PAX West 2025 once again transformed Seattle, Washington into a hub for gamers, developers, and fans of all things interactive entertainment. This was my second year attending, and if this year’s event proved anything, it’s that I’ll be keeping this tradition alive for years to come. While the wait for PAX West 2026 is already on my mind, I’ve rounded up my biggest highlights, hands-on previews, and the best games I experienced during PAX West 2025.
What were the best games available at PAX West?
Everyone’s PAX West experience looks different—some dive into board games, others explore indie titles, and many rush to try the biggest AAA releases. Personally, I balanced both but spent most of my time getting hands-on with upcoming video games. Here’s what stood out the most:
Little Nightmares 3
One of my most anticipated games, Little Nightmares 3, was at the top of my PAX West list. Last year I previewed the eerie Candy Factory level, but this year I was able to explore the Carnival level in full. Unlike last year’s short session, this demo gave us the true Little Nightmares experience—unnerving environments, clever puzzles, and plenty of trial-and-error gameplay. It was atmospheric, beautifully designed, and a reminder that LN3 is shaping up to be something special.
Resident Evil Requiem
The Resident Evil franchise has always reinvented itself, and Resident Evil Requiem continues that trend. Revealed only a few months ago at Summer Game Fest, it was shocking that a playable demo was already available at PAX West. The booth itself was immersive—an enclosed dark room where players constantly screamed or jumped during the demo. From what I played, Requiem might become my favorite entry in the horror-heavy modern trilogy. The new villain is terrifying, the tension is relentless, and it feels like everything I want in a survival horror game.
Riftbound: League of Legends TCG
One of the most exciting moments of my weekend was facing off against Nik Davidson, game director of Riftbound. Riot Games is officially stepping into the trading card game scene, and I couldn’t be more excited. After playing with the Proving Grounds decks at PAX West, I’m confident Riftbound has its own identity in an increasingly crowded TCG market. Davidson confirmed that what we’ve seen so far is only the beginning, with plenty of content planned for future sets. With its October 31st release date on the horizon, Riftbound is easily one of my most anticipated games.
Onimusha: Way of the Sword
As someone who grew up on classics like Genma Onimusha and Ninja Gaiden, I was thrilled to go hands-on with Onimusha: Way of the Sword. The combat feels nostalgic yet modern, with fluid mechanics that shine during boss battles. The level I played balanced exploration, enemies, and an epic cinematic boss fight that showcased everything the game had to offer. It wasn’t initially on my radar, but after PAX West, it skyrocketed up my must-play list.
Digimon Story: Time Stranger
My longest demo at PAX West was with Digimon Story: Time Stranger. I spent two hours playing through both the intro and a high-level save file. With branching Digivolution paths, over 400 Digimon, and plenty of personality, this game looks like it will hook fans for hundreds of hours. While I’ve never been fully invested in the Digimon games before, Time Stranger changed that—I’ll definitely be dedicating serious time when it launches.
Borderlands 4
I’ll admit, I’ve struggled to stay invested in the Borderlands series since Borderlands 2, but Borderlands 4 reignited my excitement. Gearbox hosted a panel discussing the game’s roadmap and confirmed fan-favorite features like the return of Pearlescent loot. My hands-on demo was chaotic at first, but once I got back into the groove, it felt like classic Borderlands—fast, explosive, and packed with loot.
Fractured Blooms
My favorite genre is horror, and Fractured Blooms from Serenity Forge was one of the most unique games at PAX West. It’s a farming simulator twisted into a psychological horror experience, blending cozy mechanics with unsettling tension. After playing the demo, I spoke with Z, Serenity Forge’s CEO and game director, whose passion for unique and daring projects was clear. If you’re looking for an original horror game, keep your eyes on Fractured Blooms.
Tech Highlights at PAX West 2025
PAX West isn’t just about games—there was also impressive new gaming tech on display. Alongside the usual heavy hitters like MSI and Alienware, a few companies stood out:
SAN Sound impressed me with their SANWEAR-GT wireless earbuds, offering some of the best in-ear spatial audio I’ve experienced. With a Beats veteran behind the project, these could become my go-to gaming headphones.
GameSir showed off the G7 Pro Wireless Fallen Feathers edition, a durable and affordable controller with excellent adjustable triggers.
EKTO VR Boots turned heads with their futuristic mobility tech, showing how immersive VR hardware continues to evolve.
Final Thoughts on PAX West 2025
From unforgettable horror demos to surprising new TCGs, PAX West 2025 delivered an incredible lineup of games and tech. Whether it was screaming alongside strangers in the Resident Evil Requiem booth or nearly defeating Nik Davidson at Riftbound, this year’s show reminded me why PAX West is one of the best conventions for the gaming community.
