St. Louis, Missouri, offers a variety of exciting, fun things to do for gamers, ranging from immersive video game lounges to retro arcades, tabletop game stores, and escape rooms. Whether you’re a fan of video games, board games, or virtual reality, St. Louis has plenty of options to satisfy your gaming cravings.
Gamer Activities in St. Louis
Here’s a list of the top ten gamer activities in the city for those who want to experience everything from competitive gaming to nostalgic arcade fun.
1. Start Bar
Start Bar is the ultimate destination for gamers in downtown St. Louis, combining classic arcade games, console games, and craft cocktails. This barcade features retro arcade machines, pinball, skee-ball, and classic consoles like Nintendo 64 and PlayStation. With a full bar and food menu, Start Bar is the perfect place to enjoy a night of gaming with friends in a fun and relaxed atmosphere. Visit Start Bar
2. Up-Down STL
Up-Down STL is a popular arcade bar in St. Louis’s Central West End neighborhood, featuring over 60 arcade games from the 1980s and 1990s and a wide selection of craft beers. Gamers can challenge friends to games such as Mortal Kombat, Donkey Kong, and Pac-Man or try their hand at pinball. With classic arcade games and a rooftop patio, Up-Down offers a nostalgic gaming experience in a trendy bar setting. Visit Up-Down STL
3. Pieces Board Game Bar & Café
Pieces Board Game Bar & Café in Soulard is a go-to spot for tabletop gaming enthusiasts. The café offers over 1,000 board games, including popular titles like Catan, Carcassonne, and Betrayal at House on the Hill. Pieces also feature a full food and drink menu, making it the perfect place to spend a relaxed evening playing board games with friends while enjoying snacks and drinks. Visit Pieces Board Game Bar & Café
4. Two Plumbers Brewery + Arcade
Two Plumbers Brewery + Arcade in St. Charles is a unique venue that combines craft beer with a selection of retro arcade games. Gamers can play classic arcade titles like Street Fighter, Tetris, and Ms. Pac-Man while enjoying house-brewed beers and seasonal drafts. This laid-back atmosphere offers a great combination of gaming and craft beer culture, making it a favorite for locals looking to unwind with a game. Visit Two Plumbers Brewery + Arcade
5. Escape STL
Escape rooms are a fun and challenging activity for gamers, and Escape STL offers some of the best in St. Louis. Teams are locked in themed rooms and must work together to solve puzzles and escape before time runs out. With rooms like “The Orphanage” and “The Submarine,” Escape STL delivers an immersive gaming experience perfect for groups of friends or team-building events. Visit Escape STL
6. Activate St. Louis
Activate St. Louis is an interactive gaming experience offering a unique combination of physical challenges and digital gaming. In Brentwood, Activate features a high-tech, immersive environment where players engage in rooms that blend real-world activities with cutting-edge technology. Each room is designed to test agility, strategy, and teamwork as players navigate various challenges, earning points and unlocking levels.
With activities ranging from laser mazes and climbing walls to memory games and interactive puzzles, Activate provides an exciting adventure for gamers, families, and groups of friends. Perfect for team-building events, birthday parties, or a night out, Activate St. Louis promises a fun, competitive, and engaging experience that will leave players eager to return for more. Visit Activate St. Louis
7. St. Louis Escape
St. Louis Escape is one of the world’s top-rated escape room facilities in the historic Soulard district of downtown St. Louis. Just steps away from the famous Soulard Farmers Market and The Darkness Haunted House and less than a mile from Busch Stadium, St. Louis Escape offers an unforgettable adventure for all ages. With thrilling themed rooms like Jurassic Island, Dracula, Frankenstein, Wonderful Wizard of Oz, Blackbeard’s Revenge, Haunted Mansion, and the Cellar, you’ll experience immersive storytelling and mind-bending puzzles.
In addition to escape rooms, the facility features a one-of-a-kind Blacklight Retro Mini Golf course and a retro arcade with pinball machines and classic games. Perfect for private parties and events, St. Louis Escape promises fun, excitement, and a trip back to the ’80s. Visit today to embark on your next adventure! Visit St. Louis Escape
8. Game Nite STL
Game Nite is the premier destination for tabletop gamers in St. Louis. Game Nite specializes in collectible card games like Magic: The Gathering and Pokémon, as well as board games and role-playing games (RPGs), offers casual and competitive play events. With a large selection of games for sale and a friendly, knowledgeable staff, Game Nite is perfect for anyone looking to dive into the world of tabletop gaming. Visit Game Nite STL
9. Swing-A-Round Fun Town
Swing-A-Round Fun Town in Fenton offers outdoor and indoor activities, including mini-golf, go-kart racing, and a massive arcade. The arcade features a variety of modern and retro games, making it a fun destination for families and gamers alike. Whether you’re battling friends in racing games or winning tickets for prizes, Swing-A-Round offers a mix of classic arcade fun and physical activities. Visit Swing-A-Round Fun Town
10. Arcade Museum at St. Louis Union Station
St. Louis Union Station is home to an arcade museum that offers a nostalgic gaming experience with vintage arcade machines and pinball games. Visitors can enjoy classic games from decades past while exploring the historic Union Station building. The arcade is part of a larger entertainment complex, including the St. Louis Aquarium, which makes it a great spot for families and gaming enthusiasts. Visit St. Louis Union Station
St. Louis Gamer Activities
St. Louis is a paradise for gamers, offering everything from retro arcade experiences and virtual reality adventures to board game cafés and esports lounges. Whether you’re looking to relive your favorite childhood gaming memories or explore the latest VR technology, the city has something for every gamer. With so many exciting venues, these top ten gamer activities in St. Louis provide endless entertainment and fun for gaming enthusiasts of all ages. Whether playing solo or with friends, St. Louis’s gaming scene has you covered.
