Six years. Damn. For six years now, with the help of many others around here, I've been putting together this guide for PAX attendees. Whether PAX East 2017 is your first PAX or your eighteenth, this is for you. Most of the tips remain unchanged at this point, but I'm also including a schedule of all panels involving anyone who's part of the Giant Bomb Family™. Despite years of refinement, if you have something that needs to be added, let us know in the comments.

Boston

It's gotten better in the last couple years, but the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center is still kinda in the middle of nowhere. Logan International Airport is just a few minutes from the convention center, but it's about a mile walk from there into the heart of Boston where most of the fun stuff is.

If you're landing at the airport, you should almost definitely hop on the Silver Line. It's FREE going into the city from Logan and, if you were lucky enough to get a hotel near the convention center, it'll take you right past most of them. If you weren't so lucky, the Silver Line will drop you at South Station, which is a hub that will get you to basically anywhere else in the city. If you're going to be in town all week(end), throw $10 or $20 on MBTA "Charlie Card" since each ride you take is going to cost about $3.

Check for your hotel on Google maps, locate the closest "T" station (it'll be real easy), and work backwards to South Station. Even if you're not a city kid, it's quite simple. If you need help, there's plenty of Boston natives hanging around on the site, so ask away in the comments below.

Giant Bomb @ PAX

You might spot a Giant Bomb staff member randomly on the show floor (just don't bother them if they're shooting something), but your best bet is one of these panels. There's at least one panel every day of the show that features one of your favorite Vine Stars international meme legends.

For popular panels, you're going to need to line up early if want a good seat. As a general rule, I'd suggest going to most panels an hour early. For the super popular ones, there's a bit of loitering skill involved. Enforcers will not allow you to line up until the line for the previous panel goes inside, so...do what you need to do to get in the actual line as soon as that happens.

The Enforcers

Enforcers are a legion of volunteers that make PAX run efficiently. It would be a hot mess without them. In the old days, they would don the black. But, now that there are multiple versions of PAX, East Enforcers are coated in red. If you need help with anything, just look for one of them. They’re never too far away. And if they ask you nicely to do something (like move out of an aisle/walkway), please do so.

They don't always wear armor like this guy to the right. Just most of the time.

#PAX

Even if you don’t normally use Twitter, you should sign up just to follow these accounts while you’re at PAX. It’s the best and easiest way to get up-to-the-minute updates on what’s going on.

• @official_pax - The important stuff.
• @pax_lines - Updates on theatre/panel lines and when they get capped.
• @pax_tourney - News on the dozens of tournaments going on upstairs.
• @paxparties - An unofficial feed for the unofficial parties going on all weekend.

The Packing List

Here's what you need to bring with you especially if you're coming in from out of town.

Money

Most places (including vendors in the expo hall) will take credit/debit cards, but it’s probably a good idea to carry a little cash just in case. And if you need to hit an ATM, do it early in the day as they sometimes run out of money later on.

Backpack

Whatever your style of choice is, bring one. Don’t rely on getting a free bag at the show. They’re often cumbersome and there’s no guarantee you’ll find one anyway. Trust me…carrying a bunch of random stuff you pick up throughout the day is going to suck without a backpack.

Phone & Charger

Duh. You need your phone. But don’t be a dumb and forget your charger and/or wall plug. Pro Tip: Turn your brightness down as far as you can tolerate. Keeping up with your friends at night through texts and/or Twitter is gonna be tough if your phone dies by 2 PM.

Battery Pack

Consider buying an external USB battery pack. It’s been a life saver for me the last couple years. Worth every penny.

Switch/3DS

You will undoubtedly find some downtime (like waiting in line), and you will never be in a better place for local multiplayer. So, whether you're taking your Nintendo Switch out for an inaugural test run or getting one last run at StreetPassing, bring it with you.

Hand Sanitizer

There will be dispensers scattered around the buildings, but do yourself a favor and toss a little bottle in your bag and use it every time you play something.

Poster Tube

If you can fit it in your luggage, this is a veteran move. You might get a cool poster at PAX. You might even get it signed by Todd Howard. Make sure you have a way to get it home without crushing it.

Trash Bag

Yep. A trash bag. Just throw it in your luggage. Use it later for dirty clothes, which will keep your stank-ass, sweaty socks off of the cool stuff you bring back on the way home.

The Daily List

Here's a few things that you should do every day. Every. Day.

Shower/Deodorant

For the love of Bristlebane, please! It’s not difficult. You're probably paying an arm and a leg for that hotel room you got, so use those amenities.

Eat/Drink

Walking around for eighteen hours a day for three days requires fuel. It may sound crazy, but you might actually forget to eat and stay hydrated. There aren't a ton of options real close to the convention center. There is a food court on the north side of the convention center, but it's super crowded and generally shitty. There's carnival-type food in the back of the expo hall usually too. But, scope out some of the few nearby locations ahead of time and maybe hit those instead. Try to eat two actual meals a day and carry some snacks for in-between. Alternatively, you could attempt to live on Dunkin for three days.

Sleep

Time is precious at PAX, but you can’t go non-stop for 72+ hours. Try to get at least 5 or 6 hours a night.

Get Out

Don’t spend all of your time in the convention center. Get out of there once in a while, get some air, grab some real food, see some of the city, etc.

Be Yourself

There’s a special vibe that envelops PAX. If you’ve ever felt weird or strange about the nerdy things you love, know that you’ll never be in a place with more people that enjoy the same things that you do than you ever will be. So, be yourself. Talk to random people in lines. You’re going to have a blast. Welcome home.

The To-Do List

Now that you've got a checklist of what to bring and some daily advice, here's some tips on how to prepare.

Download Guidebook

Guidebook is the best, easiest way to keep up with all the official PAX info (schedule, maps, announcements, etc.) Plus, Dave & Coonce work there now, so you know it’s gotta be awesome.

Gameplan

The schedule is out now, so start making a list right now of the panels you may want to see and any potential games you want to play. Compare your list with your friends and get a rough idea of what you want to see and do. Inevitably, you’re going to have make some tough decisions as multiple things you’re interested in will overlap. Accept the fact now that you can’t see/do everything, but if you go in there with no plan at all, you’re going to be overwhelmed.

Plan a Backup

Shit happens. Panels get full faster than you thought. Lines get too long to be worth it. The game you wanted to play might actually just be a presentation. Try to have a backup whenever you can. If all else fails, just go spend some more time in…

Indie Megabooth

Arguably the best part of PAX is the slew of indie games available. And, over the last several years, the Indie Megabooth has established itself as a primary feature of PAX. It houses over seventy games from nearly as many developers and you could spend hours there. It’s also great because you can play a bunch of games without waiting too long. If you see an open station, play it! I don’t care what it is.

Escape the Expo

The expo hall is an amazing spectacle. No doubt about it. But, it's also a trap. Get the hell out of there and do some other stuff once in a while. PAX has so much to offer aside from the expo hall and you shouldn’t miss it. Head upstairs to the Classic Console rooms or the Kickstarter Lounge. Head to the back with the massive Tabletop arenas. You get the point. Go do stuff.

The To-Don’t List

A couple little words of warning from a PAX veteran. You'll thank me later.

SWAG

We all love free stuff, but seriously…don’t be that guy. Don’t wait in line for 45 minutes to play a game you don’t care about just to get a shirt. And please don’t loiter around a headphone booth hoping to catch an inflatable hat. You will get free stuff without trying too hard, so don’t let SWAG ruin your PAX.

Lines

Okay, lines are unavoidable. If you want to do much of anything at PAX, you’re gonna wait in some lines. But, this is on the “don’t” list simply to help you make good decisions. Do you really need to wait in line for an hour to play NieR: Automata when it just came out a few days before? Think about it. Do you really want to wait in line for an hour to watch a new Prey trailer that will be online Monday morning? Time is precious at PAX. Choose wisely.

The Optional List

Three PAX traditions that should not be ignored. Your interest will likely depend on who is involved, so take note.

Keynote

The “Storytime” session is typically a great opening ceremony for PAX, especially for first-timers. The Penny Arcade Q&A is once again immediately after this, so if you're a fan of those guys, you should probably go to the keynote to get a good seat. It's one of the few times they don't clear out a theatre before the next event. This year’s speaker is Jake Solomon from Firaxis.

Music

On Friday and Saturday night, the Main Theatre will be rocking late into the night. Whether you know anything about the performers or not, the concerts are a great time especially if you don’t have any other late night plans. Friday’s lineup includes Videri String Quartet, Bit Brigade, and Protomen. Saturday night will feature the One Ups, MC Frontalot, and Viking Guitar.

Omegathon Finals

The Omegathon is an elimination tournament that takes place throughout the entire weekend between a couple dozen attendees who were randomly selected prior to the show. The final game is always kept a secret until the very end. It’s usually a great closing ceremony, but it totally depends on the game. I’ve seen some great ones like Vs. Excitebike, Ikaruga, Trials Evolution, and (inexplicably) a stuffed animal crane game. But, I’ve also seen some pure train wrecks like Spaceteam and Cornhole. So, I can’t recommend it as much as I used to, but it still has the potential to be awesome.

<>

Well, that's all I've got. If you have any questions, comments, suggestions, or complaints, let me hear it. As always, hopefully this will help some people out and maybe I'll see some of you at PAX. Let me know if you spot my Mii in StreetPass too. It'll probably be the last time. Anyway, it's gonna be a blast. Have fun. And, yes, fog machines are still banned.

Why oh why did they move this back into early March? Mid April was absolutely perfect last year,and the weather was great. I'm going to be salty if it's below freezing the whole weekend like it was in 2015.

@drdarkstryfe: It tends to alternate between March and April each year. Probably due to pre-existing conventions that have priority on scheduling.

I'm going to jump in here because I saw you pointed out Regina's pizza. I don't live in Boston anymore but did for several years and travel up there regularly for work. I have been to many PAX Easts and no longer go because I'm a crotchety coot and the show is a bit much for me in my advanced age.

Please dear God do not go to PAX and live on Pizzeria Regina. Don't get me wrong, Pizzeria Regina is fine, but you can do better. And by that I don't mean "eat the con food." If you want energy drinks, there is a 7-11 by the T station.

Most of the restaurants on the waterfront are fine but expect to pay for the privilege of eating in the "Innovation District," aka "hey cruise ship passengers, we will be taking your money now!" I do recommend checking out the Harpoon brewery, it is a bit of a walk from the convention center but very doable, and they have great food and beer flights. The Irish pub that is right next to the convention center is pretty good but it is SLAMMED with PAX-ers more-or-less all the time.

You will get the same kind of tourist pricing at the Fanueil Hall marketplace, but the selection there is pretty good and it is fairly convenient to get to. If you want to go all out, a lobster roll from Boston Chowda company will do.

Boston really is not that big of a city. The public transit is antiquated but extremely reliable. Otherwise, for getting around, I recommend taking Uber/Lyft. The cab drivers in Boston are categorically insane.

Can't wait for my third PAX East.

Quick, kinda silly food rec: Wagamama in the Prudential Center.

https://www.wagamama.us/

Yes, it's technically "mall food" but I have not had ramen this good in the States in pretty much ever. You hear the likes of Chris Kohler talk religiously about Go Go Curry in SF/NYC, this is the ramen equivalent.

EDIT: Are they expecting that League of Heels showing to sell out quickly? Depending on jet lag, I might prefer to just pay at the door.

@getter404: That place is solid, but there is another one in Fanueil Hall that will be a bit easier to get to from PAX.

if you have to eat at South Station the Mexican bar there is actually fine.

The Cheese Boy closing in South Station hurts my soul. That was a great place to get a quick bite in the middle of the day.

If you want a really good lobster roll - go to James Hook and Co. It's along the waterfront across the bridge in a little shack. I live/work in downtown Boston (and am going to Pax for the first time this year) so feel free to PM me if you need any suggestions / advice.

Since last PAX East, Kane's Donuts opened a shop in the Financial District and their donuts are better than anything Dunkin can offer. Also, I recommend No Name and Yankee Lobster for seafood and Saus if you're Canadian and need your poutine fix.

Oh, quick minor tip for first timers I brought up in the last thread:

Remember, there is a FedEx store in the lobby of the convention center, to the right of the check-in area, near the ground floor Starbucks kiosk. If you don't want to risk two suitcases/eat the extra baggage fee on the way home/can't fit that Giant Foam Shovel inside anything, you might want to just bring all your merch back with you Sunday morning.

Current grad student at BU and first time PAXgoer, so feel free to PM me. I will trade you a cool beer/food spot for a hot PAX tip.

Also, regarding the weather, it really isn't supposed to be bad at all. A far cry from the -13 wind chill day we had a while back.

Thanks for putting this together again!

Anyone else going to the League of Heels pre-PAX event on Thursday? I just ordered my ticket today, sounds like a fun time and an opportunity to check out another unique area of Boston

http://www.brattlefilm.org/2017/03/09/league-of-heels-a-video-game-wrestling-documentary/

@drdarkstryfe: it's actually been crazy warm up here for most of the past week. I'm guessing it'll be in the 70s next weekend.

@drdarkstryfe: the new 90 second pizza booth there isn't bad for a quick bite that is better than McDonalds there

Crossing my fingers GB can get their panel back on (off?) track.

@hellion88: Yeah... and now the latest forecasts are predicting snow on Saturday.

Pack light AND heavy folks. It's going to get weird.

@marino: What game are those icons to the right of each section from? They seem really familiar.

EverQuest

Re: food tips

Food options have never ever been better down by the convention center. There's now a chipotle nearby, along with a shake shack, a vegan place, and a takeaway indian place. Also for the past few years they've had some food trucks out by the Lawn on D, which tend to be less crowded for meals than the terrifying food court. Out that way is also a Jimmy John's. Utilize these to feed yourself well.

Has there been an announced Meet-up yet?

If you go to the Brattle to see the League of Heels thing check out Charlie's Kitchen for food and drinks before. Super cheap place with surprisingly good food.

@dafdiego777: It's doubtful that there will be an official meetup. The convention center is kinda in the middle of nowhere, and there are not a lot of options to have a gathering near the place.

@drdarkstryfe: You know none of that is true right (aside from the meetup looking doubtful at this point)? The seaport is hottest part of town right now and there's like at least 10-15 good bars we could crash alone, let a lone a short 15 min walk into the financial district.

@dafdiego777: It is the reason they gave last year. There is not a place near the convention center that would be able to host a gathering with the amount of people that would probably want to go.

Most of the seafood places everyone is mentioning in the comments section are tourist places or the kind of place someone new to the area would go to, not real locals. You can't really get authentic or reasonably priced local seafood unless you travel miles. There's other more authentic local pizza places as well but they are a little further. Generally, the most named places are not going to be the best or more authentic.

So, is a meet up looking grim? I live in Boston and would love some Giant Bomb community gathering this weekend. Roxy's in Central Square would be fun but likely overwhelmed at any group pushing 50 people.