PAX Aus 2026 gives Melbourne attendees a chance to play several major upcoming games this weekend. SEGA's booth includes Total War: WARHAMMER 40,000, Alien: Isolation 2, Stranger Than Heaven and Persona 4 Revival. If you are heading to the show, pick your must-play games before joining the first queue you see.

The event runs October 9-11 at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. Its announced expo lineup is broader than a single stage presentation: publisher demos, indie booths and panels will compete for the same hours of your visit.

Start with the games you cannot play at home

SEGA says attendees can try three gameplay scenarios in Total War: WARHAMMER 40,000, alongside its other three playable titles. Activision is bringing a selection of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 multiplayer before the game's October 23 launch. Eligible visitors can try it on the floor; that does not announce a new public online beta.

Square Enix also lists playable Final Fantasy XIV on Nintendo Switch 2. Its Final Fantasy VII Revelation appearance is described as a showcase and special look. Do not assume that wording guarantees a playable booth demo.

Leave room for the smaller booths

PAX says more than 90 games will be spread across the Aus Indie Showcase, PAX Rising and New Zealand's Centre of Digital Excellence. Those areas give attendees another reason to walk beyond the biggest publisher stands.

A useful plan is to choose one or two publisher demos, then spend a separate block of time in the indie areas. Check the current schedule and booth arrangements when you arrive. The announcement confirms the games and activities, not queue lengths or a guaranteed session for every visitor.

Remote viewers have a different option: Game Pelt's WoW Forever PAX Aus stream article covers the announced dungeon presentation. That stream is separate from the expo floor's playable games.

For attendees, prioritize the builds you cannot access elsewhere and leave time to find something unfamiliar. A showcase appearance, a playable demo and a downloadable demo are three different things.