This place slaps, they have a great selection of models and card games. The people who work there are very helpful and friendly. Do be mindful though, they have a $5 minimum for credit card purchases, so if you want a Monster you might need to pick up some Magic singles too!

This is the only gaming store I have found that is not so crowded so there is room for myself and my service dog. The staff asked if they could accommodate me in any way. I am very welcome here.

If you can, buy all your manga from here! Sarah is super nice, friendly, and helpful. If she carried other types of books Id buy them from AE also! I havent even received my order yet but she was so helpful with all of my questions, multiple calls, and order issues. Plus, you cant beat the prices! 100% recommend!

Great place, staff was very helpful and kind. Decent variety in merchandise and cool space to hang out/ play games even has a small bar! The only thing I wish were different is the comic book section doesn’t feel as inviting a little bare in terms layout (not selections) it would be nice if they had a lounge area to sit and read. Other then that pretty cool spot would definitely recommend!

I live in rural Idaho where not comics are available. I typically order from tfaw because they are a bit more local to my area. But occasionally they sell out of select issues.My brother lives in Durham so I still wanted to support a small local business. I was blown away by the speed and care in my package.While it came in a somewhat oversized box for a single comic, it was tightly packaged and came undamaged.Also it was shipped not even 5hours after I placed my order and arrived in less than a week!Needless to say, I was blown away and will 100% order from here again!

Love this place, if you ever want to go have fun, play games, and meet new people, this is the place to do so. Plus they have comics on sale, cards collectibles, and so much more.

Very nice place, great selection, helpful staff. I look forward to when the cafe is open again because right now the place is not conducive to hanging out

Large selection of items and quick service.Only downside was the inventory seemed off so certain selections we were told available actually didnt exist.Minor item as the staff were great to work with. Makes up for it, in my opinion.

I live out of state, so I regularly use their online website to buy board games. Shipping has always been fast and my board games have arrived in great condition.

Im super impressed with Atomic Empire. Everything came on time and in one piece. Website is excellent and easy to maneuver. Thank you! And will be ordering from you guys in the future. Keep up the great work, especially in these challenging times.

I bought a book from this website that Id been searching for for a long while! All of the other sites I managed to find it on had it either way overpriced or were trying to scalp. Atomic Empire had it MSRP and it was in perfect, new condition when I received it! There had been a shipping delay but they were open, honest, and genuine in their response about it. Great experience all around!

Great place period. If you like games - role play, board games, card games, etc. This is the place. Really good selection and a large open area to meet and play. The integrated bar is a nice touch!

Ordered two prerelease kits and the boxes look resealed. Wizard usually has smooth wrapping, but these were definitely not closed by a machine as you see in the picture at the top.

Came in with my boyfriend just to check it out and it was more than what I could have asked for! It’s huge on the inside and there’s a bunch of people playing Magic, D&D, and board games in the back. The front half is filled with games and accessories! It’s definitely a bit cold so being a sweater if you’re going to be there for more than a quick stop. My BF is going to a draft today for the new Magic set and he’s really excited!

Incredible customer service, and a great experience all around. They had a binder in stock for retail price that is completely sold out everywhere else, and I was able to order for shipping. Called the shop to check on the order, and the gentleman walked back to the stock room while I was on the phone to confirm the item was about to ship. Everything was packaged immaculately, and arrived in perfect condition. Would definitely shop here again!

The order arrived within their estimated timeline, and crossed several states. I really appreciated that the packaging was well done protecting very well the goods, and they used paper instead of plastic a detail that did not went unnoticed; the ordering process was fast and the fact that they had the item I was looking for months! Speaks that they have a good catalog... Please do not hesitate to order from them...support small businesses...

Amazing customer service! I ordered manga from them online, and the woman on the phone (I unfortunately forgot her name, maybe Sarah?) was SO helpful with getting my shipment sorted out. You guys are great!

Very, very impressed! I ordered the Invincible Compendium #1 a week back and was shipped out two days ago. I received it this morning in perfect condition! They were excellent when it came to communication with me as the item had to be special ordered from the distributor directly and even arrived two days earlier than anticipated! I just started getting back into comics again and this is for sure who I will be ordering from from now on! Thanks again!

Some game boxes came with dents and broken but realized until after opening the packages so I was aware I wouldnt be able to get a replacement. They come safely packed (thats why Im giving it 2 stars instead of 1) so I doubt it was damaged through shipping; probably were sent damaged.I have over 50 games and ordered from many places but this is the first time Ive had this issue.Edit:The owner responded to this review saying to reach out so they will take care of it as seen below. They did not, which is what I assumed anyway. The person responding to the email was a bit rude with his response saying I was accusing them of sending defective products.

Love, love, love this place. They have an amazing selection of games, and comics, and ttrpg accessories. I love the fact that they run games in the store. The only thing wrong with the place is me living to far away.

One of the best selections of tabletop books (including collectors editions)in the state and most books are 20% or so less than the msrp. Lots of books at killer prices. Get here!

Great game and comics store in the Triangle, with great selection and practically unbeatable prices (100% unbeatable within the area). Their play area is gigantic and comfortable, and other than major tournament days, theres always room to get a game in.In the past, the staff at times felt a bit too aloof or abrasive when interacting, and this led me to almost give this a 4-star instead of 5, but the last few times I was there before I moved away, it really felt like they had worked on that a lot, and I had great interactions. In fact, this became my wifes favorite place to buy a new game, because the staff would interact and give her recommendations without being overbearing. All in all, they seem to really understand what vibe sells for the gaming crowd, and they do their best to cater to it.

Awesome comic book store, with lots of other things like games and a large tournament area in the rear.

Excellent store! The store is well-organized and spacious with ample playing space (during non-pandemic times). The staff is helpful and knowledgeable and they will pre-order items for you if they dont have them in stock!

I made an online purchase and I received it fairly quick! It came a few days before expected arrival. Also, they had the best deal when it came to what I was looking for. Definitely ordering again soon!

Great place where highschools once coolest kids can reunite and play some of the weirdest, great games! My kind of place!

At most businesses free shipping is an incentive for you to buy more, at Atomic Empire it feels like more of a punishment. To be fair, they do warn you that if you select free shipping they will choose the cheapest option and that it can take up to 2 weeks to be delivered (For this reason I do not give them 2 stars), but I naively assumed that the 2 weeks was just to cover themselves. It was not. The fact that they feel the need to have such a warning at all probably should have told me every thing I needed to know about selecting that option. So here I am 13 days after they shipped my items expecting delivery today. On the plus side, I learned that FedEx apparently has a cheaper and much slower than USPS option which I did not know before.Other than that they have good prices and actually had my order shipped the next day which was great but that was all over-shadowed by the shipping time. As it stands I probably wont buy from Atomic Empire again unless they have something I cant find elsewhere. There are just too many other options that offer similar prices and free shipping in a much quicker time frame. And of course if I do order from them again I will definitely not select free shipping. :)

The staff here knows their product and are happy to help. They can always answer any questions I have about boardgames, no matter how obscure, or give on-target recommendations for games that are like the one Im asking about.. I really appreciate that. Pricing is competitive, even compares favorably to online retailers.

Unbelievably fantastic customer service!! Not only is the selection of comics, manga, graphic novels, figures, AND MORE exceptional, but the staff CLEARLY love what they do and genuinely care about their customers. I cannot recommend Atomic Empire enough.

Update- On top of their amazing prices, this store knows how to properly package a book so it doesnt get damaged in shipping. The place I use to order from always had the books arriving with bent corners or spines. Since switching to Atomic Empire for my pre-order needs, every book has came in perfect. It really shows the care they take to ensure you get your product in perfect conditionOriginal- Great prices and fast shipping. Have already ordered miniatures from them a couple of times and I am always left highly satisfied. I look forward to visiting the physical store one day soon.

Great space to play wargames and board games with a good selection of products.

Best gaming store in the Durham area for table-top, cards, role play, and board games. Very large gaming area (if this pandemic ever ends), friendly and knowledgeable staff... and beer on tap.Nice little discount on GW stuff too...IMO... the quintessential gaming store.

Amazing selection, top-notch staff and owners, and supportive of local talent with a prominent display of published games by NC designers.

This looks like a lovely store, but I can’t say for sure because I didn’t get a chance to play. Just moved into the area. I arrived over 45 minutes early for FNM only to be turned away because all of their FNM events were full. I have literally never been to a game store where all the FNM events capped so early before an event. Apparently people pre-registered online, which took up a lot of the slots, and that is fair. However, it’s disappointing to know that I can want to go to FNM and not be able because people signed up days before the event even started. Extremely disappointed and will likely seek out other LGS options because of this.

Great staff and plenty of space to game highly refunded checking it out!

Huge selection and an extremely helpful and friendly staff. I had an issue with an exchange that they handled quickly with no questions asked. Couldnt recommend them more.

I love this place! Ill always come here to find the perfect game or comic book. Their customer service is second to none in the store or online.

Atomic still requires mask, I think this is a very positive thing. The large gaming area in the back is currently closed and the concession stand is as well. Very friendly staff. And best of all, the largest selection of boardgames I have ever seen.

Awesome game store. Such a great store! It will now be my must go to stop in Raleigh area. Fun vibes, games, rpgs, comics, magic, Warhammer etc. I love the demo shelves. You can spend and evening there with friends and have a great time. Highly recommended checking it out.

Well-stocked with comics and board games. Clean, spacious, with ample tables for D&D, MTG, etc. play. Highest recommendation.

One of the largest collections of tabletop and card games that Ive ever seen!!!

Edit: The first place I go when looking for new single issues so pristine I wouldnt be surprised if theyre blackmailing their delivery person. The items are packed with more care than an Amazon shipment and you get the benefit of supporting an LCS instead of LexCorp.

Clean store, friendly staff. Low offer on mtg cards though.

Great shop with tons of gaming space, a very diverse selection of products, helpful staff and last but not least, beer on tap. Nothing like a tasty beer while getting some games in. Highly recommend this shop if youre in the area!

Nice selection of TPBs. 20% off discount is nice too

Couldnt find the game board I was looking for from a local store, so I decided to buy from Amazon. After two attempts, Amazon only managed to send me two poorly packaged dented/bent game boards. Not the first time Amazon has inadequately packaged products. Decided to try to hunt and find a different shop online and came across this one with good reviews. Ordered exactly what I was looking at practically the same price as Amazon. And guess what?...it came beautifully boxed and absolutely perfect. Would definitely order from again. Wished I had know about Atomic Empire before and saved myself some hassle.

Friendly helpful place, also the magic singles are great and well priced. The employees, especially spider have given me so many fun ideas for decks and just sharing funny experiences. I always feel welcomed and leave with a big smile.

My favorite game store in the RDU area. Wonderful, friendly staff and environment for all.

I made an online purchase here because they had a great variety of comic boxes. The items arrived promptly, in excellent shape, with free shipping. I couldnt be happier. Highly recommended!

Awesome game selection and cool that you can already play games on tables in the back.

I completely appreciate mask protocols and have no problem wearing them anywhere else. But if i pull the mask briefly away from my nose so my glasses arent fogged up to read the back of a book Im considering purchasing, being told to put it back over my nose, especially when you can eat at a restaurant without even having a mask on, and especially when there was no one within 20 of me, is going way over board.I hope my next visit is more pleasant and will edit or add a new review upon occurring.EDIT: Thanks for the quick and thoughtful response (from the owner). Much appreciated. Yes, of course, I will adjust the review.

Always friendly and knowledgable. Great board game selection.

Wish I had more money to spend here. Love the selection of games. If you love board games this is a must stop. There are cheaper ways to get board games but I dont mind paying a little extra to hold the game in my hands before I buy it.

Always helpful and knowledgeable workers. Great prices.

Was super excited to find this store online however after ordering that soon changed. I have been waiting over a week for my order to say anything besides waiting.Update: No one ever responded to the emails I sent. I had to use the live chat feature on the website and was told the items are not in stock even tho the website says available for order and they will not know when they will be back in stock.

I really like Atomic Empire as my local shop for comic books and MTG cards. Staffs are really helpful and friendly. The website is really easy to use. I will sure miss the store when I move.

Item came quickly and was intact. I would definitely order from them again.

Ive been using the monthly on-line subscription ordering for Atomic Empire since they are out-of-state for 2+ years. The service has been great and they offer all the new comics available. They offer tiered discounts depending on your subscription amounts so thats convenient. My comics arrive in perfect condition and are replaced if they dont. Very pleased.

Great selection, clean, and convenient location. Definitely will be back!

My first experience today with trying to find a new comic book subscription with Atomic. I have had many issues in the past with other companies, but the lady I talked to on the phone answered all my crazy questions with a great attitude and even stayed a half hour late just to discuss with me. Will defiantly give them a try with my subscription.

A really good store. I had a negative experience and they worked to resolve it and prevent issues like it in the future. Theyre not perfect, but nobody is. What sets them apart is that they care about doing better.

Online services very horrible.screwed my orders up 3 months in row.set my books been mailed on 1st.wouldnt get mailed til 18th.very unhappy.never again.then call an customer service person was rude as hell.Will not recommend to anyone.

Horrible customer service Im really surprise the way you take care of you customer! Poor stuff! Poor Customer Service!! i been waiting 2 week for order to be ship out but the order never shipped out! HIGHLY NOT RECOMMEND THIS PLACE DONT WASTE YOUR TIME TO TRY TO ORDER ONLINE TAKE WEEKS!! NOT PROFESSIONAIL AT ALL -0 STARS

Always helpful and friendly with a huge inventory at the brick and mortar location as well.

My family is up from GA visiting family. As avid boardgamers we love to see stores near family and buy items from mom and pop locations. Sadly our experience this time was ruined by staff who guarded the door and demanded you and young children to wear masks. Not to mention, how to wear your mask. They were rude and my family had to defend our stance. We forced to leave the store... Very poor customer service with no tact. Not to mention loss of sales. I’m very ashamed that they are apart of such a great industry and hobby.

Favorite gaming store in the area. Dnd on Mondays and Thursdays with regular events- sign up on warhorn to reserve your spot. Snacks, drinks, and alcoholic beverages are served inside, with private gaming rooms available for reservation and a huge public play area.

I purchased two comic books online. The items arrived quickly and in amazing condition. It was a great experience!

Atomic Empires had a specific model kit that I unfortunately couldnt find at any of my local hobby shops. I was able to place an order and they shipped it across the country in great time!

Best hobby store Ive ever been to. Amazing location, great customer service. Before the virus, best place to host and play any kind of table top games, from CCGs to RPGs. If you like buying stuff online, dont. Support this amazing store. It has very competitive prices and if they dont have what you need they can order it for you. I cant wait for this crisis to be over so that I can go back there and play some games.Please support this great brick n mortar store.

Great environment friendly people even great prices I recommend pre-ordered

Incredible selection of games, large gaming area in back.

My go-to place for miniatures and board games. They used to have a number of kid friendly events too that I hope come back some time.

Honestly the best Dice store and game shop Ive ever found in this state. I love it so much and Im so happy I have been able to shop with them for a while now

Folks were friendly and helpful. I wish they had a few more things on the shelves but I think they are in the process of moving things around.

The staff here could not be more helpful or friendly- I always find what Im looking for and get great suggestions. Selection is great if youre into D&D, graphic novels, board games... theyve got it all! Love this place!

Cool location. Selection was good prices great. Hope to see the gaming area open up again

Massive store with excellent staff. Cant wait for the playspace to reopen and play some games.If youre in the area and youre not shopping here, youre doing it wrong.

If you need comics or table top gaming supplies, this is THE place to go.

They have a wide variety of titles and always have the latest issues in.

Greatest game store that Ive ever been to, in almost 4 decades of gaming on two continents. Huge selection, great staff and patrons, awesome open gaming space with concessions. Further, their prices are so competitive that you should shop them first for just about anything.This is what a brick and mortar game store has to be, in these internet days!

While I live out out of state from Atomic Empire, I use them. My local comic shop closed due to COVID and there were no other local options. I found Atomic Empire on line and they offer subscriptions and shipping. Their site is easy to use and order from. Their staff helpful and knowledgeable. I can’t recommend them highly enough!

They have an amazing inventory and the employees there are really nice and helpful!!!

After buying quite a few items from these guys Ive never had an issue with anything and their willingness to help and just general customer service is unmatched.

Great store with a wonderful staff. Have been going for many years and always enjoyed my visits.

My favorite store for the huge selection of board games and MTG accessories! Great covid precautions, felt safe while shopping.

Order a single manga 17 day ago and I havent received a single update and on the website says it still being packaged. Contacted them a few days ago to ask for my money back and still havent heard from them... All I can say is Im glad it wasnt a big purchase. Edit: after a few weeks they got back to me and sent it out right away.

Good selection of new comics. Huge selection of gaming stuff. They also have large gaming tournaments there, pre-covid. Staff is friendly. Its a cool place.

Thank you for the super fast shipping on my purchase I purchased on Friday (12/18). Not only did you have an item I have had an almost impossible time finding, but I paid extra for expedited shipping that was set to be delivered by Tuesday and I got it today (Sunday)! I came across you all when I was looking for a game for my sis in law and was a little apprehensive, but you absolutely nailed it. You guys rock! Thanks again and you now have a customer for life! Merry Christmas!

Great place for games and comic books. They have a gaming room where people gather to play card games or any game they prefer.

Love this place, employees are so so so nice and lovely and willing to help you with anything and give personalized suggestions. great place.

The staff are very helpful and they have a good selection of board games

Great experience! They were able to get a hard to find item for a board game that the game manufacturer would not have back in stock until the end of this year, and at a cheaper price. Came in great condition and arrived rather quickly, ordered it late on a Wednesday afternoon and arrived Friday the following week. Great online support any time I had a question. I will definitely order from them again and recommend them to anyone else!

Very friendly staff and huge selection! Bought some MTG packs for the Strixhaven prerelease and quite enjoyed my time in the store! Looking forward to post Covid events!

I was looking for a particular game and found it available online at Atomic Empire for a reasonable price. The ordering process was smooth and it arrived to Ohio in a timely fashion in good condition. Id order from them again.

Ordered Nemesis through the website. I could not find it at my local stores and wanted to support a brick and mortar store. Site was easy to use and fast shipping. The game arrived in perfect condition.

TL;DR Ordered Prerelease Kits of Strixhaven. Arrived in 2 days with 4 extra draft boosters. 5 glorious golden stars!Ill start by saying I have not visited the store, but I plan to once travel is safe again and the game room and bar open back up! For those one star reviews complaining about mask policy...come on, were still in a pandemic and its your responsibility as well to follow state mandates and WEAR YOUR MASK! Its for the safety of everyone. With that out of the way, on to the meat and potatoes of the review for Atomic Empire.I ordered some Strixhaven Prerelease Kits from them and they had them shipped to me promptly (2 days!) for some fun prerelease draft! Not only that, but they included 4 draft boosters of Strixhaven for free and it was such a nice surprise, especially since they werent charging scalper prices for these kits. Their prices are fair and from my experience and many others on reddit, they run a fantastic LGS and I will be making more purchases from them in the future! I CANNOT WAIT until travel is safe again because visiting this store is on my bucket list!

Outstanding customer service!! Had a problem with an out of state order which was not their fault, and they addressed it quickly and with wonderful customer service. Very happy with these guys, and would recommend them to everyone!

They sell local craft beer and hot pockets.

I subscribed to a comic book using thier website. Super Easy! I wasnt expecting it for a few more days but I already have it. 2550 MILES IN 2 DAYS! It arrived super safe with no damage. I will recommend this website to anyone who asks!

Awesome store, friendly staff. They run a “cafe” for the gaming area with snacks and draft beer