilla OR Manhattan Project: Energy Empire
We vote every week on what to play, and this week we had a very rare tie for the winner. To be fair to these games, because they have feelings, we're going to play both. We'll bring both games on Thursday and we'll separate into two groups, one group playing each game. Then two weeks from now we'll come back and do an ol' switcheroo and play the other games we didn't get to play the first week. Flotilla BGG Description: **Flotilla** features two distinct and interwoven modes of gameplay, as you try to outpace your opponents in bringing prosperity to humanity’s new home. You begin the game as a **“Sinkside”** Fleet Commander, commissioned by world leaders to explore the new face of the ocean, scour the depths for resources, and rescue any survivors you come across. At any point in the game, you may choose to turn **“Skyside,”** by selling your skiffs, and leaving your seafaring life behind to now grow the Flotilla itself. Manhattan Project: Energy Empire Description: From the ashes of war, nations rise to power in the atomic age! In ***Manhattan Project: Energy Empire***, each player takes control of a nation struggling for power in the latter part of the 20th century. They build up their nation’s industry, commerce, and government by acquiring resources, building structures, and tapping sources of energy. The major threat in *Energy Empire* is not war, but uncertain global impacts, that result from side effects of industrialization and pollution. Many actions come with a cost. So, as nations become more industrious, they also increase the amount of pollution in the environment. Careful use of science can mitigate the harmful effects of industry, and can also help avert global crises. *Energy Empire* uses worker placement, tableau-building, and resource management mechanics. On each turn, a player can choose to either work or generate. On a work turn, a player plays a single worker on the main board, then uses workers and energy to activate cards in their tableau. Players may spend energy to use an occupied space on the main board, so no spaces are ever completely blocked. On a generate turn, players get to renew their supply of energy by rolling "energy dice" that represent nuclear, coal, oil, solar, and other forms of energy.

Alternate Reality Games Events Near You

Connect with your local Alternate Reality Games community

Board Game Night with FANG @ Nocterra Audubon
Board Game Night with FANG @ Nocterra Audubon
Join us for another board game night with FANG (Fem All Night Gaming). We are an all fem board gaming group in Columbus, Ohio. We are creating a space for people who identify as fem. No cis-men. Closer to the event we'll announce any games the admins are brining. We will always bring games, but we encourage everyone to bring any games they enjoy playing! We have a lot of great teachers in our group, so don't worry if you don't know how to play! 2PM START TIME! We’re meeting at Nocterra Audubon! (Not Powell!). They have great food & beer! It’s inside of the Scioto Park if you’re into a Winter walk between games Feel free to reach out to either admin if you have any questions!
All Fem Board Game Night
All Fem Board Game Night
Join us for a night of board gaming with FANG (Fem All Night Gaming). **We are an all fem board game group** in Columbus, Ohio. No cis-men, please! We play modern hobby board games! If you're unsure what that is, we can teach you! We'll be meeting on the second floor of Giant Eagle in their cafe area. Giant Eagle has a lot of food and beverage options including their hot foods bars. You are also welcome to bring in any outside food.
Casual Boardgames - make friends, then beat them in games
Casual Boardgames - make friends, then beat them in games
Welcome to Casual Boardgames, where we enjoy classic tabletop games and social deduction games while bonding over good food, drinks, and great conversations. 
We started this group to meet new people and make new friends, and bonding over games in a relaxed atmosphere is a great way to do that. We currently meet near route 23 and Polaris Parkway, and this is close to areas like Powell, Lewis Center, Worthington, and parts of Westerville and Columbus. 
Feel free to bring your own games or play one of the many games our members bring. If you are inexperienced, we will help you learn. 
Here are just a few examples of the kind of games we play. 
Tabletop/board games: Splendor, Catan, Azul, Dominion, 7 Wonders… 
Social deduction games: Code Names, Chameleon, Werewords… 
IMPORTANT: 
1. While we love playing a variety of games and competing, we are not just about the games. We interact and talk while playing, and this leads to a lot of laughter and fun. If you just want to compete and focus solely on the game, then this is probably not the group you are looking for. 
2. Many people join groups like this and never (or rarely) show up after weeks or months. If you join and never really come, we will eventually remove you from the group as a courtesy to our members. Why? Because limiting group conversations (on the app) to regular members makes communication and planning much easier. Also, while it may be rare, it protects members from people who join because they are interested in following a person instead of having a real interest in our group. If you get removed, it is just because you haven’t come, and we follow this protocol as a courtesy to our regular game players.
CABS Saturday - 2/28
CABS Saturday - 2/28
Join us on the last ay of February for a fun day of gaming !!!
Board games at The Forge
Board games at The Forge
The Forge does have a full bar and kitchen. There is no cover charge but they do request all attendees to purchase a minimum of ~$20 per person. Soft drink refills are $1 each. Please support our hosts so we can continue to provide great events for the group! The Forge has a large library of games available for us to enjoy. Hosts and regulars will also provide numerous popular games but please bring any games you would like to teach and/or play. Doors open at 6, and we expect gaming to be rolling by around 630. Please promptly end your games and clear out the space at 10pm when the bar closes. We encourage socializing but do not permit disruptive behavior of any kind. Thank you for your continued commitment to providing a fun and welcoming space to veteran, newbie, and rookie gamers in the Columbus area. Parking can be challenging. There is a parking lot behind the neighboring Mexican restaurant that is free and easy to walk from but it's a bit hidden.
CABS March First Friday 3/6
CABS March First Friday 3/6
Our First Friday meeting of the month. Come join us !!! Your first visit is FREE!!!