It’s already past the halfway point of the year. Man, time sure does fly. Not only are we closer to Christmas than the start of the year, but it also means that PAX Aus is only a few months away! With the largest gaming event on the Australian calendar fast approaching, the first announcements have begun to trickle down the grapevine, and this first news drop is a big one. This year, PAX Aus will be seeing a bigger, better, and all-around upgraded tabletop hall! But how can they possibly top themselves after last year, I hear you ask. Well, allow us to answer that question right now.
Newcomers and Old Favourites
The big addition to the tabletop area this year is the Warhammer universe, courtesy of Games Workshop. This pillar of the tabletop gaming world will make its first appearance at PAX Aus this year, featuring a plethora of things to see, paint, and play. You’ll be able to dive into both Warhammer Fantasy and 40K at the event, including learn-to-play sessions, painting workshops, and, of course, exclusive figures and goodies. While I’ve not dabbled much in the Warhammer universe outside of a couple of video game spin-offs, I am intrigued by the franchise. Maybe PAX Aus this year is the best time to give it a proper go.
Aside from Warhammer, a wide variety of tabletop and TCGs will be available to play. My personal favourite will always be the Bandai Card Games section with all of their anime/video game-themed card games. I’ve made it a yearly tradition at this point to buy a booster box of Cardfight!! Vanguard every year, and I won’t stop this year. They will also be showcasing the new Gundam card game, which I will most definitely be taking a look at. Lorcana will also be making its return to the convention after its debut last year. I had fun trialling the game, and would be down to see what new things are coming to the game.
PAX Arena Takeover
The tabletop frenzy won’t just be limited to the tabletop hall this year; it’s expanding! The presenting partner of this year’s Tabletop Hall, eBay, will be bringing the action to the PAX Arena on Friday night with a Magic: The Gathering Live Play event. There will be special guests, food, drinks, and even a couple of surprises. It’ll be an event that you’ll just have to experience after PAX Day 1. Aside from the PAX Arena, eBay will be offering limited-edition prizes to people who complete challenges throughout the Tabletop Hall. If the prize hunt is anything like previous years, you’ll have to be efficient to claim the best prizes.
The tabletop offering at PAX Aus 2025 is already looking stacked, and we’re still several months away. Who knows what will be announced as we wait with bated breath for PAX Aus 2025 to begin on October 10th. Keep it locked to Couch Soup so you don’t miss any of the latest PAX Aus 2025 news.
For the full list of announced exhibitors, click here.
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Self-proclaimed anime trash from Melbourne, Australia, Thomas has always been obsessed with everything pop culture. From games such as Pokémon and Jak and Daxter to the MCU and everything in between. When he isn’t hyper-fixated on some new shiny release or feeding his manga buying disease, Tom is always trying to create new things that can bring a smile to anyone's face.
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