🎮🛸 Top 20 Dos and Don’ts of Con Life

Walking into a gaming or sci-fi convention is like stepping through a dimensional rift into a world where capes are currency, dice determine destiny, and caffeine flows like the lifeblood of the multiverse. It’s a glorious chaos of chainmail, lightsabers, and questionable life choices made at the merch table. But beware, traveler—this realm has rules. And if you want to survive the con floor without becoming a cautionary tale whispered about in the artist alley, you’d best heed these 20 sacred Dos and Don’ts. Trust me—I’ve seen what happens when someone tries to cut in line at a panel on quantum dragons. It wasn’t pretty.

✅ Top 10 Convention DOs

(a.k.a. How to Be a Hero of the Con)

1. Do Shower Daily

Yes, this is number one. Your cosplay might be fire, but if you smell like a dungeon crawl, no one’s getting close enough to admire it.

2. Do Pack Snacks Like a Squirrel

Cons are marathons, not sprints. Granola bars, trail mix, and caffeine are your new party members.

3. Do Wear Comfy Shoes

You may want to wear those platform boots, but your feet will file a formal complaint by Hour 3.

4. Do Respect the Cosplayers

They spent 47 hours hot-gluing foam and crying over sewing machines. Ask before photos, and never touch the armor.

5. Do Bring a Backup Battery

Your phone will die faster than a level 1 bard in a dragon fight. Power banks are your lifeline.

6. Do Make a Game Plan

Winging it at a con is like trying to speedrun Skyrim blindfolded. Check the schedule and prioritize your must-sees.

7. Do Compliment Strangers

“Nice costume!” “Cool dice!” “Your Chewbacca growl is disturbingly accurate!” Spread the nerdy love.

8. Do Budget Like a Boss

Artist Alley is a trap. A beautiful, glittery, wallet-draining trap. Set a spending limit or risk financial ruin via enamel pins.

9. Do Take Breaks

Even superheroes need naps. Find a quiet corner, hydrate, and let your social battery recharge.

10. Do Embrace the Weird

You’re surrounded by people who also think space wizards and talking mushrooms are cool. Be yourself—loudly and proudly.

Now, if you’ve made it this far without tripping over your own cape or accidentally photobombing a Sith Lord, congratulations—you’re halfway to surviving the con. But don’t holster your blaster just yet, kid. For every noble deed on the con floor, there’s a dark side—an unspoken code of what not to do unless you want to end up exiled to the food court with nothing but regret and a $12 pretzel. So tighten your utility belt and brace yourself. It’s time to descend into the shadowy realm of the Don’ts—where etiquette is law, and ignorance is punished with side-eyes and social banishment.

❌ Top 10 Convention DON’Ts

(a.k.a. How to Avoid Becoming a Con Cautionary Tale)

1. Don’t Be a Line-Cutter

This isn’t Mario Kart. You can’t just banana peel your way to the front of the autograph line.

2. Don’t Touch People or Props Without Permission

That sword may look foam, but your nose will find out otherwise. Ask first. Always.

3. Don’t Monologue at Celebs

They’re lovely, but they’ve got 300 fans to meet and 12 minutes to do it. Keep it short, sweet, and selfie-ready.

4. Don’t Block Aisles for Photos

You’re not directing a Marvel movie. Step to the side before you cause a traffic jam of stormtroopers.

5. Don’t Be a Gatekeeper

Someone likes the reboot? Great. Someone’s never played the original? Also great. Let people enjoy things.

6. Don’t Forget Deodorant

This is not optional. This is a public service announcement.

7. Don’t Trash the Venue

You’re not in a post-apocalyptic wasteland. Use the trash cans. Respect the space so we can all come back next year.

8. Don’t Overschedule Yourself

You’re not a time-traveling wizard. You can’t be in five panels at once. Pick your battles.

9. Don’t Be Creepy

Compliments are cool. Staring, following, or making weird comments? Not cool. Ever.

10. Don’t Forget to Have Fun

It’s easy to get overwhelmed. Remember: you’re here to geek out, meet cool people, and maybe buy a sword you don’t need.

So there you have it, wanderer of the weird and wielder of lanyards—your sacred scroll of survival for the grand halls of geekdom. Whether you’re rolling nat 20s in the tabletop dungeon or debating warp drive mechanics with a Klingon in the food court, remember: the con is more than just panels and merch. It’s a living, breathing celebration of imagination, camaraderie, and the glorious chaos of fandom. So suit up, stay sharp, and dive in headfirst. Make memories, make friends, and maybe—just maybe—make it through the weekend without losing your badge or your dignity. The con awaits. Go make it legendary.

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