A good question was recently posed on the Ontario Pathfinder forums: where is the cheapest place to buy Pathfinder books in Toronto?
There’s really not a straightforward answer to this one. On a normal day, the prices at most of the major gaming stores downtown are fairly equitable. You might save a dollar here or there, but there’s generally not huge difference.
That being said, there are tips and to tricks to landing the best prices on Pathfinder materials in the city. As a reference for the frugal gamer, I intend to briefly detail the major gaming stores in the city, what goodies they tend to keep in stock, and how prone they are to put them on sale.
The Silver Snail
Where?
What?
The Silver Snail offers a modest collection of Pathfinder books, mainly focusing on adventure paths and very recent splat books. One can generally find most of the core hardcovers there, but items such as the Advanced Race Guide are more scarcely stocked.
When?
The Silver Snail runs impressive sales three or four times a years. During their March break extravaganza a few months back, they boasted a staggering 40% off all roleplaying books. Keep an eye on their website for bulletins.
401 Games
Where?
Currently near Yonge and College, but moving soon.
What?
The fine people at 401 Games likely maintain the largest stock of Pathfinder hardcovers in the city. A gamer looking for a copy of Ultimate Combat or Ultimate Equipment will rarely find themselves in want. Splat books and adventures paths can also be found in abundance.
When?
The store isn’t as prone to major sales as the others on this list, but they do maintain a floating 10% discount on roleplaying books. If you plan on trading in Magic the Gathering cards – a speciality of theirs – you can opt to receive a heap of store credit instead of cash, making it a good opportunity to pick up Pathfinder swag.
The Hairy Tarantula
Where?
Tucked away just south of Yonge and College.
What?
Although the Hairy Tarantula only maintains a modest stock of Pathfinder hardcovers, the store always has a stack of the newest splat books in stock and is likely the best source of flip-mats in the city. Occasionally they tote used editions of hardcovers in their backroom.
When?
The Hairy Tarantula is known for its robust monthly sales, and Pathfinder materials are frequently discounted in the 10% to 30% range. Large sales pop up about as often as they do at the Silver Snail, but rarely receive the same degree of advertisement.
Dueling Grounds
Where?
Floating between Dufferin and Lansdowne stations on Bloor.
What?
Dueling Grounds should be praised for maintaining one of the best-rounded inventories of Pathfinder materials in the city. They carry an ample supply of hardcovers, splat books, and flip-maps, as well as peripheral items such as the player aid decks that are often difficult to find.
When?
There aren’t as many noteworthy sales at Dueling Grounds, but keep an eye out for the occasional clearance event. That being said, the store is the only place in the city to find certain Pathfinder products, so it might be worth paying a few dollars more.
BMV Books, Annex Location
Where?
What?
Although not a dedicated peddler of nerd provisions, the third floor of the book chain’s Annex location often carries overstocked copies of older hardcovers.
When?
Whenever they are in. BMV Books offers a steep discount on everything, and Pathfinder books are no exception. Although they may be a little scuffed, the hardcovers often sell for the unbelievable price of $15 dollars each. Naturally they sell out fast, so camping the place out is almost required.
The Wizard’s Cache
Where?
Snuggled next to the Bata Shoe Museum, of all places.
What?
New to the Toronto landscape, the Wizard’s Cache is keen on catering to the city’s large Pathfinder Society scene. Their stock is fairly limited at the moment, but the proprietor is working on filling his shelves with new hardcovers each week.
When?
Any time. If you’re a card-carrying member of Pathfinder Society Organized Play, the fledgling store will provide a universal 10% discount on all Pathfinder materials and dice.
