What to Buy and Bring for a LAN Party

A LAN party needs more than computers and games. You also need reliable network equipment, enough power connections, backup peripherals, drinks, snacks and a practical way to serve them. This shopping list covers the items that keep players connected and comfortable, including spare gear for the problems that usually appear after setup. Check quantities against your participant list, table layout and event length before you shop.

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What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 32
Registration desk

Equipment

Network Switchesqty 4
Router
Spare computer
Backup monitor
Spare keyboardqty 2
Spare mouseqty 2
Ethernet cablesqty 36
Network adaptersqty 4
USB sticksqty 4
Power stripsqty 16
Extension cordsqty 12
Cable reelsqty 2
Cable tiesqty 100
Cable clipsqty 50
Label tapeqty 2
Power banksqty 4
Timer

Lighting

LED lightsqty 4
Light cablesqty 2

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 40
Platesqty 40
Cutlery setsqty 40
Coffee cupsqty 24

Kitchen

Coolersqty 4
Thermos flasksqty 3
Serving plattersqty 8
Serving spoonsqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 2
Bread knivesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 4

Catering

Groceries
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 12 bottles
- Orange soda - 8 bottles
- Iced tea - 8 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 48 bottles
- Spa Red - 24 bottles
- Energy drink - 48 cans
- Non-alcoholic beer - 24 bottles
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 1 pack
- Milk - 4 liters
- Oat milk - 2 liter
- Paprika chips - 4 bags
- Plain chips - 4 bags
- Tortilla chips - 4 bags
- Snacks - 4 bags
- Popcorn - 3 bags
- Snack nuts - 3 bags
- Cookies - 5 packs
- Chocolate bars - 40 pieces
- Muesli bars - 40 pieces
- Mini pizzas - 40 pieces
- Vegetarian mini pizzas - 12 pieces
- Toasts - 4 packs
- Cream cheese - 3 tubs
- Hummus - 3 tubs
- Cucumber - 4 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 4 trays
- Apples - 30 pieces
- Bananas - 30 pieces
- Grapes - 3 trays
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Napkins - 4 packs
- Paper towels - 4 rolls
- Trash bags - 2 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Sponges - 1 pack
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Toilet paper - 2 packs

Tips

Plan at least one spare keyboard, mouse and monitor for the whole event, not one backup set per player. A single failed peripheral can otherwise stop a player from joining.
Count power strips and extension cords by table row before buying anything. Leave enough cable length to reach the power source without running loose cables across walkways.
Bring more Ethernet cables and network adapters than your player count requires. A few extras cover damaged leads, missing adapters and last-minute computer changes.
Chill drinks before guests arrive and prepare snacks in serving platters rather than opening everything at once. Keep coolers available so drinks do not depend on constant trips to a fridge.
Use label tape and cable ties during setup, then secure longer runs with cable clips or cable reels. This makes troubleshooting faster and reduces the chance of someone pulling out a connection.

Frequently asked questions

How many Ethernet cables do I need for a LAN party?: Plan one Ethernet cable per connected computer, plus at least 10% spare cables. For 20 players, that means 22 cables; bring more if some computers need network adapters.
How many power strips are needed for a LAN party?: Count the number of table sections and provide at least one power strip for each section, with extension cords or cable reels for distance. Keep spare capacity for monitors, chargers and the backup computer.
What backup equipment should I bring to a LAN party?: Bring at least one spare computer, backup monitor, spare keyboard and spare mouse for the event. Test each item before guests arrive and keep the replacements ready rather than packed away.
When should I buy drinks and snacks for a LAN party?: Buy non-perishable snacks and serving supplies at least 2 days beforehand. Chill drinks on the day of the event, allowing several hours for coolers or thermos flasks to be ready.

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