How to Enjoy Games on a Budget in the UK

Whatever your situation, games can get pricey. You spot a shiny new box, fall in love with the artwork, and suddenly your wallet is a little lighter before you’ve even read the rules. But here’s the good news: you don’t need a big budget to enjoy great games.

With a bit of creativity (and a willingness to have a rummage), you can play loads of brilliant games without spending much at all.

By swapping, sharing, and buying second-hand, you can enjoy loads of brilliant games while reducing waste and giving games a longer life.

Swap for a new to you

One of the easiest ways to play new games is to swap with friends. Most people own at least one game they bought with good intentions and then never quite got around to playing again. Sound familiar?

A simple game swap lets everyone try something new without spending a penny. You can do a casual one-off exchange, rotate games every few months, or even create a shared “game library” with friends. Old favourites get a second life, and your shelf stays interesting.

 Ask Behind the Counter

Places that you already visited might have games, even if you cannot see them. Some pubs and places put games behind the bar.

Places like libraries, cafés, especially those in climbing centres and family cafés, offer games to play, allowing you to take a well-deserved break and enjoy the time spent out and about.

Also, look out for the Unplugged Games poster to try some new and fun games in your local places.

Embrace the Car Boot Sale Hunt

Car boot sales are a hidden treasure chest for budget-friendly games. You’ll often find classic family games, children’s games that were played once and forgotten, and sometimes even modern titles, tucked between DVDs and mismatched mugs.

Go in with an open mind, have a quick check that the pieces are there, and don’t be afraid to haggle — especially near closing time. Half the fun is the hunt.

Charity Shops Can Surprise You

Charity shops are always worth a look, especially after Christmas when people are clearing out cupboards, and have been given games that turn out to be unsuitable. You might not strike gold every time, but when you do, it’s very satisfying to pick up a perfectly playable game for just a couple of quid.

 If you’re unsure, ask if you can check the contents. Staff are usually happy to help.

Try Before You Buy

Board game cafés are a brilliant budget option. For the price of a drink or a small table fee, you can try loads of games — no commitment required. It’s a great way to figure out what you actually enjoy before spending money on a copy of your own.

Many cafés also sell ex-demo games at a discount, which is a win-win.

Print, Play, Repeat

Print-and-play games are another budget hero. Many are free or very cheap, and all you need is paper, a pen, and maybe dice. They’re perfect for solo games, roll-and-writes, and quick sessions at home.

Our game boxes include roll-and-write printouts, and a tip would be to laminate them and use whiteboard pens to rub off the markings, making them reusable. 

Go Digital (but with a warning)

Local Facebook groups, community pages, and online marketplaces are fantastic for finding games that need a new home. People often sell or give away games simply to free up space.

This kind of local reuse:

• Cuts down on packaging and shipping

• Keeps games circulating within the community

• Helps connect you with other gamers nearby

However, please be aware that games may be sold for more than you can buy them new online!. Games are popular, and sometimes specific games can be hard to obtain and sell for more than new on second-hand selling sites. People simply add a price or add extra to the price because they can give it to you now, rather than waiting 3 months for the next game shipment. Please review the new price to see if you have found a good deal.

Games sent to your home

How about becoming a board game tester! If you're really into gaming, there are companies and events to explore.

Or how about rentals? For a rental fee, you can rent games, as we did in the late 90s with DVDs.

Play Smart, Not Expensive

Gaming isn’t about owning everything — it’s about playing, sharing, and having fun. Whether you’re swapping with friends, digging through a car boot sale, or discovering a new favourite at a café, there are loads of ways to enjoy games without spending a fortune.

Sometimes the best games don’t come from a shop shelf — they come from a bit of curiosity and a bargain box on a Sunday morning.