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Pax Unplugged 2025: Limping, Laughing, and Loving Every Moment

This past weekend marked another unforgettable year at Pax Unplugged, my favorite board game and RPG convention—and even on a broken foot, there was no way I was missing it. Limping around the show floor may not be the most glamorous way to experience a con, but honestly? The energy, the people, and the creativity on display more than made up for any discomfort. Pax has always felt like a homecoming for tabletop lovers, and 2025 delivered in every way.

Fans, Friends, and the Heart of the Convention

One of the greatest joys of Pax Unplugged is interacting with the incredible community. Whether stopping for quick conversations, sharing laughs over dice rolls, or having deeper chats about design and storytelling, the fans and fellow creators continue to inspire me. There’s something magical about being surrounded by thousands of people who love games just as much as you do.

I also had the chance to connect with other content creators and vendors—some old friends, some new connections. A few collaborative discussions are now brewing behind the scenes, and you’ll definitely want to stay tuned for updates on upcoming reviews and creative projects. If you were one of those I got to have a conversation with, thank you so much. I always enjoy meeting fans and friends of the channel, it is the major reason I keep doing what I do.

A Grim and Glorious Future: Vast Grimm Updates

One major highlight of the weekend was visiting the booth for Vast Grimm, a gloriously brutal sci-fi RPG that continues to push stylistic and thematic boundaries. The new material they showcased is dripping with dark charm—twisted creatures, gritty art, and inventive mechanics that crank its grimdark energy to new heights.

Of course, I had to show my support: I picked up a new Vast Grimm hat and shirt, both of which are now proudly part of my ever-growing convention wardrobe. If you haven’t checked out this game yet, you’re missing out on one of the most visually striking and thematically bold RPGs in the indie sphere.

Sage Stones: More Chaotic, More Charming Than Ever

I made my ritual visit to TNT Laser Works to play another round of Sage Stones, a tactile, beautifully produced board game that continues to surprise me with its replayability. This time, I finally picked up the expansion, and wow—this add-on can seriously change the flow and strategy of the game with every new playthrough.

If you enjoy thinky games with dynamic setups and a satisfying physical component, Sage Stones remains one of my top recommendations. This expansion is going to get a LOT of table time.

Dice Acquisition Syndrome: Activated (Again)

It wouldn’t be Pax Unplugged without buying new dice—and once again, I did not disappoint myself.

This year’s haul includes:

• Legends of Avantris(Crooked Moon) – A set as gorgeous as their livestreams are dramatic. These beautiful dice are a great piece in the collection.

• Black Oak Workshop – Reliable, striking, and always high quality. Their dice capture that perfect mix of functionality and flair.

Let’s just say my dice bag is heavier, my wallet is lighter, and I regret nothing.

Kobolds, Chaos, and 9th Level Games

I also dropped by 9th Level Games to check out the new material for Kobolds Ate My Baby, one of the funniest, most chaotic RPGs ever written. Their updates continue to lean into the lovable absurdity of the game, and it’s always a joy hearing what’s coming next from a team that doesn’t take themselves—or the world—too seriously.

Talking with the folks there (and several other vendors) sparked some exciting ideas for future collaborations and reviews. If things pan out the way I hope, there may be some truly fun content coming to the blog very soon.

Final Thoughts

Broken foot or not, Pax Unplugged 2025 was everything I wanted it to be: fun, inspiring, creatively invigorating, and community-driven. Every year reminds me why this event stands above the rest—it’s not just a convention, it’s a celebration of imagination. If you are already thinking about next year, as I am, the dates have already been released, so mark your calenders for December 4th to the 6th 2026 and Join Dave and I, as I am sure we will be there, I hope you will be as well.

Thank you to everyone I met, laughed with, gamed with, or chatted with. And to those who follow this blog: stay tuned. I’ve got new games to review, projects to tease, and maybe even a story or two about trying to navigate a convention center while hobbling.

Keep rolling, keep creating, and keep playing.

Until Next Time, Stay Nerdy!!