How To Host a LAN Gaming Party

Introduction

Hosting a LAN (local area network) gaming party can be a fun way to gather friends and enjoy multiplayer video games together. With some preparation and planning, you can create an awesome gaming event that everyone will remember. In this guide, I will walk through all the key steps involved in hosting your own successful LAN party.

Selecting Games

The first thing you need to do is choose which games you want to play at your LAN party. Some good options to consider include:

• Multiplayer shooters like Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, Call of Duty, Overwatch, etc. These are fast-paced games that are ideal for LAN parties.

• Real-time strategy games like StarCraft II, Warcraft III, Age of Empires II. RTS games allow for competitive matches and team games.

• Local co-op games like Overcooked, Rocket League, Castle Crashers, etc. Co-op games let attendees work together, which can be a fun team-building activity.

• Party games like Mario Kart, Super Smash Bros., Jackbox Party Pack, etc. These tend to be more casual and suited for larger groups.

Ideally you’ll want to select 3-5 games that offer a good variety of gameplay experiences for attendees. Make sure they are games that the majority of attendees own or can easily acquire.

Venue and Equipment

The next consideration is choosing a good venue for your LAN party. Some options include:

• Your home or a friend’s house that can accommodate 10-20+ people. Make sure there are enough power outlets and table/desk space.

• Community centers, church basements, or halls that can be rented affordably. These offer more space.

• Internet cafes or gaming centers that support local multiplayer. You may need to pay a rental fee.

In terms of equipment, here’s what you’ll need at a minimum:

• Routers/switches – You’ll need one or more routers and switches to network all the computers together. Gigabit routers provide the fastest speeds. Manage cables neatly.

• Ethernet cables – Have spare CAT 5e or CAT6 ethernet cables so attendees can connect their PCs to the network. Provide cable wraps or tape to prevent tripping hazards.

• Power strips & extension cords – Have enough power strips and outlets so attendees can plug in their desktops, monitors, etc. Mark tripping hazards.

• Tables & chairs – Have tables or desks to set up computers on. Folding tables and banquet chairs work well.

• Displays – TVs or projectors allow spectators to watch gameplay. HDMI cables will be needed to connect to gaming PCs.

Food and Drinks

No gaming party is complete without great food and drinks to keep attendees fueled and hydrated. Here are some tips:

• Provide a variety of sodas, energy drinks, water, and snacks like chips, cookies, pizza, etc. Consider any dietary restrictions.

• You can order in pizza delivery for an easy dinner option. Or cook pulled pork, wings, sandwiches and other finger foods.

• Set up a snack table so food is easily accessible. Use disposable plates, utensils and napkins to simplify cleanup.

• For late night gaming, provide coffee, tea and other caffeinated beverages to keep gamers energized.

• Make sure to have trash cans available and encourage attendees to clean up after themselves. Assign someone to oversee cleanup.

Schedule of Events

Creating a loose schedule of events will help your LAN party stay organized and on track:

• Setup Time – Have attendees arrive 1-2 hours early to setup computers, connect cables, install games, etc. Provide time estimates.

• Welcome briefing – Give a quick welcome speech, review the schedule, announce teams if necessary.

• Gaming sessions – Block out times for each of the main games you’ll be playing. Allow 2-4 hours per game session.

• Meal times – Designate times for food breaks in between gaming sessions. At least 30-60 minutes each.

• Tournaments – You can hold mini tournaments for games that support 1v1 or team competitive matches.

• Casual gaming – Leave ample time for free gaming where attendees can choose what to play.

• Closing time – Set an end time and have attendees cleanup and pack up. Thank everyone for coming!

Other Tips

Here are some final tips to make sure your LAN party is an epic success:

• Ask attendees to BYOC (bring your own computer) to simplify logistics. Make sure they bring necessary cables, peripherals, etc.

• Appoint 1-2 “party admins” to oversee network, troubleshoot issues, moderate gameplay, etc.

• Use a group chat app like Discord for announcements, tournament coordination, trash talk!

• Consider a tournament prize pool or fun trophies to reward winners.

• Take lots of pictures and videos to memorialize the event and share online later.

• Most importantly, set ground rules that emphasize having fun, being inclusive and keeping things friendly!

Conclusion

Hosting a fun LAN party takes some effort but is very rewarding. Follow this guide to help plan your event, accommodate gamers, organize engaging activities, and bring friends together for an epic time of multiplayer mayhem! With great games, food, and camaraderie, your LAN party will be a huge hit and talked about for LANs to come.