Best Horror Board Games for Halloween

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By: Mark Davis

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Are you ready to dive into the spine-tingling world of horror gaming this Halloween?

As the leaves turn and the nights grow longer, there’s no better time to gather with friends, dim the lights, and immerse yourself in some of the most terrifying and atmospheric experiences gaming has to offer.

In this list, we’ll explore the top 10 best horror games that are perfect for setting the mood during your Halloween celebrations. These games range from the latest spine-chillers to timeless classics, each promising heart-pounding thrills, eerie atmospheres, and unforgettable scares.

1. Betrayal at House on the Hill

Betrayal at House on the Hill components

Betrayal at House on the Hill is a fantastic choice for Halloween game night. It combines the thrill of exploration with the suspense of betrayal. Players start as a group of adventurers exploring a haunted mansion, but one of them eventually betrays the rest. The game features 50 different haunt scenarios, ensuring a unique and suspenseful experience each time you play.

With its spooky setting and unexpected twists, it’s perfect for Halloween gatherings. The game encourages storytelling and role-playing, making it a great choice for those who enjoy immersive horror experiences.

2. Mansions of Madness

Mansions of Madness components

If you’re a fan of Lovecraftian horror and immersive storytelling, Mansions of Madness is a must-play. With its companion app, the game provides a seamless and eerie experience. Players become investigators exploring mysterious locations while trying to solve a terrifying mystery.

The app controls the game’s events, ensuring unpredictability and tension. The mix of exploration, puzzle-solving, and horror elements creates a captivating and nerve-wracking atmosphere. It’s an excellent choice for those who appreciate rich storytelling and cooperative gameplay.

3. Eldritch Horror

Eldritch Horror is a globe-trotting adventure set in the Cthulhu Mythos. Players take on the roles of investigators working together to thwart the rise of ancient and cosmic horrors. The game’s epic scale and rich narrative make it a standout in the horror genre. Each game session feels like an unfolding story, filled with mysteries and encounters.

The cooperative nature of the game fosters teamwork and communication among players as they race against time to prevent apocalyptic events. If you’re seeking a game that immerses you in a world of eldritch terror, this one is a compelling choice for Halloween night.

4. Arkham Horror: The Card Game

This Living Card Game (LCG) offers a deep and engaging narrative experience in the Lovecraftian universe. Players assume the roles of investigators, each with unique abilities and decks. They work together to solve mysteries and confront horrors while facing challenging decisions that impact the ongoing campaign.

The evolving storylines and customizable decks provide endless replayability. The game’s card-based mechanics and storytelling create an immersive and suspenseful atmosphere that’s perfect for Halloween. If you enjoy deck-building and cooperative gameplay with a horror twist, Arkham Horror: The Card Game is a fantastic choice.

5. Dead of Winter

Dead of Winter is a survival horror game set in a post-apocalyptic world overrun by zombies. What sets it apart is the potential for betrayal among players. While the group must work together to survive and complete objectives, each player also has a hidden agenda, which might involve undermining the group’s efforts.

This hidden traitor element adds a tense and suspenseful layer to the game. It’s an excellent choice for Halloween due to its zombie theme, survival mechanics, and the potential for psychological mind games among players.

6. Last Night on Earth

 Last Night on Earth captures the essence of classic zombie movies. One player takes on the role of the zombies, while the others play as survivors trying to fend off the undead and complete objectives.

The game’s modular board and cinematic scenarios create a dynamic and immersive experience reminiscent of horror films. It’s a game of teamwork, resource management, and dramatic escapes, making it a great fit for Halloween gatherings with friends who love zombie-themed horror.

7. Fury of Dracula

Fury of Dracula is a hidden movement game where one player takes on the role of Dracula, hiding his movements while the other players are hunters trying to track him down.

The tension escalates as Dracula’s sinister plans unfold, and the hunters get closer to uncovering his location. The game captures the suspense of hunting and being hunted, making it a thrilling choice for Halloween.

8. Gloom

Gloom is a macabre card game with a darkly humorous twist. Players strive to make their family members as miserable as possible before they meet their demise.

The game encourages storytelling as players weave dark and absurd tales of their family’s misfortunes. It’s a unique and lighthearted take on horror, making it an excellent choice for Halloween game nights with a touch of gallows humor.

9. The Others: 7 Sins

In The Others: 7 Sins, players take on the roles of heroes battling against the Seven Deadly Sins, each with their unique abilities and challenges. The game features a dark and gritty atmosphere, with miniatures and components that enhance the immersion.

The asymmetrical gameplay, where one player controls the Sin while the others are heroes, adds depth and tension to the experience. It’s a great choice for those who enjoy dark, thematic games with a focus on strategy and thematic storytelling.

10. Zombicide: Black Plague

Zombicide: Black Plague is a medieval-themed zombie apocalypse game that combines cooperative gameplay with intense action. Players take on the roles of knights and survivors battling hordes of undead and necromancers.

The game offers a satisfying blend of strategy, combat, and character progression. The medieval setting adds a unique twist to the zombie genre, making it an exciting choice for Halloween game nights.

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