When the nights grow longer and the wind howls through the trees, there’s no better way to celebrate spooky season than gathering around a table with friends for a good old-fashioned scare. Horror board games are the perfect mix of suspense, strategy, and storytelling, whether you prefer jump scares, creeping dread, or dark humour. From nostalgic VHS nightmares to modern masterpieces of tension, here are some of the best horror board games to bring to your next fright night.
Atmosfear (a.k.a. Nightmare)
The Classic VHS Terror
If you grew up in the 90s, you probably remember Atmosfear! the game that came with a VHS tape featuring “The Gatekeeper” yelling at you for being too slow. The concept is simple but brilliant: players race against a real-time video host to collect keys and escape before time runs out. The mix of live-action video, timed chaos, and that ever-shouting ghoul makes Atmosfear an icon of interactive horror.
Why it’s great: Nostalgia meets campy horror. The game thrives on atmosphere and unpredictability, perfect for Halloween parties where laughs and screams mix freely.
Modern twist: There’s now an app version, so you can swap the VHS player for your phone and still get yelled at by The Gatekeeper. Progress!
Betrayal at House on the Hill
A Modern Haunted House Classic
Few games capture the feeling of exploring a haunted mansion better than Betrayal at House on the Hill. Players start as a cooperative group exploring room by room, uncovering creepy artefacts and omens. Then, curse your sudden but inevitable betrayal, one player suddenly turns traitor, triggering a random horror “haunt” scenario. From werewolves to murderous dolls, no two games are ever the same.
Why it’s great: The blend of exploration, roleplay, and betrayal makes it endlessly replayable. The reveal moment, when you discover who’s turned evil, is always pure gold.
Best for: Story lovers and groups that like a bit of drama with their dice rolls.
Arkham Horror (and Eldritch Horror)
Lovecraftian Despair on a Grand Scale
For fans of cosmic horror and doomed heroes, Arkham Horror is the ultimate tabletop experience. Players act as investigators trying to stop Ancient Ones from devouring the world. Expect lots of dice, despair, and desperate teamwork as you juggle sanity, monsters, and mounting chaos.
If you prefer your cosmic nightmares on a global scale, Eldritch Horror offers a streamlined but equally intense version.
Why it’s great: Deep, immersive storytelling and thematic richness. Every session feels like starring in your own Lovecraft short story.
Warning: Not for the faint-hearted, or those who dislike games that last longer than most horror movies.
Horrified
Classic Monsters, Cooperative Mayhem
Universal’s classic monsters get a surprisingly wholesome makeover in Horrified. It’s a cooperative game where players work together to save a terrified town from Dracula, the Wolfman, Frankenstein’s Monster, and more. Each creature has unique goals and weaknesses, so teamwork and strategy are essential.
Why it’s great: Beautiful artwork, straightforward gameplay, and family-friendly fear, it’s a horror game you can play with almost anyone.
Perfect for: Families or casual gamers who want something spooky but not too dark.
Mansions of Madness (Second Edition)
App-Driven Immersive Horror
Mansions of Madness combines physical components with a companion app that drives the story, sound effects, and map generation. Players explore haunted estates, solve puzzles, and uncover eldritch mysteries, all while the app keeps things unpredictable.
Why it’s great: The digital integration elevates immersion, you’ll genuinely jump when a monster appears out of nowhere.
Pro tip: Dim the lights, play with headphones or speakers, and let the game do the scaring.
Dead of Winter
Survive the Zombie Apocalypse, Together (Mostly)
Zombie survival meets psychological tension in Dead of Winter, where players must work together to survive the frozen apocalypse. But beware, one of you might secretly be sabotaging the colony. Balancing trust, survival, and suspicion creates a gripping experience full of moral choices and memorable betrayals.
Why it’s great: A perfect blend of strategy and storytelling, with just enough paranoia to make you eye your friends suspiciously.
Great for: Groups who love The Walking Dead and a good social twist.
🎃 Final Thoughts
From the eerie nostalgia of Atmosfear to the paranoia of Dead of Winter and the narrative brilliance of Betrayal, horror board games prove that you don’t need a screen to feel a chill down your spine. Whether you’re hosting a Halloween party or just looking for a cozy night of thrills, these games deliver the perfect mix of screams and strategy.
So light some candles, grab your bravest friends, and roll the dice… if you dare.
