The Ultimate Guide To Scoring Freebies At C2E2 2025 Scavenger Hunts Exclusive Swag And Limited-Edition Giveaways

Nov. 11, 2025, 7:50 p.m.

Tags: c2e2

Chicago’s premier pop culture convention—C2E2—returns April 11–13, 2025, at McCormick Place, and while the event celebrates its 15th year with celebrities like John Boyega and Elijah Wood, the true treasure hunt for attendees lies in the Convention Floor freebies. Unlike many conventions where swag is scarce, C2E2 2025’s vendor community has rallied to offer exclusive no-cost items, limited-time perks, and digital scavenger hunts. For U.S. consumers, deal-seekers, and collectors, this guide compiles verified freebies from exhibitors, sweepstakes rules, and exclusive print runs—all grounded in official sources.

The State of C2E2 Freebies: Why Scarcity Makes These Offers Special

Convention freebies have dwindled industry-wide over the past decade, with vendors now rationing promotional stock. However, C2E2’s exhibitors are pushing back against this trend. Sources note a "daunting" task for attendees to sift through offers, but highlight dedicated vendors who’ve curated special items for the event. This scarcity amplifies the value of verified freebies—many tied to time, quantity, or interaction-based mechanics.

Power Up Scavenger Hunt: The Official App-Based Freebie

The centerpiece of C2E2’s freebie ecosystem is the Power Up Scavenger Hunt within the Official C2E2 Mobile App. Attendees must download the app to scan QR codes scattered across the convention floor. Upon unlocking a mystery phrase, participants whisper it to staff at the Info Desk to claim "bago’swag"—branded merchandise whose specifics aren’t detailed. This gamifies the con floor experience while rewarding exploration. [Source 1]

West Authentic Signatures (Booth 1454): Trading Card Giveaways

Two guaranteed freebies await at Booth 1454: promo trading cards featuring Matt Smith (Doctor Who) and Tom Hiddleston (Loki). Cards are distributed without purchase, making them among the convention’s most straightforward freebies. Due to high demand, early arrival is advised. [Source 1]

Blick Art Materials (Booth 129): First-Come, First-Served Goodies

Booth 129 offers daily freebies to the first 25 attendees on each day of the convention. The precise item isn’t specified, but the vendor’s art-focused brand suggests the freebie aligns with their product line (e.g., sketchbooks or art tools). Arriving before doors open maximizes success. [Source 1]

Gary Reed’s Deadworld (Booth O4): Purchase-Optional Promo Card Set

Booth O4 provides a layered offer: purchasing any Deadworld graphic novel earns a 10-card promo set—including one signed by Gary Reed. Alternatively, the set is available for $3.99 without a purchase. While the set isn’t free with purchase, it qualifies as a "near-freebie" with significant value for collectors. [Source 1]

Geek City Guide (Booth #222): Hourly and Daily Raffles

Booth #222 hosts ongoing draws: one winner per hour and a daily grand prize. Registration is required; details about the prize pool aren’t disclosed, but the site explicitly notes that raffles count as "C2E2 freebies." Entries reset hourly, incentivizing multiple visits. [Source 1]

Cat-LE Drivers (Booth T14): Limited-Run Free Comic

Booth T14 gives away Issue #1 of Cat-LE Drivers during C2E2, but stock is explicitly "limited print." Creators Kevin Bandt and Josh Filer oversee distribution. Free comics typically vanish early, so morning visits are critical. [Source 1]

Leo’s Lions Den (Booth 1380): Daily Free Comic for Early Birds

Booth 1380 offers a free comic to the first 100 customers each day—totaling up to 300 free comics over the weekend. The specific issue isn’t disclosed, but the daily limit suggests high-demand stock. Timing and persistence are key. [Source 1]

Chicago TARDIS Reserved Tickets: Freebie Bundles and Discounts

Chicago TARDIS’s reserved C2E2 tickets include exclusive benefits: convention-themed freebies, a free autograph/photograph with select guests, 15% off additional autographs, and early access to vendor rooms. While not "free samples" in the traditional sense, the bundled perks and discounts reduce out-of-pocket costs. Ticket holders also receive priority registration, programming seats (Rows 2–6), and access to after-hours events. [Source 2]

Signet Sweepstakes: Social Media Entry for National Giveaway

Sponsor Signet hosts a no-purchase-necessary sweepstakes via Instagram. Entry requires: - Liking a giveaway post - Signing up for Signet’s email list - Following @collectsignet, @c2e2, and @popversesays - Tagging three friends Bonus entries are earned by reposting to Instagram Stories. The sweepstakes runs March 13–23, 2025 (pre-con), and is open to U.S. residents 18+. Prizes aren’t detailed, but the lack of a purchase requirement makes it a low-effort freebie opportunity. [Source 3]

Exclusive Convention Prints (Preorder/On-Site)

Limited-edition prints are available during C2E2 but require purchase: - Meduson Virgin Foil (50 copies) by Camron Johnson - Vampirella #1 Dare Taylor Cosplay (250 copies) - Vampirella #1 by Sukesha Ray (250 copies)
These aren’t free, but the post-con online availability is restricted, making in-person purchase the only way to secure them. [Source 6]

Show Floor Features Beyond Freebies

C2E2’s floor also hosts non-free but notable features: Cosplay Central, Family HQ, Pride Lounge (CMSA eSports), Side Quest gaming, The Tavern (D&D and drinks), The Yard (beer garden), and tattoo services. These are experience-based, not product samples, but complement freebie hunting. [Source 5]

Key Takeaways for Freebie Maximizers

Arrive Early: Freebies like Blick Art Materials and Leo’s Lions Den are first-come, first-served.
Use the App: The scavenger hunt is the only officially documented interactive freebie mechanism.
Engage All Day: Raffles reset hourly at Geek City Guide, rewarding repeat visits.
Bundle Discounts: Chicago TARDIS tickets convert ticket purchases into bundled savings.
Pre-Social Entries: Signet’s sweepstakes requires pre-con social action for optimal entry volume.

While C2E2’s freebies aren’t as abundant as mid-2010s conventions, exhibitors have curated meaningful, targeted offers. Success hinges on timing, app utilization, and exploring the entire floor—especially during peak hours when vendors restock tables.