Heading to PAX West in Seattle this year?
If so, you're in for a gamer's long weekend where the action is unmissable and the indie game discoveries will keep you buzzing long after you leave.
PAX West 2025: A Complete Travel Guide for Attendees
PAX West isn't just a gaming expo. It's a community celebration where strangers become teammates and queuing becomes a form of socialising.
Famous for its hands-on demos and diverse panel schedule, it welcomes everyone from speedrunning legends to people who genuinely thought 'Fortnite' was a typo.
Expect panels, tournaments, concerts and cosplays that could have walked straight out of your favourite game.
And with Seattle as the backdrop, you can sandwich your convention schedule between a craft coffee run and a sunset over Puget Sound.
Whether you're a hardcore PC builder or a casual gamer, PAX West is welcoming to all.
Just don't expect to leave with the same bank balance you arrived with - the merch is also known for being irresistible.
When Is PAX West 2025?
PAX West 2025 runs from Friday 29th August to Monday 1st September 2025.
Since debuting in 2004, PAX West has grown from a small gathering of gamers into one of the biggest consumer-focused gaming events in North America.
What started as the 'Penny Arcade Expo' (hence 'PAX') has evolved into the ultimate playground for anyone who's ever shouted at a screen - either in frustration or triumph.
How Many People Go to PAX West?
For its 20th anniversary in 2024, Pax West welcomed around 100,000 attendees. Plus hundreds of exhibitors and countless announcements and reveals from both indie studios and industry giants.
Where is PAX West 2025 Held?
Everything happens at the Seattle Convention Center, specifically the Arch and Summit buildings, right in the heart of downtown Seattle.
The venue spans multiple floors and buildings, connected by walkways.
Expect escalators, skybridges and plenty of steps on your pedometer. Your phone might just think you've taken up marathon training by Sunday evening.
What's On at PAX West 2025?
PAX West features thought-provoking panels, a massive expo hall filled with the best publishers and studios, new game demos, musical performances, tournaments and a community experience unlike any other.
From AAA reveals to indie gems that'll become your new obsession, here are five things you can expect to see at PAX West:
- Playable demos of upcoming games. Get your hands on titles months before release, then spend the rest of the year telling everyone how you "played it first at PAX."
- Panels with developers, streamers and industry insiders. Learn the secrets behind your favourite games or discover why that boss fight was so ridiculously difficult.
- Esports tournaments and freeplay areas. Watch pros do things you didn't know were possible, then immediately fail to replicate them in freeplay.
- Live music concerts from game-inspired bands. Because nothing says gaming culture quite like a live orchestra playing the Legend of Zelda theme tune.
- Tabletop gaming halls open into the night. For when you need a break from screens and to shift your energy to rolling dice and debating rules.
What Areas Do They Have at PAX West?
- Expo Hall: The beating heart of PAX, filled with booths from big publishers to indie teams.
- PAX Arena: With an Esports stage hosting competitive matches and live commentary.
- Tabletop Hall: Here you'll find board games, card games, RPG sessions and lending libraries.
- PAX Rising: A showcase for standout indie games and their creators.
- Autograph and Photo Areas: Meet content creators, voice actors and special guests.
- Merch Booths: The place to get your official gear, plus exclusive game merchandise.
Area Highlights
The Expo Hall Experience
Play the hottest upcoming titles before their release and grab free swag if you're quick.
Expect queues for big-name games, but plenty of smaller gems with no wait at all.
The real skill is knowing when to join a 90-minute queue for a five-minute demo versus discovering three amazing indie games in the same timeframe.
PAX Arena
This is where you can watch pros battle it out in high-stakes tournaments and maybe even pick up a few skills. The commentary alone will likely be worth the admission.
Tabletop Hall
If you're into old-school analogue gaming, you'll find the tabletop hall to be an oasis of non-screen fun. Expect demos and friendly strangers who'll teach you new favourites.
PAX Rising
PAX Rising is an area dedicated to indie gaming heaven. Developers are often on hand to chat and take feedback.
This is your chance to get a unique, first-hand perspective on how the games were created and perhaps even influence future games.
Getting to Seattle and PAX West 2025
The Best Airports for International Travellers
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) is the hub most PAX West attendees will arrive at and depart from.
It lies 14 miles south of downtown Seattle and has direct light rail links to Westlake Station - a short walk to the convention centre.
The light rail is efficient, affordable and offers a preview of Seattle's landscape.
Adobe Free Stock / Diegomezr
Train and Coach Options
Amtrak services from Vancouver, Portland and beyond arrive at King Street Station, about a 10-minute drive from the Seattle Convention Center.
BoltBus and Greyhound also stop in downtown Seattle - budget-friendly transport options that give you more money to spend on merch.
Getting Around Seattle
Adobe Free Stock / alpegor
- Link Light Rail: This local rail network runs from Seattle Airport to downtown Seattle. It's known for being clean, reliable and easy to navigate.
- Buses and Streetcars: King County Metro covers the city and the official apps will save you from that classic tourist experience of waiting for 20 minutes at the wrong stop.
- Walking: Downtown Seattle is walkable but hilly. Consider it a cardio workout that justifies all those convention centre hot dogs.
- Rideshares: Uber and Lyft are widely available in Seattle. But surge pricing during PAX West weekend is likely, so budget accordingly.
Useful Apps for PAX West Attendees
- Transit App/OneBusAway: For navigating Seattle's public transport without looking like you're solving a complex puzzle.
- Uber/Lyft: Trusty taxi apps are always good for backup transport.
- Google Maps/Apple Maps: Maps apps are, of course, an essential for travellers. But they'll be particularly helpful for those uphill routes you'll want to avoid after eight hours on convention floors.
- PAX Nav: The official PAX West app is ideal for keeping on top of schedules and updates. Think of it as your best friend as you design your weekend to take in the numerous must-see events.
Where to Stay for PAX West 2025
Best Seattle Areas to Stay for PAX West
- Downtown Seattle - This area is closest to the convention centre. You'll pay for the convenience, but rolling out of bed 20 minutes before a panel starts is priceless.
- Capitol Hill - Seattle's Capitol Hill area is walkable from the event epicentre and is known for its excellent food scene and nightlife. It's perfect for decompressing after a day of sensory overload.
- South Lake Union - Here you'll find modern hotels a short ride share or walk away from the event. Pop into the excellent Museum of History and Industry on your down time.
Last-Minute Booking Tips
Making a last-minute trip over to PAX West?
Although booking early always offers the most accommodation choices, it's not the end of the world if you're booking closer to the event.
Airbnb/VRBO can offer accommodation options within walking distance of PAX West.
Researching hotels near light rail stops is also a smart move. A 15-minute train ride could beat paying a premium for a hotel only slightly closer to the venue.
PAX West 2025 Survival Guide
Badge Types
There are two main PAX West pass options for visitors, which are:
- Four-Day Badges: At $264 (around £195), this is the best value for full event access. If you're flying internationally for the event, you'll likely find it worth investing in all-access.
- Single-Day Badges - One-day passes for PAX West are $78 (around £58), ideal for those on a tighter schedule or budget. Saturday is typically the busiest day, while Friday can be perfect for shorter queues and a more relaxed vibe.
Get your official badges here.
Cosplay Dos and Donts
Do:
- Bring a cosplay repair kit, including safety pins, fabric glue and spare accessories.
- Schedule breaks and be kind to yourself - those costumes can get super-hot.
- Ask for consent before taking photos of other people's costumes - plus, they'll be more likely to say yes.
Don't:
- Block doorways and throughfares for impromptu photoshoots.
- Bring weapon props without checking con rules first.
- Wear uncomfortable shoes - with all the miles you'll be walking, your feet will thank you.
Seattle Weather - What to Wear
The weather is generally cooperative during PAX West weekend.
Late August/early September in Seattle is typically mild (18 - 24°C) - think perfect British summer weather.
Bringing light layers and a waterproof jacket is a smart, reliable move.
Do check the Seattle weather forecast before you pack. It could save you from being that person in shorts during unexpected downpours.
Bag Policy
As with most large-scale conventions, bag checks are in place at PAX West's entry points.
Small backpacks are allowed, so packing light is always a safe bet.
What to Leave at Home
Oversized props or anything violating the PAX security policy. When in doubt, check the organiser's official policy.
That replica master sword might look incredible, but it's not worth missing panels while sorting out security issues.
The official PAX West policy states the following:
"For safety reasons, the following are not allowed to be used specifically inside the expo hall:
- Strollers (they may be carried)
- Stilts
- Remote-controlled vehicles
- Rollerskates, rollerblades and other forms of recreational wheeled transport
- Rolling bags, rolling backpacks, suitcases, or wagons."
Where to Eat, Drink and Chill Near PAX West
Adobe Free Stock / ZHAO YOULI
Fast, Cheap Food Near the Venue
- Pike Place Market - Seattle is famous for its seafood, specifically chowder. And the city's famous Pike Place Market is where to give it a spin. Here you'll also find all manner of fresh seafood, bakeries and snacks. It may be a bit of a tourist trap, but the fish-throwing is theatrical and the food is genuinely excellent.
- MOD Pizza - Custom pizzas in minutes. Fast, filling and perfect for fuelling up between panels. Their portions are generous enough to share, assuming you're feeling generous.
Late-Night Spots
- Jupiter Bar - A gamer's paradise, Jupiter is a late-night arcade bar full of fluorescent lighting and more games than you can handle in a single evening.
- Raygun Lounge - Another late-night arcade bar worth a visit. Raygun Lounge boasts 13 pinball machines, eight arcade consoles and a well-stocked tabletop gaming library.
- Capitol Hill bars for craft cocktails and music. Seattle's bar scene is renowned and Capitol Hill showcases the city's creative spirit perfectly.
- GameWorks - Arcade gaming and food. Meta gaming while at a gaming convention - why not go all out?
- Elephant & Castle - For those missing home, the Elephant & Castle offers a classic British pub feel, with regular events.
Exploring Seattle During PAX West
Between Panels and Playtests
Adobe Free Stock / TBC
- Pike Place Market - Another mention for this iconic place, which is perfect for a quick wander. The original Starbucks is here if you're into coffee pilgrimage. But Seattle's independent coffee scene is also world-famous and waiting for attention.
- Space Needle - The views are spectacular from this top spot.
- Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP) - With its gaming, sci-fi and music exhibits, if you're going to PAX West, there's a very high probability you'll enjoy a visit to MoPOP.
- Chihuly Garden and Glass - Dale Chihuly's stunning glass art installations near the Space Needle. It's a mesmerising break from screens, where the only pixels are light dancing through intricate glass sculptures.
- Seattle Art Museum (SAM) - Downtown Seattle's cultural heavyweight, with impressive collections spanning centuries and continents.
Best Views and Photo Ops
- Kerry Park - Here you'll get postcard-perfect city shots at this tiny park with massive views. Perfect for that 'oh, I'm just in Seattle' casual social media post.
- Seattle Great Wheel - You'll get top waterfront views from this giant Ferris wheel.
Travelling Solo to PAX West
Safety
Downtown Seattle is generally safe during the day but keep valuables close in crowded areas.
PAX West crowds are friendly, but large gatherings anywhere can attract opportunists.
Trust your instincts and take the same safety precautions you would in any big city abroad.
Three Ways to Meet People at PAX West
- Join group play sessions in the tabletop hall. Nothing breaks the ice like happily debating board game rules with strangers.
- Attend fan meetups via the PAX app. You might find organised gatherings for specific games, genres or communities.
- Chat while queueing. Those 45-minute waits become networking opportunities, friendship foundations or at minimum, shared frustrations at queues.
Solo travel to PAX is incredibly common and widely accepted.
The community spirit means you might rarely be alone and shared gaming passions create instant conversation starters.
Stay Connected at PAX West with an eSIM
Avoid shock roaming fees and patchy hotel Wi-Fi that crashes precisely at the wrong time.
A USA eSIM from Airalo lets you navigate, post and coordinate with friends instantly - no plastic SIM card swapping needed.
With reliable eSIM USA connectivity, you can livestream your reactions to game reveals and navigate Seattle's hills without offline map panic, and coordinate those late-night gaming sessions that make PAX legendary.
FAQs - PAX West 2025: A Complete Travel Guide for Attendees
1. What is PAX West?
PAX West is an annual consumer-focused gaming convention held in Seattle, Washington. It's a celebration of gaming culture featuring playable demos, panels, tournaments and live events. It's a playground for anyone who loves video and tabletop games.
2. Where is PAX West Held?
PAX West is held at the Seattle Convention Center in downtown Seattle. The event occupies both the Arch and Summit buildings of the convention centre, located right in the heart of the city.
3. What's the Best Way to Get Around Seattle During PAX West?
The best ways to get around Seattle during PAX West are the Link Light Rail (which connects the airport to downtown), buses and walking. Rideshares like Uber and Lyft are also available, but expect surge pricing during the convention weekend. Using a reliable eSIM for the USA will help you navigate with ease.
4. Can I Use an eSIM for the USA to Stay Connected at PAX West?
Yes, using a USA eSIM is an excellent way to stay connected at PAX West. It allows you to avoid expensive international roaming fees, provides reliable mobile data for navigation and communication and can ensure you have a stable connection, even if convention Wi-Fi is patchy.
5. What's the Difference Between a Four-day and a Single-Day Badge for PAX West?
A four-day badge for PAX West gives you full access to the entire event from Friday to Monday for a single price, offering the best value. A single-day badge is a more budget-friendly option, providing access for just one day, which is perfect if you have a tight schedule or a smaller budget for the PAX event.
