With two weeks to go until Halloween, it’s time to start thinking about all the spooky board games you get to play, especially with Halloween falling on a weekend this year! Halloween is becoming one of my favourite times of year, and while I love the decorations, the cute costumes and the excuse to eat far too much candy, I also think it's the perfect time to play Halloween-themed board games.
The best thing about Halloween board games is that they don't all have to be terrifying. Some are full of adorable ghosts that you can play with the kids, others have you solving mysterious crimes, and a few might genuinely make you question why you agreed to play in the first place.
So, whether you're planning a Halloween game night, looking for something to play with the family, or just love a game with a slightly spooky theme, I've picked out a few games that deserve a spot on your table this October!
Cute, Cosy & Just a Little Bit Spooky 👻
Not everyone wants to spend Halloween being terrified, and I completely understand that…because I am one of those people! 😂 Sometimes all you want is a cute game with a little Halloween magic, preferably accompanied by snacks and a cosy evening at home.
boooop.
This has quickly become one of mine and Siobhan's favourite games to play when we're in the mood for something quick. We were originally drawn to it because of the adorable little ghost cats (how could we not be?), but it's turned out to be such a fun little strategy game.
The idea is pretty simple. You're trying to line up your cats on the bed, but every time you place one down, it can push the other cats around. Just when you think you've got everything lined up perfectly, the other person comes along and ruins your plans!
It's really easy to learn, but there's actually a surprising amount of strategy involved. Siobhan and I have found ourselves playing several rounds in a row because neither of us wants to finish on a loss, and there's always time for just one more game.
Mysterium Kids: Captain Echo's Treasure
For something the whole family can enjoy, Mysterium Kids is a lovely option. Players work together to find Captain Echo's hidden treasure, with one player taking on the role of the friendly ghost and using a tambourine to create sounds that help everyone else guess the correct objects.
What I particularly love about this one is how different it is from your usual guessing game. Instead of giving verbal clues, you'll need to get creative with sounds, while everyone else tries to figure out exactly what you're communicating.
It's a wonderful introduction to cooperative games for younger players, encouraging everyone to work together, listen carefully and use their imaginations. Plus, with its adorable ghost theme, it's perfect for little ones who want to join in the Halloween fun without anything too scary.
Murder, Mystery & A Little Deduction 🔎
If your ideal Halloween involves solving mysteries, uncovering secrets and trying to work out who you can trust, these games are for you.
There's something about a good mystery game that feels particularly appropriate for October, especially when everyone around the table is convinced they've figured it out.
Betrayal at House on the Hill: Third Edition
Betrayal at House on the Hill might just be one of the most perfect Halloween games out there. You begin the game by exploring a mysterious old mansion, discovering new rooms and uncovering strange events along the way.
Everything seems relatively fine until the haunt begins, and suddenly one of your fellow explorers might turn against the rest of you. With 50 different haunts to experience, you never quite know what's going to happen next.
This is one of our favourite games to play as a family and I highly recommend it if you’re looking for something mysterious and don’t mind being betrayed by your friends.
Mansions of Madness: Second Edition
If exploring creepy locations is your thing, Mansions of Madness is another fantastic option for Halloween.
In this cooperative horror game, players take on the roles of investigators exploring eerie locations, solving puzzles and uncovering mysteries inspired by the world of H.P. Lovecraft.
An accompanying app guides you through each adventure, revealing new rooms, clues and encounters as you explore. Of course, you never quite know what's waiting around the next corner!
I love that this game feels like you're stepping into your very own horror story, even if I'm not keen on discovering anything lurking in the spooky mansion.
Call of Cthulhu RPG: Miskatonic Tales – Journey to Innsmouth
There's something about a mysterious town where things aren't quite what they seem that makes the perfect setting for a horror story.
Journey to Innsmouth takes you into the eerie world of Call of Cthulhu, where you and your fellow investigators must uncover secrets, explore mysterious locations and make decisions that shape how your adventure unfolds.
With three interconnected adventures to experience, it's a great choice for anyone who enjoys immersive storytelling and getting completely lost in a good mystery.
Monsters, Mayhem & Halloween Chaos 🧟
Sometimes Halloween doesn’t need to be all about monsters and being scared, sometimes it’s the chaos that makes it the most fun. I personally love a little bit of chaos in my life so these are great games to play with friends and family (even the ones that hate chaos have a great time!).
These games are perfect for anyone who wants a Halloween game night filled with laughter, competition and maybe a little bit of drama.
Psycho Killer: A Card Game for Psychos
If you're a fan of classic slasher movies, Psycho Killer is a brilliant way to bring a little horror-inspired chaos to your next game night.
In this fast-paced card game, you're trying to avoid becoming the victim of a Psycho Killer while making sure your friends aren't quite so lucky. It's full of ridiculous moments, unexpected twists and plenty of opportunities to turn on the people sitting next to you.
This is a fun one to bring out at a Halloween party, especially if your group enjoys games that don't take themselves too seriously.
Ultimate Werewolf Extreme
If your friends enjoy accusing each other of absolutely everything, Ultimate Werewolf Extreme might be the perfect Halloween game.
Players are secretly divided into villagers and werewolves, with the villagers trying to figure out who's hiding amongst them before it's too late. Every round involves plenty of accusations, suspicious behaviour and people desperately trying to convince everyone they're innocent.
With support for up to 75 players, it's a fantastic option for a larger Halloween gathering. Although sometimes it's hard enough with 20 without even more chances of betrayal!
For Those Who Like Their Games Genuinely Creepy 💀
Now, if cute ghosts and friendly monsters aren't quite enough for you (you do you), there are plenty of games that take the horror theme a little more seriously.
These are the games for people who enjoy suspense, difficult decisions and that horrible feeling that something is about to go terribly wrong.
Arkham Horror: The Card Game
If you love immersive storytelling, mysterious investigations and a healthy dose of supernatural horror, Arkham Horror: The Card Game is definitely worth exploring.
Set in the world of H.P. Lovecraft, players take on the roles of investigators attempting to uncover terrifying mysteries while facing creatures and forces that are probably best left undisturbed.
What makes this one particularly interesting is how it combines a card game with an ongoing story. Your decisions, successes and failures can all influence how the adventure unfolds.
It's the kind of game that feels perfect for a dark October evening, especially if you enjoy getting completely absorbed in a good story.
Nemesis: Retaliation
If you're a fan of sci-fi horror, Nemesis: Retaliation is definitely one to look at.
This time, rather than being trapped aboard a spaceship and desperately trying to survive, you're part of a heavily armed military squad sent into a facility overrun by terrifying alien creatures.
Of course, having weapons doesn't necessarily mean things are going to go your way!
It's a tense, cooperative survival game where you'll need to work together, complete objectives and try not to get overwhelmed by the creatures lurking around every corner.
If you love the atmosphere of films like Aliens, this is exactly the kind of game that deserves a spot on your Halloween gaming list.
Final Girl
I couldn't put together a list of spooky board games without mentioning Final Girl.
Inspired by classic horror movies, Final Girl is a solo game where you take on the role of the final survivor, trying to defeat a terrifying killer before they get you.
Each game combines a Feature Film box with the Core Box, allowing you to experience different killers, locations and horror scenarios.
What I particularly love about the concept is how closely it captures the feeling of a horror movie, except this time you're the one making all the decisions.
And as someone who loves solo board games, I think it's a particularly interesting option for anyone who wants to enjoy a spooky gaming night by themselves.
Planning a Halloween Game Night?
Of course, you don't need to wait until Halloween itself to enjoy a spooky board game night!
Personally, I think October is the perfect excuse to get a few friends together, put out some snacks and spend an evening playing games.
If you're planning your own Halloween game night, here are a few things I'd consider:
🎃 Pick your level of spooky: Not everyone enjoys horror, so make sure you've got games that suit your group. Cute ghosts and terrifying alien creatures are two very different experiences!
🎃 Mix up the games: Start with something quick and lighthearted before moving on to a longer mystery or strategy game.
🎃 Set the atmosphere: A few Halloween decorations, some themed snacks and a spooky playlist can make even the simplest game night feel special.
🎃 Don't forget the snacks: This might be the most important part. I firmly believe a good game night requires a decent selection of snacks.
And if you need a little more inspiration, we've also put together a guide on How to Host a Great Game Night, with plenty of ideas for making your next game night a success.
Something Spooky for Everyone!
Whether you're after adorable ghost cats, a mysterious murder to solve or a terrifying adventure filled with alien creatures, there's a Halloween board game for just about everyone.
I love that there's such a huge variety of games to choose from, and you certainly don't have to be a horror fan to enjoy a little spooky gaming.