Legions Hobbies & Games

Easily one of the grossest places I have ever been too. They have an aweful selection and because I am a girl they either avoid helping me or they act as though I have no idea what I’m talking about. Last time I visited there looking at MtG cards a worker insulted me for wearing a Bowie shirt. I intend on taking my business elsewhere and some place female friendly.

I’ve grown to like Legions over the past few years. I’m by no means a regular, but I do stop in at least once or twice a month to play games.
Legions is located on the lower level of a strip mall; it’s location actually lets it sprawl a bit, so there’s a lot of room there. The topside entrance cuts immediately to a giant stairwell that also has a spiraling ramp and elevator that lead to the retail/​game space. (As of my writing this review, I think only the ramp is serviceable.) I mention this because the weird, off-​kilter tone of the entrance carries over to the retail/​gaming space: there are weird passages that wind around, the storage space also doubles as gaming areas, and there are lots of odd steps leading to platforms and balconies. As other reviewers have noted, the place is dark and dank, but that’s mainly because it’s in a basement. The men’s bathroom is also moderately gross, though it seems like the staff at least try to keep it clean.
As I’ve mentioned before, there’s a lot of space here – about half of it is dedicated to miniature gaming, and at any given time you’ll find folks playing Warhammer or Flames of War or something else (I’m not a miniatures gamer, otherwise I’d be more specific!). There’re also a ton of folks playing Magic (or other CCGs and LCGs) during business hours. If you want to play some sort of pick-​up game, chances are there will be a table or two for you (even if it is tucked away in a back corner). I usually go to play RPGs and there’s always room.
There is a lot of merchandise at Legions. The focus is on miniatures and CCGs, but also a fair number of board games (and expansions), and some RPG books. Which makes sense – most of the regulars spend money on the former, hence the shelf space. I mainly shop for board games there; it’s hard for game stores to beat online prices, but Legions at least gives some discount from MSRP on products. There have been a few cases where I got an item for the same or less than Amazon.
The folks working there are often friendly, but it depends on who you talk to. Regulars are almost always gathered around the register, and you can hear lively banter from time to time. Sometimes it’s *really* lively – I tend to think good employees are careful about their word choice, and I’ve been surprised at some of the language employees have used in front of kids under the age of 5. But these cases were infrequent. Some of the staff are really friendly and knowledgeable, and are quick to greet you and offer help when you step in. Others just goof off on the computer their whole shift. I also feel like there is a general stigma against people who aren’t dumping their entire paycheck on miniatures. I’ve try to buy stuff every visit (yes, something more expensive than a drink), but I tend to get scowls from the regulars and some of the staff. Oh well – the friendly employees are cool enough to make up for it!
Overall, while the place isn’t perfect I still dig it quite a bit.

Great hobby shop in the North Hills. If you play Magic the Gathering, you will have trouble leaving this place! They have binders of cards. Some are 50 cents, some are $ 1 and buy one, get one free! Although they are separated by color, you do have to do some digging if you’re looking for specific cards or abilities. Ask a staff member if you have a specific card in mind. They were in the process of cataloging some cards and were able to find us a few copies of a card we wanted. Come when you have some time on your hands!
The staff was great. They seemed like gamers themselves so they took great pride in being able to help and make suggestions. Extremely friendly and willing to answer any questions even those non-​nerd shoppers may have. I was in right before Christmas and heard the girl behind the counter talking a mother through which purchase would be the best for her son.
I’ll definitely be back!

Pros: Has every product you’d want for tabletop, RPG, card– and boardgaming.
Cons: The store felt like a dungeon, and the staff and atmosphere were about as cheerful. The environment was very dark (both visually and gothically) and staff were not friendly to a new customer. Regulars seemed to get good treatment, but I was definitely not given the same. Finally, prices were too high by a few dollars on everything, but especially books (army/​forces books).
Sadly, these guys are one of the only large gaming shops in the Pittsburgh area, so you’re stuck. Shop at your own risk!

As a hobbyist myself, I’ve been to many hobby shops over the years and Legions is by far one of the best hobby shops I’ve ever been to. They have a large store space including a 16 000 square foot gaming area which is free to use and open regularly. They organize regular events for trading card games, pen and paper games, and miniature war games. The staff, especially the owner (Rob), are all nice and extremely helpful and remember most repeat customers. Magic the Gathering is every Friday night, it’s usually a pretty large crowd. The hours are nice too, they’re open until like 2am on a Friday night and 12am on a Saturday night, pretty nice for long gaming sessions. If you are interested in any collectable game, Legions is a place you must check out, you’d be hard pressed to find a hobby shop of similar quality.