LAN parties

Things to do before a LAN party

  • Sign up for the LAN party :)
  • Free up disk space
    • You may encounter e.g. a new game that you want to try out, and you need to have enough disk space for it.
  • Backup the computer
  • Update the operating system, all software and games
  • Configure Steam
    • Settings -> Downloads -> Game File Transfer over Local Network: yes
      • Allow transfers from this device to: at least Steam Friends
    • Settings -> Downloads -> Shader Pre-Caching
      • Enable Shader Pre-caching:: yes
      • Allow background processing of Vulkan shaders: yes

Packing list

  • Computer
  • Monitor
  • Peripherals
    • Mouse
    • Keyboard
    • Mouse pad
    • Headset
    • The peripherals should have wired connectivity, if possible, as wireless frequencies are often congested at LAN parties, which leads to connectivity issues with wireless devices.
  • Cables
    • Power cables for the computer and the monitor
    • Power strip
      • The power outlets may be limited, so you should be able to power all your devices from a single socket.
    • Monitor cable
    • Long Ethernet cable (15 m)
      • If your laptop does not have an Ethernet port, bring a USB to Ethernet adapter as well. If you have a USB-c or Thunderbolt dock for your laptop and it has an Ethernet port, you can use that as well.
    • Phone charging cable
  • eGPU (If you use one)
    • Including the power supply and the necessary cables
  • Kensington locks
    • Especially if you come with a laptop
    • Before purchasing a lock, check which lock slot type your device has.
    • Kensington Nano combination lock: hinta.fi, Amazon.de
      • For e.g. Lenovo ThinkPad L14
  • Sleeping gear
    • Sleeping bag
    • Camping mattress
    • Pillow
    • Sleeping mask (The sleeping area may not be dark.)
    • Earplugs (The sleeping area may have noise.)
    • Towel
    • Toothbrush, toothpaste etc. personal hygiene items
  • Clothes
    • Comfortable clothes for both cold and warm temperatures (Depending on the air conditioning, some LAN parties can be very cold, while others can be very warm.)
    • Comfortable shoes
  • Water bottle
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Plastic bags for trash

LAN parties in Finland