Last-minute prep is no longer an option.
Gone are the days when I could finally wrap my head around the EG Family schedule, throw a Nintendo DS in my carry-on bag, and grab a bed at the backpackers hostel across the river from the Melbourne Convention Centre. PAX Aus has always been a full-blown event, worthy of proper planning and packing cubes. I, on the other hand, am not so worthy. Despite prior experience, I am still stunned to learn that 3-Day passes for PAX Aus 2026 have sold out – and it’s not even May. That’s, like, five (5) whole months away!! I don’t even know if I have enough petrol to last me the week, and you want me to think about interstate travel in five months’ time?!
I should probably pack more
But plan, we must. And I’m here to give you a quick rundown of things to look for when planning your trip to Melbourne for PAX Aus. Not the usual guide (you can find that here). This is the guide specifically with news for PAX Aus 2026; what to expect and maybe what to hope for as well.
Who’s Coming to PAX Aus 2026?
Well, me. And some other folk.
Fine. Let’s work with the certainties.
Cosplay Land
PAX Aus has just announced a whole new Cosplay Land to feature this year. Cosplay has always been a fantastic feature of any PAX, both in and out of competition. Last year saw a larger display of indie games, from baguettes crews à la Clair Obsur: Expedition 33 to Disco Hornet dancing to Silksong. Last year was the fifth year for PAX Aus to host the Cosplay Central Crown Championship, and it brought all the amazing creators to the stage!
This year, PAX Aus will be hosting again, and the judging panel includes Soylent Cosplay, Cinderys, and Spicythaidesign. All three are known for their work across film, stage, and video games like Diablo IV and Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. That movie (and its predecessor) had some of the most amazing costume designs I have ever seen! With this experience, I expect to see some outrageous displays that include gorgeous details and full-blown respect for the meaning behind the design. History and culture are essential.
Now, about that Cosplay Land. It’s brand new for PAX Aus, but something I have seen slowly growing across geek conventions. Cosplay artists are forever grateful for repair stations and catwalk/photo areas. Previous PAX Aus attendees will know about The Walkway between the Exhibition Hall building and the main building, with most of the panels. Yeah, you know exactly where I am talking about because it is always filled with cosplay artists and photographers. On Saturdays (the busiest days), it’s a nightmare.
I’m curious to know where Cosplay Land will be located, but the press release describes it as a dedicated space “designed as a hub for creators, with workshops, repair stations, community meet-ups, and media walls.” Does anyone want to take a guess at its location?
Exhibitors
Okay, they haven’t released the full list of exhibitors and are unlikely to do so before August. However, I think we can safely assume most of the big names will be there, so long as they have an Australian office or presence. Travel from overseas is still a bit … “up in the air” (not sorry) and I doubt anyone can predict THAT unless they simply have a tonne of cash to throw around.
Looking at some of the game releases in 2026 and 2027, I’m taking some safe bets for the following:
Video Games
- Marvel’s Wolverine: due for release 15 September on PS5
- Grand Theft Auto 6: due for release 19 November on PS5 and Xbox Series
- Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave: due for release late 2026 on NS2
- Pokémon Winds and Waves: due for release in 2027 on NS2, but we might see some gameplay? If we’re lucky?
- Big Walk: from the team behind Untitled Goose Game, this new cooperative game has no release date but is expected later in 2026
- Nonolith: demo is available on Steam, with release planned late 2026 on Steam. This game has already been a hit at SXSW Sydney 2025 and alt:Games Sydney 2026
- Killing Things With Your Friends: due for release in 2026, a cooperative survival multiplayer that blew me away at PAX Aus 2025
Tabletop
- Magic: The Gathering Universes Beyond: Marvel Super Heroes: release late June
- Disney Lorcana’s Wilds Unknown: release in May 2026
- Cyberpunk 2077: The Board Game: Yep, for realsies. Narrative-driven tabletop adaptation with cooperative missions and branching story paths
- Cat Spotting: from the tabletop game designer Jason Tam (Coffee Up at PAX Aus 2025), this competitive game is exactly what it says on the box. And if the cute cartoon cats don’t sell it, there’s a dog variant releasing later this year as well.
As always, there will be Aus Indie Showcase, PAX Rising, and Australian STEM Video Game Challenge; great to see emerging talent in future generations. I’m also really looking forward to our cousins across the sea returning with their best games, thanks to New Zealand Game Design.
You still have time to buy tickets for PAX Aus 2026. 3-day passes are sold out, and Saturday will definitely be the next to go. You don’t have to do all three days. You can always split it up with Saturday at ACMI, the museums and gallery, or simply have a breather outside with a coffee. But if you are planning on going: Get moving.
Because it’s five months away, and apparently that is no longer enough time to plan.
Categories: General Evil Genius
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