Let me take you back for a second. Picture this: a bunch of sweaty teenagers crammed into a basement with CRT TVs, tangled Ethernet cables, and an ungodly number of Xbox 360s. We weren’t worried about ping or packet loss—we were worried about who had the better sniper spot in Halo 3. LAN parties brought gamers closer together.
That was my first real LAN party. Everyone brought their gear, linked the boxes, and got to work yelling, laughing, and throwing virtual grenades at each other. It was chaos. It was magical. And honestly? I miss it.
That Something Extra
LAN parties have something online play just can’t match—human energy. When you’re gaming in person, you get more than just voice chat. You get facial expressions, body language, high-fives, groans, trash talk, and maybe a little physical shoving when someone screen-peeks. You’re not just playing together—you’re there together. And that changes everything.
Sure, online gaming is convenient. I’m older now. My friends are scattered across states, some with kids, some with full-time jobs. Jumping into a game online is how we stay connected most of the time—and that’s awesome. But when we do get the chance to game in the same room? That’s where the magic happens.
Case in point: Broforce. I redownloaded it recently for a weekend hangout, and by the end of the night I had no voice left from screaming and laughing so hard. It was ridiculous and perfect.
Are Modern Games LAN-Worthy?
Absolutely. LAN doesn’t have to mean dusty shooters and old hardware. There are tons of modern games that feel built for it—even if they’re not technically LAN-compatible. Indie games bring that couch co-op spirit. Shooters? Still wild in the same room. And Rocket League? It’s just better when you’re yelling at your buddy who just own-goaled from five feet away.
But if I had to pick just one game for a LAN throwback? I’m still picking Halo 3. No hesitation.
Why LAN Parties Faded—and Why They’re Worth Fighting For
Let’s be real: LAN parties are a pain to set up. Especially if you’re on PC. Dragging around a full tower, monitor, keyboard, mouse, and miles of cable isn’t exactly a quick setup. And to make it harder, a lot of new games don’t even support LAN or split-screen anymore.
But honestly? It’s worth it.
If you’ve never hosted a LAN party, start small. Hook up one console, play something local, and see how it feels. If you enjoy it—and you will—find a game your group can agree on, and plan a get-together. Doesn’t have to be fancy. Doesn’t have to be competitive. Just bring snacks, drinks, and maybe a controller or two. You’ll be surprised how fun it gets, fast.
Nintendo Still Gets It
If there’s one company that hasn’t forgotten the magic of local play, it’s Nintendo. The Switch (and soon, the Switch 2) brings those N64-era vibes back hard. Games like Smash Bros., Mario Kart, and Mario Party are tailor-made for chaotic living room sessions. Honestly, I still feel like I’m back in middle school every time I pop off the Joy-Cons and start throwing shells.
Are LAN Parties Just Nostalgia?
Here’s the thing: nostalgia gets people in the door, but what happens after that? That’s all real. That’s fun. That’s connection. LAN parties aren’t just a throwback—they’re a full-body reminder of why we started gaming with friends in the first place.
So no, LAN isn’t dead. It’s just waiting for you to grab your monitor, call up some friends, and make a weekend out of it. Bring some beer. Bring Halo. And get loud.
Want to share your own LAN party story? Drop it in the comments or tag us on socials @FickingGames. Let’s bring it back.
Be sure to check out some of our gaming accessories to help you in your next LAN party.
