If you thought PAX Aus was all about video games, think again. This year's event is shaping up to be paradise for tabletop fans, with PAX Aus 2026 unveiling its largest tabletop hall ever, packed with trading card games, board games, tournaments, collectibles and plenty of opportunities to learn a new hobby.
Returning as the official Tabletop sponsor, eBay Australia is expanding its presence in a big way, transforming the hall into a celebration of collecting culture while major publishers and distributors, including Let's Play Games, Modern Brands and asmodee, bring some of the biggest names in tabletop gaming to Melbourne.
Whether you're a seasoned TCG veteran with binders full of rare pulls or someone who's always wanted to learn how to tap lands in Magic, there's something waiting for you.
Magic: The Gathering Returns With Reality Fracture
One of the biggest attractions this year is the return of Magic: The Gathering, with Wizards of the Coast bringing an extensive lineup celebrating the new Reality Fracture set.
Fans can jump into Learn to Play sessions, browse the official Magic shop, meet guest artists and creators, and take part in special play events throughout the weekend.
One highlight that's sure to draw a crowd is the Commander Showdown taking place on Saturday, 10 October, in the Main Theatre. Featuring both Australian and international Magic creators, it's shaping up to be a must-see event for Commander fans.
Of course, Dungeons & Dragons is also making its return, with a dedicated retail experience showcasing the latest books, accessories and products for aspiring adventurers looking to start their next campaign.
The Trading Card Game Boom Continues
Trading card games continue to dominate the hobby, and PAX Aus 2026 is embracing that momentum with an enormous lineup of playable experiences.
After generating plenty of buzz at last year's show, Riftbound: League of Legends Trading Card Game is back, giving attendees another opportunity to experience Riot's new TCG set in the world of Runeterra. Whether you're a League veteran or completely new to the game, experienced staff will be on hand to teach newcomers the ropes.
Anime fans are also eating well this year thanks to Bandai Card Games, who will be hosting learn-to-play sessions and tournaments across some of the biggest anime franchises around, including:
- One Piece Card Game
- Dragon Ball Super Card Game Fusion World
- Digimon Card Game
- Gundam Card Game
If your idea of a good weekend is opening booster packs and arguing about deck ratios, you may never want to leave the hall.
Disney, Star Wars, Cyberpunk and More
The tabletop lineup doesn't stop there.
asmodee is bringing an impressive catalogue of upcoming releases and fan favourites, including:
- Star Wars™: Unlimited – Homeworlds
- Cyberpunk Edgerunners: Hunted
- The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers Trick-Taking Game
- Citadels Duel
- Schadenfreude
- A huge range of new Exploding Kittens titles
Visitors can also demo games like LEGO NINJAGO, K-Pop Demon Hunters: Battle for the Spotlight, and the horror trading card game Hellbreak, which will also host its own Friday tournament.
Meanwhile, Modern Brands will bring Disney Lorcana back to PAX Aus, alongside additional tabletop titles celebrating fandom and collectible culture.
Competitive players can also test themselves in tournaments for Star Wars Unlimited, Flesh and Blood, Cyberpunk CCG, and several other games across the weekend.
More Than Just Playing Games
One of the best parts of PAX Aus has always been the community, and this year's tabletop hall leans into that more than ever.
Australian designers Jay Bendixen, Ryan Boucher, Natalie Delaney-John and Cam Jasson will appear for special sessions discussing titles including Gretchen's Garden and That Dicey Word Game, giving attendees the opportunity to hear directly from local creators.
Meanwhile, eBay's new Collectors Club Studio brings eBay Live to PAX for the first time, featuring livestreams, special guests and interactive experiences throughout the weekend.
Collectors can also pick up a Collectors Club Card, complete challenges around the convention and unlock exclusive prizes, making it worthwhile to explore every corner of the tabletop hall.
Australia's Biggest Tabletop Playground
Over the past few years, tabletop gaming has exploded in popularity, and PAX Aus has steadily evolved alongside it. What was once a corner of the convention has grown into one of its biggest attractions, celebrating everything from competitive trading card games to family board games and sprawling fantasy adventures.
Whether you're chasing your next favourite deck, looking to discover a new board game, or simply wanting to spend an afternoon rolling dice with friends, the 2026 tabletop hall looks set to be one of the biggest reasons to attend this year's show.
PAX Aus 2026 takes place from 9-11 October at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, with badges available now.
