I personally always choose to show up at least a day earlier then the start of any festivities. So my first time I showed up Wednesday, quickly realizing there were things to do on Wednesday.
So I shifted and the next couple of years I showed up Tuesday. It got to the point that Tuesday started getting so busy that we then started coming Monday, and now Monday is starting to get that way. If I had the money, we would come in on Saturday like some others we know do lol.
This is great, my friend and I will be arriving Tuesday afternoon this year so would love to get some precon gaming in. I'm down to play pretty much anything. :) Dibs on a couple spots if you are running something dranthor ;)
I'ver never run RIFTS actually never even played rifts. I know that is sad. Not sure what TMNT is. I'd think it would be better for me and easier to plan something if I ran a system I know a little better. I'll look into my rifts stuff and see if I'd be comfortable running it. I'll get back to yo on the rift by feb 1
as far as time starting, I'd be good probably any time after about 2 pm. I plan to drive and splt the days by doing some sight seeing along the way this year. figure to drive about 5 hours on tuesday and then check in.
We typically try to get to GenCon on Tuesday afternoon and have lots of fun playing pick up games with other gamers in the lobbies of the various hotels just off the Convention Center. There are always people playing, so don't be afraid to ask around to see if you can join in.
We've come down to Indy 2x on Monday, but honestly, there just wasn't that much to do and the hotel rooms are so pricey during the Con that it just seemed smarter to save our $$ for Tuesday-Sunday.
Showing up Monday night is the best for our group. We get checked in, get a nice meal, no real crowds, asleep early. Tuesday is busy taking in the sights, last minute game prep and pick up games. Wednesday is (imo) one of the best days while at Gen Con. We game at the RAM/Scotty's (R.I.P), play through the Indy escape room in the evening and usually eat at Ruth's Chris.
I'm Checking in Tuesday as well, but I'm flying in from New England so I won't have my own car. I'm outside downtown (only by about 2 miles), but I could Uber somewhere if something is going to happen! I'll be solo until Thursday when my brother-in-law is coming, and this is my first GenCon so I'd love some tips as to what to do Tuesday night.
Should I just wander into hotel lobbies?
The lobbies you will want to go through are the JW Marriott and the Hilton. The JW's second floor sees tons of open gaming
I'm staying at JW and plan to run something tuesday evening. More to come closer to Gen CON
Yes, wander the lobbies, you'll have no problem finding games to play. In addition to the hotels mentioned above you should also check out the Marriott and Hyatt. I'm planning on bringing a few board games this year (Tyrants of the Underdark, something Fantasy Flight Arkham related and possibly Descent).
Looks like I am arriving Monday morning now instead of Tuesday. More gaming! Anyone running something at any point, any place on Monday, and need players, let me know.
I'm thinking about bringing Gloomhaven and maybe making a day (or more?) of it. Anyone potentially interested in playing this Monday or Tuesday?
Gloomhaven is a lot of fun... I might be interested and same with my companion, depending on other gaming going on ;)
I went out of lottery to get my hotel.