You’ve been invited to a LAN, You accept the challenge but now you need to pack your computer! What to pack? What to bring? How long am I going for? We’ll read on!

  • Prepare for the LAN

Before going to a LAN make sure your PC is ready and up to date. Find out what games are going to be played and make sure they’re installed and updated (+ any extra map packs that maybe required). Also check that DirectX is up to date, and your Anti-virus is installed and updated. Avast and Microsoft provide a good free anti-virus solution for Windows, and Sophos for Mac.

While Piracy is often frowned upon it’s usually worth seeking No-CD cracks for your games unless you want to bring your game collection to the LAN and risk it going missing. Most games are now on steam these days or have released a patch so the game doesn’t require the CD so don’t forget to check the games website! If you really need to have your games in a CD wallet and kept out of site. Also, pack what you would need to re-install everything on your PC… Worst case senario.

 

  • Your PC

This is the obvious item to bring, your Computer. Whether it’s a hulking big desktop, slimline iMac or laptop, it’s your computer and you play games on it. You can’t LAN without it. Bring your Monitor, Keyboard, Mouse, Headphones, mousemat and cables. Bring only what you need to game and take only 1 computer!

Worth purchasing a clear tub to throw everything into, you can commonly get them from bunnings for around $10 leaving you to only carry your case and monitor from the car and wheel everything else, Some places even do a computer carry strap! Also get a USB charger for your phone so you dont occupy a power point which could be used for another PC.

  • Chair and Sleep Essentials

Some LAN’s only have what chairs could be found and they could eve be plastic deck chair which get very uncomfortable after a few hours of gaming so see about packing your own chair. Check before hand to see if you are allowed to bring it.

Dont forget a Pillow and a sleeping bag if it’s an over night LAN. You WILL get tired and need sleep. If it’s on the floor, a couch or in your car you’ll want to be comfortable when sleeping.

 

  • Food and Drink

While there would be some at the LAN, always nice to bring your own water or energy drinks. Your own food like chips or sandwiches are also recommended incase you get hungry. Dont forget a cool bag to keep your food/drinks in! Also check where the local 24/7 store is if you want to make a mid-night run for snacks!

 

  • Money

Yes, You’ll need that too. Whether it’s for the food and drink honor system or chipping in for Pizza, always bring some money along.

 

There we are. You now know what you need to goto your next LAN Party. If your going to a big LAN party, checkout the event organisers website, they generally have a “What to Bring” section.