PAX Prime Survival Guide: 10 Tips For Braving This Week’s Huge Gaming Convention

Are you going to PAX Prime this year? It starts in just a few days, and it’s going to be one heck of a show.

No matter how much you plan ahead of time, something is always bound to catch you off-guard. Instead of sending you out to learn the hard way, we have a guide for you so that you can head to the Washington Convention Center knowing that you’re as prepared as possible.

Weather.com says that it’ll be in the 70’s throughout the four days of the show, and on Saturday and Sunday there’s a 40% of rain. While the show itself is indoor, getting around will require you to walk the city streets. Bring an umbrella or outerwear proper for the climate.

 

This is a convention, so you’re going to be walking around… a LOT. When you aren’t walking, you’ll probably be standing. Do yourself and your feet a favor and bring comfortable shoes. You may also want to think twice about bringing new shoes, though. If you have a new pair that you’re sold on bringing, wear them a few times before the show to break them in.

Also, buying some insoles, such as Dr. Scholl’s solutions, isn’t such a bad idea to give your feet better support through the weekend.

 

It’s very easy to get lost in the craziness of a convention. You’ll be a lot less overwhelmed and fit in more events and content if you plan ahead.

We’ve put together a panel guide so that you can easily locate the panels you want to attend. Panels are definitely something you’ll want to take advantage of, because they’re not only informative, but give you a chance to sit down in a chair and relax your legs for a bit.

Related: PAX Prime Panels That You Don’t Want to Miss

Alternatively, you can check out the full schedule here.

 

The doors don’t open until 10:00AM on each day. This leaves you ample time in the morning to have a hearty breakfast. Truth is, the food at the Washington Convention Center is ridiculously expensive, food carts have long lines, and the nearest cheap food option without a crazy line is more than a mile away.

In my experience, eating a big breakfast and then following it up with a high energy snack such as a protein bar—protein is great for those stomach rumbles—shortly before noon is your best bet. That way, you can have lunch around 2:00PM or later when lines aren’t 45+ minutes long.

As far as water goes, you’ll be moving around a lot, so your body is going to need more water than usual. Having a water bottle on-hand is a good idea. Don’t drink only when you feel thirsty, either. You’re supposed to drink half a gallon of water per day, after all.

 

Even if you aren’t the luckiest of people, you’re going to walk out of PAX Prime each day with at least some swag. While some of it won’t be worth your bag space, t-shirts, posters, keychains, and other items are great souvenirs for your trip. Even if you don’t like them, you can probably net some decent money for them on eBay from those who do find them attractive.

There is also a merchandise store on-site. Here are the items they’ll have available.

Click the Image Above to View it in Full Screen

Merchandise tends to sell out quickly, so visit the store on your first day if you can.

<< On the next page we have five more tips! >>

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