7 Spooky Board Games for a Hauntingly Good Halloween Evening!

Halloween is the perfect time to gather around the table for some ghoulish fun with friends and family. What better way to celebrate the season than with a board game that captures the eerie atmosphere of the holiday? Here are seven Halloween-themed board games that are guaranteed to give you chills, thrills, and plenty of laughs.

Mysterium Kids
Age: 6+ / Players: 2-6/ Duration: 15-30 minutes

Legend has it that there’s a fabulous treasure hiding somewhere inside the old mansion down the road, but to find it you’ll need the help of the resident ghost, Captain Echo. Mysterium Kids is a cooperative game, where players take turns playing Captain Echo, who communicates only through an enchanted tambourine. His goal is to help other players guess the right card among five choices. Will you guess the right sound?

Zombie Kittens
Age: 7+ / Players: 2-5 / Duration: <15 minutes

Zombie kittens is still the highly strategic, kitty-powered version of Russian Roulette that you love, but it introduces a brand new deck of cards so that your game doesn’t end just because you blow up. Only living players can win the game, but dead players now get to keep the cards in their hands when they explode. Zombie players get to play certain cards to torment the living players. And they can even come back from the dead to win the game.

Patchwork Halloween
Age: 8+ / Players: 2 / Duration: 30-45 minutes

Ghosts, skeletons and pumpkins have snuck into the world of Patchwork just in time for Halloween! And maybe, if you’re able to “trick” your opponent, you might not only win this abstract game or strategy, but also earn some treats as a reward!

Werewolves of Miller’s Hollow
Age: 8+ / Players: 1-6 / Duration: 15-30 minutes

Bloodthirsty werewolves terrorize your village! In this game of suspicion and intrigue, you could be the sheriff, the hunter, the innocent, or maybe even a ravenous werewolf! While the villagers rule by day, the werewolves own the night. Guess who lives? Guess who dies? The Werewolves of Miller’s Hollow is an immersive game that brings life (or death ?) to any party.

Unlock Epic Adventures
Age: 10+ / Players: 1-6 / Duration: 60 minutes

Unlock! is a cooperative card game inspired by escape rooms that uses a simple system…

Play Unlock! and embark on great adventures, while seated at a table using only cards and a companion app that can provide clues, check codes, monitor time remaining, etc. Can you crack the code and unlock the mystery?

Mysterium Park
Age: 10+ / Players: 2-6 / Duration: 15-30 minutes

Immersive, cooperative fun abounds in Mysterium Park, which has been haunted by dark forces ever since the ghost first appeared and the carnival director disappeared. Two to six players have 30 minutes to exercise their psychic skills and uncover the truth!

Arkham Horror – 3rd Edition
Age: 14+ / Players: 1-6 / Duration: 120-180 minutes

Arkham Horror – 3rd Edition is a cooperative board game where players take on the roles of investigators trying to rid the world of Ancient Ones. Based on the works of H.P. Lovecraft, players will gather clues, find tools and allies in order to defeat the creatures that dwell just beyond the veil of our reality. Only a handful of investigators stand against the Arkham Horror. Will they prevail?

How to Prepare for an Epic Halloween Party

Want to add a little Halloween ambiance to your spooktacular game night? Here are 5 tips to haunt your party.

1. Set the Scene with Spooky Decorations

To create a true Halloween atmosphere, decorations are key. Go for classic Halloween themes like haunted house, graveyard, or witches’ lair. Some ideas include:

1. Lighting: Use dim, colored lights or string lights in orange and purple. Candles, lanterns, and flickering LED lights create a hauntingly cozy ambiance.
2. Props: Set up foam tombstones, cobwebs, creepy dolls, and skeletons to transform your space. Hang bats and ghosts from the ceiling for a spooky effect.
3. Entrance Decor: Make the entrance memorable by adding a fog machine, pumpkins, or a creepy welcome sign. A life-size witch or monster could be waiting at the door to greet guests.

2. Costumes are a Must

Encourage guests to come in costume by making it a requirement for entry. You could even make it more interesting by hosting a costume contest with different categories like scariest, funniest, or most creative costume. Prepare some fun prizes for the winners to keep things exciting.

3. Craft a Killer Playlist

Music plays a big part in setting the mood. Create a playlist that’s a mix of classic Halloween hits, spooky sound effects, and party favorites to keep everyone in the spirit. Consider having sections of eerie instrumental tracks to play in the background during more boisterous games.

4. Serve Spooky Snacks and Drinks

No Halloween party is complete without a spread of themed treats. Here are some easy and fun ideas (just make sure to provide lots of napkins to keep those greasy fingers off the games 😱):

1. Appetizers: “Mummy Dogs” (hot dogs wrapped in crescent dough), “Bloody” deviled eggs, or mozzarella “eyeballs.”
2. Sweets: Cupcakes with spider decorations, cake pops shaped like ghosts, or “witch finger” cookies.
3. Drinks: Create a signature Halloween cocktail or mocktail—like a “Bloody Mary” or a punch bowl with dry ice to create a fog effect. Don’t forget to give them creepy names like “Zombie Juice” or “Witches’ Brew.”

5. Party Favors for Guests

Send your guests home with small Halloween-themed party favors like mini treat bags filled with candy, small toys, or spooky trinkets. These little gifts will leave a lasting impression on your guests.

With the right games, decorations, costumes, food, and entertainment, your Halloween party will be a night to remember. By planning ahead and adding your personal spooky touches, you can throw an event that’s both chilling and thrilling for all your guests.

Liked these spooky games? Find out where you can find them, here.

Happy Halloween!