PAX Aus is expanding its Tabletop Hall again in 2026, with organisers confirming that the space will be 7% larger than last year as trading card games, board games, RPGs and other forms of social gaming continue to draw growing audiences.
The expanded hall will bring together eBay Australia, Wizards of the Coast, asmodee, Let’s Play Games, Modern Brands and Bandai Card Games when PAX Aus returns to the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre from 9 to 11 October.
Speaking to DigitalReviews Network, PAX Aus Event Director Lauren Luciani said the continued expansion reflected changes taking place across tabletop gaming rather than growth in any single category.
“The tabletop gaming category has continued to evolve rapidly, driven by a combination of strong community engagement, increased accessibility and the growing popularity of social, in-person gaming experiences,” Luciani said.
“We’re seeing interest expand across a broad range of segments, including trading card games, board games, role-playing games, miniatures and hobby gaming, with both new and established players looking for opportunities to connect through shared experiences.”
More PAX Aus announcements still to come
Despite an already substantial tabletop lineup, PAX Aus says what has been announced so far isn’t the complete picture.
When asked whether attendees could expect Australian-exclusive announcements, promotions or reveals, Luciani stopped short of confirming any exclusives but indicated several exhibitors were yet to reveal their plans.
“There are still a number of exciting announcements to come in the lead-up to PAX Aus this October,” Luciani said.
“Many exhibitors have not yet formally revealed their activations, products or programming for the event, so attendees can expect additional tabletop, gaming and exhibitor news over the coming months.”
Among those already confirmed is Wizards of the Coast, which returns with Magic: The Gathering and Dungeons & Dragons. Magic will have a major presence centred on its latest set, Reality Fracture, alongside learn-to-play sessions, special events, a dedicated store, guest artists and meet-and-greets.
A live Commander Showdown will also take over the Main Theatre on Saturday, 10 October, featuring Australian and international Magic creators.
Returning Tabletop sponsor eBay Australia is also increasing its presence with the PAX Aus debut of eBay Live. Its Collectors Club Studio will feature special guests, live streams and Penny Drops across the weekend, while attendees can complete Collectors Club Card challenges to unlock prizes.
Riftbound: League of Legends Trading Card Game returns after appearing at PAX Aus last year, while Bandai will offer One Piece Card Game, Dragon Ball Super Card Game Fusion World, Digimon Card Game and Gundam Card Game.
asmodee’s extensive lineup includes Star Wars: Unlimited – Homeworlds, Cyberpunk Edgerunners: Hunted, The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers Trick-Taking Game, Citadels Duel and a collection of new Exploding Kittens titles.
Disney Lorcana, Flesh and Blood and Cyberpunk CCG will also feature, alongside tournaments, learn-to-play sessions and appearances from Australian tabletop designers.
Chaosium reveals its PAX Aus plans
[Added: 12 August 2026]Chaosium has now revealed more of what it will bring to the expanded Tabletop Hall, with the veteran tabletop RPG publisher returning to PAX Aus with free introductory game sessions and the Australian PAX debut of Horror on the Orient Express.
The publisher behind Call of Cthulhu, RuneQuest and Pendragon will run a series of two-hour tabletop RPG sessions aimed specifically at first-time players. Rules will be taught on the day and all required components supplied, giving attendees the chance to explore the Bronze Age fantasy of RuneQuest, Arthurian adventures in Pendragon, or the cosmic horror of Call of Cthulhu.
The sessions will be free, although Chaosium says places are expected to fill quickly and attendees will need to sign up on the day.
Chaosium will also bring its new Horror on the Orient Express board game to PAX Australia for the first time. The cooperative game raised more than US$3 million through crowdfunding and puts players aboard a doomed train travelling through the Dreamlands, where they must uncover which passengers belong to a secret cult before reaching their destination.
Attendees will be able to see the game in person at the Chaosium booth during PAX Aus.
With the Tabletop Hall now another 7% larger and more exhibitors still keeping their PAX Aus plans under wraps, the tabletop side of Australia’s biggest gaming festival looks set to continue its expansion.
PAX Aus 2026 runs from 9–11 October at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.
