Frequently Asked Questions
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Easily, and coming solo is the norm here, not the exception. You'll find "looking for players" and "looking for teachers" signs on site, a Discord channel for organizing games ahead of time, and a new pairing system we're testing this year to match you with people who want to play the same titles. You can also just walk up to any open table and grab a seat.
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Yes. There's a wide range of experience in the room, from people playing their second-ever game to folks who could do share math in their sleep. If you want a guaranteed learning table, we host scheduled teaching games so you're never stuck figuring it out alone. Pace varies table to table, and nobody's timing you.
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Not at all. We keep a curated library of 73+ 18xx titles on site, plus a growing stash of filler and card games for between the big ones. You can browse the full list on our Game Library page. You're also welcome to bring a copy from home, whether it's finally getting that title off your shelf of shame or playtesting a design you're working on.
New here? Start with these
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A full-weekend pass is $95 and covers all four days, Thursday through Sunday, and enters you into our Saturday afternoon giveaway. If you can't make the whole weekend, we offer a limited number of day passes: $35 for Thursday, Friday, or Saturday, and $30 for Sunday. Ready to grab one? Register here.
*Tickets also include a processing fee from our ticket vendor Eventbrite -
Life happens. We offer refunds, no questions asked, up to 7 days before the event. Inside that final week we can't process one, so if a date conflict is looming, that's your window.
I’m doing this to host an event, not make money from those who can’t make it- if something comes up, reach out.
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18North is a closed, ticketed event, so everyone in the gaming space needs a pass. If a friend or partner is traveling with you, they're welcome to explore Lowertown while you play, but the room itself is for ticket holders.
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Mature children are welcome, but 18North is an event geared toward adults. If you're thinking of bringing a younger player, reach out and we'll help you figure out if it's a good fit.
Ticket questions
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18North is held annually in November in Saint Paul, MN at the Union Depot. For specific dates and times of this years event, please visit our Event Details page.
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Union Depot is an active transit hub, easy to reach by car, bus, light rail, or even Amtrak. We can't offer free parking on site, but there are several lots attached to and near the building. Full details are on our Getting There page.
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There's no hotel block this year, so you're free to book whatever suits you. Several hotels are within walking distance, with more a short ride away on the Green Line light rail. See our Where to Stay page for suggestions.
Getting there and staying
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Yourself, and any games you're hoping to play if their not in the library (also let us know- we are always looking to make it more comprehensive). We provide everything else you need, from poker chips and tile trays to our full game library.
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We keep coffee, tea, and water flowing, but we don't provide meals. You're welcome to bring food or order in, and Lowertown has great options within a short walk, including a restaurant on the main floor of Union Depot itself. More nearby spots are on our Explore St. Paul page.
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Union Depot is a modern, accessible venue: there are elevators, accessible restrooms on our floor, and accessible parking connected to the building. The gaming room can get lively, so we also keep a quieter space near our registration table where you can step out and reset. Have a specific need? Email Phil directly at phil@18north.games and we'll make sure you're taken care of.
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Every full-weekend pass is entered into our giveaway, drawn Saturday afternoon and backed by an expanded lineup of sponsors this year. More on that as we get closer.
At the event
Staying in touch
I have a question you didn’t answer
Reach out any time at phil@18north.games or through our Contact page. A real person, me, will get back to you.