How to Plan Your First PAX Trip (East, West, Unplugged, South)

1. Pick the right PAX for you

PAX East (Boston, late March): biggest, video games. PAX West (Seattle, Labor Day weekend): hometown PAX, video games. PAX Unplugged (Philadelphia, December): tabletop and board games only. PAX South (San Antonio, January): smaller, returning after years off.

2. Buy badges ASAP

Badges sell out 1-4 weeks after release. Single-day badges $50-$70, full 4-day badges $250-$280. Sign up for PAX email list at penny-arcade.com. Avoid scalpers — PAX bans transferred badges.

3. Book hotels 4-6 months out

PAX has official hotel blocks (use them — guaranteed walking distance). Convention rate ~$200-$300/night for Boston/Seattle, slightly less elsewhere. Book during the PAX 'hotel block opens' email window.

4. Plan your schedule

PAX app drops 2-3 weeks before. Panels: book the BIG panels (Acquisitions Incorporated, the big developer Q&As) day-of via the line. Exhibit hall: pace yourself; you can't see everything in one day. Indie Megabooth area is consistently best.

5. Pack the essentials

Comfortable shoes (10+ miles walking per day). Hand sanitizer (PAX flu is real). Portable phone charger. Water bottle. Snacks for line waits. Cash for swag/tipping.

6. The Indie Megabooth strategy

Skip the major publisher booths first weekend day (long lines). Go straight to Indie Megabooth area — talk to developers directly, play upcoming releases, build your wishlist. The best PAX memories come from indie booths, not publisher demos.

7. Tabletop / freeplay area

Most PAX events have a free-play tabletop area open all day. Bring your own games or borrow from the library. Often a great place to escape the crowds in the afternoon.

How much does a PAX trip cost?

Budget trip: 4-day badge ($250) + 3 nights hotel ($600) + meals ($150) + travel ($300) = $1,300. Mid-range: $1,800-$2,500. Add convention swag, parties, and side activities for $3,000+ trips.

Is PAX better than E3 or Gamescom?

E3 is defunct as of 2023. PAX is the largest North American gaming convention now. Gamescom (Germany) is bigger globally but focused on European publishers. PAX is the best fan-focused, walk-the-floor convention in the US.

Which PAX is best for first-timers?

PAX East (Boston) — biggest, most variety, best for first-time attendees. PAX West (Seattle) is also great but more cramped venue. PAX Unplugged for tabletop-focused attendees only.