Level Up IRL: Experiencing Tabletop Gaming at M.A.G.E. 2025

If you’ve ever dreamed of rolling dice, trading cards, and plotting chaotic one-shot adventures surrounded by hundreds of fellow nerds, then M.A.G.E. 2025 has your name written all over it. This year’s Minneapolis Anime and Gaming Event (M.A.G.E.) is happening from October 31 to November 2, 2025, and the Hyatt Regency in downtown Minneapolis is transforming into a playground for anime fans, gamers, cosplayers, and yes—tabletop diehards.

Now, M.A.G.E. is known for mixing anime, gaming, sci-fi, steampunk, and even a dash of Renaissance flair into one massive celebration. But the tabletop side of the con? That’s where friendships are forged, rivalries are born, and laughter echoes from rooms filled with rolling dice. Whether you’re a newbie who’s never cracked open a rulebook or a seasoned dungeon master who brings their own dice tower, the tabletop department at M.A.G.E. makes sure you feel at home.

The Tabletop Room: Your Quest Hub

First things first: the tabletop room at M.A.G.E. is the crown jewel for anyone who loves rolling dice, flipping cards, and laughing until your character dies in the most ridiculous way possible. Organized by the folks at Gnome Games, this space isn’t just a couple of folding tables with Monopoly lying around. We’re talking dozens of board games, collectible card games, and one-shot RPG sessions running all weekend.

Imagine walking in and finding everything from Munchkin and Catan (yes, they’ve even been known to bring out a life-size version) to collectible card game tournaments and impromptu rounds of Werewolf that rope in a crowd of strangers who are suddenly your best allies—or worst enemies.

For role-players, one-shot Dungeons & Dragons campaigns and other tabletop RPGs are on the schedule. These are beginner-friendly, so you don’t need to memorize spell slot mechanics or lug around your own Player’s Handbook. Just show up, pick a character, and dive into the chaos. Experienced DMs run these sessions, and the emphasis is on fun storytelling rather than nitpicky rules lawyering.

And if you’re feeling competitive? Tournaments with real prizes are part of the mix. Winning bragging rights at M.A.G.E. isn’t just fun—it gets you noticed.

How to Jump In (Even If You’re New)

One of the best things about tabletop gaming at conventions like M.A.G.E. is that you don’t need to be a pro. Never played Catan? Someone will teach you. Haven’t touched a D20 in your life? A GM will explain it in under five minutes.

Here’s the secret: everyone there wants more players. Most games are better with four, five, or six people, so the community vibe is welcoming. All you really need is curiosity and maybe a little patience while rules get explained.

If you’re solo, this is actually one of the easiest places in the whole con to meet people. You sit down at a table, start rolling dice, and suddenly you’re high-fiving a stranger over a natural 20. If you’re a family, tabletop is perfect for getting everyone involved—kids can handle a lot of the board games and light RPGs, and parents get to share in the fun.

Beyond Tabletop: Why You Can’t Skip the Other Events

Look, I get it. Tabletop is awesome, and you could easily spend your entire weekend rolling dice, building decks, and arguing over whether your Catan strategy is genius or just reckless chaos. But if that’s all you do at M.A.G.E. 2025, you’re going to miss out on some seriously cool stuff. This con is stacked with events that pull you out of the game room and throw you into whole new experiences—and honestly, part of the fun is hopping between them like you’re speed-running side quests.

Gaming Tournaments

If your competitive streak comes alive in front of a screen, M.A.G.E. has you covered. The gaming room isn’t just a couple of consoles shoved in a corner but a full setup with giant displays, booming sound, and crowds that get as hyped as any sports match. You could be duking it out in Smash Bros., landing clutch combos in Street Fighter, or watching teams battle it out in shooters while people cheer like it’s the esports finals. And if tabletop tournaments are your jam, those have their own energy too—slightly less shouting, but the tension when someone makes a game-changing move is chef’s kiss.

Escape Room: Cabin of the Cackling Man

For the puzzle-solvers and horror fans, the escape room is a must-try. You and your friends are dropped into a creepy, retro-inspired escape room full of occult puzzles and eerie atmosphere. The clock’s ticking, the stakes feel high, and every riddle solved gets you one step closer to escaping. Or, you know, failing spectacularly and laughing about it for the rest of the weekend. Either way, it’s an adrenaline shot in the middle of your con schedule.

Cosplay Contest

This is where the creativity of the community really hits you in the face—in the best way. The Grand Costume Contest are more than just a catwalk of costumes; they’re full-on performances. People sing, dance, act out fight scenes, and generally pour their heart into bringing their favorite characters to life. Even if you don’t cosplay, sitting in the audience is a blast. You’ll cheer for characters you love, gasp at insane craftsmanship, and probably walk away wondering how someone managed to sew LED lights into their cape.

Voice Actor Guests

You know those voices that live rent-free in your head from anime, video games, or Saturday morning cartoons? Some of them are going to be at M.A.G.E. 2025. The con always brings in big names, and it’s not just about autograph lines. These guests host panels, tell behind-the-scenes stories, answer your questions, and sometimes even wander around the con floor. There’s nothing like hearing a beloved character’s voice come out of a real human right in front of you—it’s equal parts surreal and awesome.

Artist Alley & Vendor Hall

Bring your wallet—and maybe a second bag—because this is where your self-control goes to die. Artist Alley is where indie creators shine: gorgeous art prints, handmade jewelry, custom commissions, stickers you’ll plaster on every flat surface you own. It’s a treasure hunt, and you might stumble on an artist whose work you’ll want to collect for years. Meanwhile, Vendor Hall is like hitting the jackpot of official merch and collectibles. Plushies, rare figures, posters, manga—you name it, someone’s probably selling it. Pro tip: cash is king here, and setting a budget before you walk in might save you from empty-wallet regret later.

Late-Night Dances & Music Events

When the sun goes down, M.A.G.E. doesn’t wind down—it powers up. The nights are packed with concerts, themed dances, formal balls, and raves that keep the energy going until the early hours. One night you might be in glow sticks and neon at an EDM party, and the next you’re waltzing at a fancy ball. It’s the ultimate way to let loose after a day of panels and gaming, and even if you don’t think of yourself as a dancer, the crowd energy might pull you onto the floor anyway.

Maid Café

Yes, it’s exactly what you think, and yes, you should go at least once. The Royale Maid Café is part performance, part snack break, and part “what even is my life right now.” Maids and butlers serve you treats, play games with you, and put on the kind of quirky, over-the-top charm that makes it impossible not to laugh. It’s silly, it’s wholesome, and it’s the kind of thing you don’t really get outside of a con setting.

Panels

At M.A.G.E., the fan-run panels are where the unexpected happens. Guest Q&As and industry-led workshops have their place, but the sessions run by attendees are the ones that really keep people guessing. Since fans are the ones behind the microphone, the panels could cover just about anything they’re passionate about.

You might sit down expecting a talk on anime and instead hear someone describe how they built their ideal gaming setup. Another panel could drift into the basics of a successful digital marketing, with the host explaining it in a way that makes sense even if you’ve never thought about it before.

In another room, you might join a conversation where people are bouncing around identifying target markets when starting a business—half serious, half just for fun. Later, a host could share tips on small space gardening, while somewhere else someone might explore the ins and outs of minimalist design.

The range of possibilities goes even further. One panel might look at what it’s like to go vegan, while another could offer a casual introduction to learning basic Chinese. You might even walk into a quiet session focused on meditation, or find yourself watching someone explain how they put together a small indie game.

Then there are the real curveballs. A host might talk about souvenir traps to avoid when traveling in Japan. Someone else could decide to run a hands-on demo of non-alcoholic cocktail recipes. Another panel might dip into AI technology, and yet another could walk through something as specific as how to sell event tickets.

That’s the real magic of fan-run panels—you never know what you’re going to stumble into. The topics could be practical, playful, or completely offbeat, and that unpredictability is exactly what makes them such a memorable part of the convention.

Why Tabletop and Panels Go Hand-in-Hand

Here’s a pro tip: if you’re into tabletop gaming, you’ll want to balance your schedule with some of the panel offerings. Why? Because fan-run panels and tabletop sessions share the same DNA—they’re both about people geeking out together.

For example, you might attend a panel on how to make a game, then head straight to the tabletop room to test out mechanics you just learned. Or maybe you drop into a talk on gaming setups and leave with ideas for how to host your own D&D nights at home. M.A.G.E. is as much about learning as it is about playing, and panels can spark ideas you carry back to your tabletop group long after the con ends.

Tickets and Why Early Matters

Let’s talk logistics for a second. M.A.G.E. tickets are surprisingly affordable compared to a lot of big conventions. Here’s the breakdown:

• Weekend Badge: $40 ($37 if you grab it before August 19, 2025)

• Day Pass: $30

• Sunday Pass: $15

• Platinum/VIP Badge: $150 (extra perks and exclusive access)

Early registration isn’t just about saving a few bucks. It also helps the con organizers book more guests, plan more panels, and add extra gaming events. If you know you’re going, lock it in early. The VIP badge is a splurge, but if you’re into autographs, exclusive seating, or cutting down on wait times, it’s worth considering.

Tips to Maximize the Fun

A con as big as M.A.G.E. can feel overwhelming, especially if it’s your first time. Here are some practical tips to make sure you get the most out of your weekend without burning out:

• Pace yourself. You can’t do everything, and that’s okay. Pick one or two must-dos per day and let the rest unfold naturally.

• Use the ConSweet. Free ramen, rice, and soda are included with admission. It’s not gourmet, but it’ll save you money and keep you fueled.

• Pack smart. Comfortable shoes, snacks, a refillable water bottle, portable phone charger, and maybe a small repair kit for cosplay or bags.

• Budget for shopping. The vendor hall and Artist Alley will test your willpower. Set a budget before you walk in.

• Take breaks. The Hyatt has plenty of chill spots. Don’t be afraid to step away for an hour and recharge.

• Plan hotel logistics. Rooms at the Hyatt Regency are discounted to $135/night for attendees (a steal for downtown Minneapolis), and staying onsite makes late-night events way easier.

• Solo travelers: Don’t stress. The tabletop room, panels, and room parties are perfect for meeting people.

• Families: Stick to daytime programming and the tabletop department for the most kid-friendly experiences.

The Bigger Picture

Here’s the thing about M.A.G.E.: it’s not just about the activities on the schedule. It’s about the community. The tabletop room is great for bonding with strangers, but that vibe spreads everywhere. You’ll meet someone in line for an autograph, trade jokes at a late-night dance, or chat with artists at their booths.

And because M.A.G.E. happens in downtown Minneapolis, you’ve also got the city as your playground. You’re steps away from restaurants, coffee shops, and attractions. Just make sure to plan ahead for parking (use the con’s discounted rates or local ramps) because downtown spaces disappear fast. Planning smart saves time and money, leaving you with more energy for the con itself.

Final Roll of the Dice

If you’re heading to M.A.G.E. 2025 (October 31–November 2 at the Hyatt Regency in Minneapolis), make sure you carve out time for tabletop gaming. It’s the beating heart of the con’s community spirit, a space where newcomers and veterans roll dice side by side, and where every game is a chance to create a story worth retelling.

But don’t stop there. Balance your tabletop time with panels, tournaments, cosplay contests, shopping sprees in Artist Alley, and late-night dance marathons. Check out the Maid Café for something quirky, and if you dare, escape the Cabin of the Cackling Man.

At the end of the weekend, you’ll walk away with more than just swag. You’ll have stories, new friends, maybe a tournament win, and the knowledge that you leveled up IRL.