Our Best Horror Board Games Recommendation
- Tile by tile, terror by terror, build your own haunted mansion - and then try to escape it alive.
- With 50 blood-curdling scenarios, each trip to the house on the hill promises fresh horrors.
- Players must work together to survive the nightmare.
Horror Themed Board Games #1: The Bloody Inn
The Bloody Inn allows players to choose a card, play as that character, and explore different paths and stories each time they play. There is even a solo version of this horror themed board game for those looking to adventure alone.
Pros
- This game features colorful cards with unique artwork that draws players in.
- It doesn’t take long to set up a round of this horror themed board game.
Cons
- This game is now out of print and may be expensive in some instances.
- It may take a few playthroughs to get the overall concept of this horror themed board game.
Horror Themed Board Games #2: Nyctophobia: The Hunted
Nyctophobia: The Hunted is a unique game that is played blindfolded. The game’s creator was inspired by a visually impaired relative who shared his experience playing board games. This concept eventually grew into a dark horror game that encourages players to scare each other while working cooperatively toward a shared ultimate goal.
Pros
- This game comes with four pairs of blackout glasses so players don’t have to supply their own blindfolds.
- The game is unique and is sure to be a bonding experience for all players.
Cons
- The instructions can be unclear in some instances.
- The novelty of this horror themed board game may wear off quickly after a few plays.
Horror Themed Board Games #3: Betrayal at House on the Hill
Betrayal at House on the Hill is one of the most popular mystery and horror themed board games on the market. This game is built to be cooperative, so players must work together to determine the solution to the mystery and escape the house. This game takes about an hour to complete, so it’s great for longer game nights.
Pros
- This game can be enjoyed by three to six players and is appropriate for ages 12 and up.
- The game is a good bonding experience for friends and family alike.
Cons
- This game takes up a lot of space and requires a big table or open floor.
- Some of the rules are ambiguous and tough to figure out.
Horror Themed Board Games #4: Mysterium
Mysterium is yet another cooperative mystery and horror themed board game. If one person loses the game, everyone loses. This game includes themes of ghosts and haunted houses, but it’s still a good choice for families to enjoy with kids as well.
Pros
- This game can be played by ages 10 and up and by 2 to 7 players.
- This game can usually be finished in under an hour.
Cons
- The horror theme may be a little lackluster, since it’s intended for kids and teens as well as adults.
- The instructions are disorganized.
Horror Themed Board Games #5: Ghost Stories
One to four players can enjoy a round of Ghost Stories to get their horror game fix. This game utilizes cards and tokens to keep track of how things are progressing and includes colorful artwork on all the cards. The game is cooperative and players take on the role of fighters working to defend their home village from invading monsters.
Pros
- This game goes differently every time since dice are involved.
- It doesn’t take long to learn how to play this horror themed board game.
Cons
- The game tends to make some players nervous because much of it is left to chance.
- It is difficult to win this horror themed board game.
Horror Themed Board Games #6: Arkham Horror
In Arkham Horror , players choose between investigators looking into the strange occurrences at the game’s primary location. Different cards can change the outcome of the game by sending players on different narrative paths, so different playthroughs may have different outcomes even if the same characters are chosen every time.
Pros
- This game can be played solo for a unique adventure experience or with up to 6 players.
- There are expansion pack options available for additional purchase.
Cons
- It takes a long time to learn how to play this horror themed board game successfully.
- Newer versions have taken some of the complexity away but also taken away some of the player choices.
Horror Themed Board Games #7: Eldritch Horror
Eldritch Horror is a different version of Arkham Horror inspired by the same game. The theme is more or less the same, and so is the gameplay, with just a few changes. The game is a little faster to play than Arkham Horror, however, and is a better choice for parties since it can support up to 8 players.
Pros
- This game can be enjoyed as a solo run for those who want to give it a try.
- The game includes many ways to alter and change gameplay with repeated plays.
Cons
- This game may be too difficult for beginners to this type of product.
- There are many typos on the cards.
Horror Themed Board Games #8: City of Horror
City of Horror is an immersive zombie-themed game experience about survival. This game also requires negotiating and bartering among other players as well as cooperation and competition at different points. It’s a great game for groups who enjoy planning and strategizing together and on their own.
Pros
- This game is good for ages 13 and up and for 3 to 6 players.
- The game lasts about 90 minutes, so it’s an extra-long option.
Cons
- This game components may be low-quality on arrival.
- The mechanics of this horror themed board game can be tricky and confusing.
Horror Themed Board Games #9: Fury of Dracula
Fury of Dracula involves a vampire theme and encourages players to make strategic decisions and to plan their moves ahead of time in some cases, too. This game is in its third edition and includes vivid artwork and unique designs that many customers are pleased with.
Pros
- This game can be enjoyed by as few as two or as many as five players, so it’s a good choice for smaller groups who want a longer and more intimate gameplay experience.
- The game is easier for a group to play than it is for just two.
Cons
- The miniatures included with the game may arrive broken.
- This game can get boring and tedious fast.
Play Horror Themed Board Games For Halloween
Are these truly scary board games? If you want to make them scarier, what can you do? Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Play ambient sounds and music to increase the horror atmosphere.
- Turn off the lights and play by candlelight or with flashlights and lanterns.
- Play on a camping trip.
Most of these board games have a “creepy” quality that makes them a little scary, but they aren’t that scary in practice—especially for adults. By trying some of the ideas listed above, you can make your board game night a little scarier and improve the overall horror theme for your next Halloween party or spooky event.
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