I was in Joplin, Missouri for a doctor’s appointment. It was one of those in-and-out trips. You don’t expect much beyond waiting rooms and coffee refills. But while scrolling Facebook, I noticed a post from Gray Fox Games casually mentioning that they carry wargames. That alone was enough to make me take a detour.

I figured I’d pop in, do a quick reconnaissance mission, and see what titles they had. You know how this usually goes: maybe one lonely box tucked between eurogames and miniatures, if you’re lucky.

That is not what happened.

A Real Wargame Shelf (Yes, Really)

Right away, I spotted titles from all the major wargame publishers. These are the names we all know and trust. Then, something genuinely made me grin: a nice collection of older SPI games. Not just filler. Not one token title. An actual, intentional wargame presence.

For anyone who’s spent years asking you Friendly Local Game store (FLGS) staff, “Do you carry historical wargames?” and getting blank stares, this was a refreshing change.

Meet the Folks Behind the Counter

The store is owned by Susie and John, and they were an absolute joy to talk to. John has been gaming for many years. It shows, not in a gatekeepy way, but in that relaxed, seasoned-gamer confidence. This confidence comes from decades around the table.

They used to own Changing Hands Books and Games. Last year, they decided to drop the books and focus fully on the games side of the hobby. Honestly? It feels like the right call. The store has range, euros, RPGs, modern board games, and yes, historical wargames that clearly aren’t an afterthought.

One moment that really stuck with me: Susie was laughing. She shared that her friends tease her because she’s at the store all day. Then she “allows” John to stay late on Wednesday nights to play games. That kind of good-natured humor tells you a lot about the vibe of a place. This is a shop run by people who genuinely enjoy the hobby, and each other.

Community Matters (and They Get It)

Gray Fox Games isn’t just about selling boxes. They host open gaming and have events scheduled throughout the week, creating space for people to actually play. For wargamers, that matters. It’s how new players discover the hobby, how veterans find opponents, and how games stop being shelf queens.

And yes, I was genuinely surprised—in the best way—by how solid their wargame selection was. Seeing that level of support for historical gaming in southwest Missouri is encouraging. It tells me they’re listening to their community and aren’t afraid to stock deeper, heavier titles.

Why This Matters to Wargamers

If you’re part of the historical wargaming crowd, you already know how important brick-and-mortar stores are. When a shop makes room for hex-and-counter games, older classics, and serious history-driven titles, that’s worth celebrating—and supporting.

If you’re passing through Joplin, Gray Fox Games is absolutely worth a stop. And if you’re local? You’ve got a gem on your hands.

Sometimes the best finds happen when you’re least expecting them. This one started with a doctor’s visit. It ended with me walking out genuinely excited about the future of wargaming at a local game store. That’s a win any grognard can appreciate. 🎲🗺️