Board games have sprung up in popularity over the years, and with that came fun accessories fans can buy or create to help their gaming experience.

With the recent explosive popularity of board games, more and more gamers are building up their gaming collections. Although some gamers may be content with just acquiring these games, others are interested in making or purchasing component upgrades that improve the overall gaming aesthetic and experience.

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At various price ranges, these gaming accessories which include paints to tables that are meant to host games are not necessarily a must-have for game night. However, DIY forums and entire businesses have sprung up in recent years to fulfill this demand as these accessories have become quintessential for collectors who want the ultimate tabletop experience.

This accessory is perhaps the first thing most board gamers acquire for their recently purchased games. Available in many sizes and ranging in quality as well as price, card sleeves can be considered a necessary component for many in the board gaming community. As cards are susceptible to liquids, food, and mold, board gamers will painstakingly hunt down the right card sleeves to ensure that cards are protected.

Those who sleeve their games can take heart that their cards are protected from the elements and general wear and tear. As it's relatively inexpensive to acquire sleeves, card sleeves have become a must-have for any budding tabletop enthusiast.

Most games come with an insert, but sometimes they aren’t enough to hold all the components efficiently. With board game organizers, players can decrease the set-up time and improve the overall box integrity. The chances of components becoming damaged during transport also significantly lowers.

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Made from wood, plastic, cardboard, and foam, players can make these inserts themselves or purchase them from various vendors that provide such service. However, such accessories aren’t cheap as purchasing an organizer/insert can sometimes cost as much as the game itself. That said, it’s always lovely to see a board game neatly arranged inside a box.

Although any table that is big enough to support the game and players can do, some players will take things to the next level. It is not uncommon for avid gamers and collectors to purchase or construct their very own board gaming tables.

Most gaming tables are made of sturdy wood or metal and feature a sunken surface play-mat that is capable of handling game components well and keeping things from falling off the table. With premium tables even offering storage options for components, games, and even drink holders, it’s no surprise why this accessory is a dream-come-true for any hobbyist wanting to elevate their tabletop game nights.

Etsy is an online marketplace that specializes in selling handmade supplies and crafts, covering a wide variety of categories such as jewelry, clothing, furniture, and toys. Many handcraft companies and individuals have also listed their services and items on the site, making it the go-to website to acquire components and additionals.

From board game inserts to component upgrades and paint jobs, Etsy covers it all. The company even promotes competition as players can compare the prices of various accessories and decide which ones they want for their games.

As many upgraded components and add-ons can be expensive, some hobbyists have opted for 3D printers to create their upgrades. Though initially expensive, gamers can easily print out their desired pieces and save money in the long run or even get the game itself if it is out of print.

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With many game developers offering their files and component schematics available in the public domain, gamers can easily and effectively create their desired parts with ease. Better yet, hobbyists can design their pieces to fit in with the game and share their designs with other gamers sourcing for upgrades.

Though some players are happy to use IKEA bags or even plastic bags to carry their games around, some hobbyists have opted to purchase bags that are specifically designed to carry tabletop games. Similar to Cajon bags, these board game backpacks can store multiple games (sometimes up to 8) depending on the size.

Made with weather-resistant material and designed to have extra padding, gamers who have to move about or travel to various venues will no doubt opt for this necessary accessory.

As many games involve currency as part of the mechanics, poker chips have become a great substitute for the cardboard money that is typically part of the board game. With cardboard money being potentially small and susceptible to damage, many gamers have instead opted for poker chips or iron clays as they are sturdier, easy to find, and are very satisfying to hold.

Some companies even offer poker chips as part of deluxe editions of existing board games. However, hobbyists can easily find and acquire chips to replace their board game currencies.

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Kai is just a dude who really likes all things fantasy and sci-fi, provided they're good of course. A trained actor and aspiring writer, Kai is a creative who craves elaborate worldbuilding and great stories. He believes that video games have a unique place and role to tell powerful narratives. More often than not, Kai can be found making geek content, playing tabletop games, and traumatizing his cat with copious amounts of love.