Viking Hobby

First class in every way.

At age 60, I can remember the hobby store in my hometown. Viking Hobby evokes that era — friendly, family-​owned (and oriented) hobbies in a small space but big on customer service.
You might find lower prices (but not by much) on the Internet, but you will rob yourself of the joys of shopping here.

I spend so much money here. And I’m not going to stop!
They have most things, and they can order everything. They are knowledgeable, helpful, and best of all, enthusiastic about the products they sell.
Seriously. Go in and tell them what types of games you like. It can be crazy obscure or specific, and they can still find something to recommend! I’m always amazed at the knowledge and I’ll do my part to keep them in the area for years to come.

Very nice place to shop for board and off beat card games games, nice selection. Bonus that all games are 10% off list price. The owner was very helpful and friendly.

(Please note: I wrote this review about 2 months ago but I didn’t hit the «Post» button! I’ve have been back since and plan to return this week)
I stopped by Viking Hobby today to buy some paint for some tank models I have (Sturmgeschultz IV, Kangaroo, White Scout Car M3A1, and Tiger I Mid Production). Since I haven’t built a model in probably 20 years I decided to just get paint for one model (Stug IV) and then return for more after I’m finished.
The owners Mark and Jessica were VERY nice a greeted us when we entered. I was amazed at the selection of model kits, paints, games, ect. If I could have, I would’ve stayed all day going over ever inch of the store! Haha.
Being out of the model building game for some time I wasn’t really sure where to start. Mark helped me pick out the type of paint (water soluble) and the colors I needed. He also gave me some advice on how to clean the brushes (I picked one up too). He did NOT try to sell me anything I didn’t need.
Overall I had an excellent experience at Viking Hobby, they have a GREAT selection, and good prices, and the owners are SUPER nice.
Even though I don’t live near the store (it’s about a 25 – 30 minute drive for me) I will DEFINITELY return to this store for ALL of my hobby needs!!!

Excellent stock and knowledgeable staff. I find all sorts of treasure when I visit Viking Hobby. Models, games, toys, this is the place to go in Sacramento. What they don’t have, they can special order.

Cutest little Hobby Shop for those who love figurines and models etc… Reminded me of my brother when we were younger and his D&D pewter figurines that he would paint. And how focused he would be making his models. Cute little store with great customer service.

Small but densely stocked this is an old style, full service hobby shop. Carries plastic kits and war gaming supplies, as well as an outstanding selection of paints. What really sets Viking apart is the truly wonderful and friendly customer service. I’ve never experienced anything less than a warm greeting and the staff are truly knowledgeable and helpful. As an example, one time I got some paints and accidentally picked out a gloss bottle when I wanted flat. The clerk noticed the pattern of what I was buying and asked if that is what I wanted, saving me money and time. I drive down from Grass Valley just to go here — over 100 miles round trip — and it’s worth it!

My friend and I are avid Munchkin players. We love to play but we constantly ran across the same cards. That can be repetitive and boring, so we decided to purchase some expansion packs. No stores in our area (North Highlands) had heard of them. We found Viking hobby through Google after searching card shops with little to no luck. We found the store easily, The person working there was friendly, and he even offered to back order some of them if we called in earlier in the week before our purchase. I recommend this shop for anyone who plays munchkin. Aside from our quest for more cards, we found the store had a plethora of hobby supplies. Models, tiny soldiers, Rpg books, you name it.
Definitely the place to go.

I used to go to this place to buy my army men when I was in elementary school (30+ years ago). Now I go here to buy all my board games. Great people, great store. You’ve got to check this place out.

I called to find out if they had any models or toys for my cousins, ages 6 and 9, as I wanted to get something different than the usual toys r us garbage. He said they had some snap models that would be just right. I drove over there and he helped me pick them out. He was very friendly and helpful and knew everything about the products they were selling. Real nice guy and wonderful, cozy store with a lot of great models and kits. Will return. Highly recommend!!!

A wonderful little nook!
When you arrive at Viking Hobby, you may not expect much from the very simple storefront, but once you walk inside, you’ll find tons of games/​models and friendly workers.
I’ve only been here once so far, and I found it to be a satisfying visit. Beforehand, I called ahead to see if they had the products I was in search for in the area (Smashup and Fluxx) and the worker (I wish I could get his name) seemed to be knowledgeable of the boardgames (we all know those chain store retail employees who don’t know about what products and have to ask someone else or what not). Unfortunately, Smashup was out of stock, but he knew the exact reason (they’re having to reprint more sets because they’ve been selling a lot, sold out in the general area too). Instead he suggested King of Tokyo, which I don’t regret buying at all.
The only thing I can say about the business is that I wish they’d have a more spacious location. Although it gives the store a little nice aesthetic, having so many things crammed into the small store may feel a little clustered. The board games are stacked to the ceiling on shelves behind the counter, but they’re nice enough to let you see them if you ask (at least according to other reviews I’ve read). Being a smaller place, their selection may not be as expansive as other game stores, but they seem stocked to my needs at least. These reasons aren’t enough for me to lower my rating.
This may not be the closest game store for me, but I’m always for supporting small business and the 10% discount off of new items is just a bonus!
I’m looking forward to swinging by more often!

Let’s start off with a big thanks to Jessica the Store Owner for her kindness and like ability. The Store may seen small but it is Crammed full of Gaming Gems!
The Store is Clean the staff is extremely kind and intuitive, but get this they give 10% off all new products 365days a year!!! I found hard to find Games, Model kits and Miniatures. I am happy with this shop and will be a patron for as long as I’m in the area.

Amazing store. Hundreds of board games and figurines in this little shop. Hard to spot but so worth going in. 10% off my board game just because that’s their tradition. How crazy is that?

Viking Hobby was actually recommended to us by some people we ran into at another gaming store, so we decided to check it out.
The place is tiny — only a couple tight isles, with much of the RPG and boardgame stock stored behind the counter. They do offer a 10% discount on new boardgames, so make sure you ask!
The store definitely has a focus on models and wargames, but their selection of games is actually very good if you take the time to look. They also offer used/​consignment items, although with the price set by the owner — you are often times better off buying new.
Jessica wasn’t in when my wife and I visited the store — her name was mentioned along with the recommendation and I see it in several reviews as well. However, the staff member on hand was still very knowledgable — although he only turned on the charm when my wife and I were about to depart empty-​handed after perusing for a few minutes.
He was able to make some recommendations based on the kind of game we were looking for and the size of our group — and we didn’t end up leaving empy-​handed afterall.
A slow and rocky start — but a decent experience overall.

This is the place to go if you want to buy a board game. Jessica, the woman who’s usually working when I go in, is extremely kind and helpful. She’s really knowledgeable when it comes to board games and publishers, and if they don’t have the game you’re looking for in stock, she’ll order it. The shop looks tiny, but it’s packed with games.

Great store with friendly staff and if they don’t have something you are looking for, don’t fear. Mark and Jessica will bend over backwards to find and order what you are looking for.

I first found Viking Hobby when I was an Undergraduate. I can say that it is one of my favorite places to indulge my modeling and history hobby. For such a small store they are extremely well stocked with both plastic models and that latest magazines and periodicals related to my hobbies. In addition if you want a specific item not in stock the staff is always willing to order it for you.
Check them out.

And then there was one…
Growing up in Sacramento, I used to buy model kits at The Toy Shop, Hobbytown, Hobby House, and the one time all great Highlands Hobbies.
One by one, they all closed, or became something else. When Viking opened, it was water to a thirsting hobby populace. The owner used to come around to the local IPMS meeting, and get our input. It was, and still is great. Not everything under the sun, but that’s ok. Great amounts of reference and research material, good selection of models.
I wish they could expand to fill the whole building they’re in.

Love this little store. Found it through a friend of my dads that has been going for years!
Customer service is five stars! I first came in clueless looking for a gift. They asked a few questions and helped me select a really nice model kit that he loved! I would have never picked something out like it on my own. I have gone back again to get additional models as additional gifts. I love that they are local, and really try to get to know their customers. They aren’t there just to upsale you on things you don’t need. Will be going back again and again.