Amanda P.

I went to GaryCon 2026

and I didn't even get to see the Cabinet

Last weekend I went to GaryCon for the first time and I had a wonderful time.

I had been feeling a bit cooked creatively. Playing games with old friends, some I had never had the opportunity to meet in person, really helped me adjust my perspective and reground myself in what I love: GAMES.

I played: An Unnamed Horror Game by Direct Sun, Palace of the Silver Princess Zelda using Sword & Wizardy by Skullboy, Pirate Borg, Blood on the Clocktower, Cairn, Dolmenwood.

I had the pleasure of meeting strangers who were all very nice: Darlene(!!), the 3d6 Down the Line boys, Kesley Dionne, Ryan (Perils & Princesses), and Luke Stratton (Pirate Borg), along with some folks from the various discords I have skulked about in over the years. It was a convention about playing games! I saw Skullboy meet Ed Greenwood! It was very sweet.

What I Advise

This year, we booked an AirBnb which gave us access to precious kitchen. We didn't cook a ton other than breakfasts, but it made a huge difference. I'd also advise:

  1. Bring a refillable water bottle, and drink plenty of warm tea. Running and playing in rpgs for 4-5 days is thirsty work.
  2. Get enough sleep.
  3. Pack snacks on you.
  4. Make rough plans of what you are prepared to run ahead of time, pack lean, and be ready to run short little things.
  5. Accept that you will not get to play in every game or permutation you might want. Signing up for con games can be a bit of a crap shoot. There's plenty of tables, be prepared to stake out a common table for a game.
  6. Know you are responsible for your GaryCon, as are each of your comrades.
  7. Come with an open heart, leave with new pals.
  8. Wednesday night badge pickup is tough and packed. It's the only line I waited in the whole convention.
  9. Leave the con and walk around Lake Geneva.
  10. Aim for smaller games! As much as you love your large group of friends, its better to do smaller groups.

I will be returning.

For more on our trip, check out Skullboy/Better Legends and Yochai's Thread on Bluesky