Top horror games
The best board games offer an immersive experience for players, regardless of what their objective is and who they’re playing with — or against. For imaginative and dedicated gamers, there are many tabletop games that transport you to another world where magical forces, mystical beasts or terrifying monsters await.
Horror fans have plenty of adult board games from which to choose, with some offering quick scares and others calling for dedicated, strategic play. Whatever your preferences, these are the best horror games available.
Best horror games
Eldritch Horror: available at Amazon
This fan-favorite option by Fantasy Flight is a time-consuming, detailed and immersive game inspired by the tales of H.P. Lovecraft. The world is under attack from an ominous threat, and players are tasked with battling monsters, closing portals and solving mysteries before time runs out and an ancient one destroys the planet. There is a high level of replay value, even without investing in all the expansions, as the game twists and turns based on your decisions, dice rolls and a wide assortment of cards. You’ll want to take time to appreciate the artwork and the writing.
“Hellboy” The Game: available at Amazon
A common thread through some popular horror games is the inclusion of detailed miniatures. The relatively recent “Hellboy” game is no exception, with both heroes and monsters depicted in stunning form. This involved game has some familiar elements, as players battle foes and solve mysteries, but it boasts the attitude and energy of Hellboy from the comics that’s sure to delight any fan.
Nemesis: available at Amazon
Loosely inspired by “Aliens,” this survival game pits players against ravenous monsters with plenty of familiar horror-movie tropes. The game is mostly cooperative as players assume the role of various crew members, all of whom are hunted by deadly creatures through a claustrophobic ship. However, each player has a different objective and some backstabbing may have to occur in order to win. Although, horror fans know how well those characters fare in the end.
Pandemic Legacy: available at Amazon
This inventive game may not seem scary at first, but tension mounts quickly in each passing mission. One of the top Legacy games, players make changes to their characters and the board, ripping up cards and doing away with components while adding new ones as the game progresses. It’s a unique experience that will change the way you think about board games. If you enjoy it, there are two more seasons available.
Mysterium: available at Amazon
Forgoing monsters for the paranormal, players are called on to figure out the specifics of a murder — all by communicating with the one who was killed. The game has a lot of replay value, in part because someone will be tasked with playing the ghost, and up to seven people can take part. With a low price tag and average game time around an hour, it’s a terrific investment for those seeking something spooky.
Mansion of Madness: available at Amazon
A relative of Eldritch Horror, this game changes up some of the mechanisms and tasks but the H.P Lovecraft lore, including a variety of popular monsters and creepy settings, stays intact. Players investigate mysteries in the titular haunted house where monsters lurk in this immersive experience that also incorporates an app. This one takes a while to set up and learn and usually at least a couple of hours to play through, but it’s all the more satisfying if you can overcome the challenge at hand.
Hasbro Ouija Board: available at Amazon
This classic game is a staple in horror movies — and even spawned a horror movie — as players use the board to speak to those in other dimensions and realms. It’s less a game and more an activity, but one that makes for a lively and potentially terrifying night, especially if you play it in a creepy location by candlelight, which you should.
Pandemic Reign of Cthulhu: available at Amazon
This version of the classic “Pandemic” game changes the outbreak from viruses to the ancient one Cthulhu and his monsters and minions. It’s plenty hard, requiring strategy, luck and cooperation — and getting through the first wave of horror isn’t especially easy. Once you get the hang of it though, games move quickly and the setup is swift.
Arkham Horror: The Card Game: available at Amazon
One more Lovecraft-inspired adventure, this game offers more streamlined play for those short on space and time. Designed for one to two players and only taking an hour or so to complete, this game features familiar characters and monsters but still calls for strategy in order to win. It’s a great starter for those who want to test their wits before taking on larger endeavors or want a taste of the eldritch.
Horror Trivial Pursuit: available at Amazon
The classic trivia game gets a horror twist, as this version mines questions from the most terrifying shows, movies and books. Players test their knowledge across six different categories, with questions based on the paranormal, monsters and gore, among others. This Trivial Pursuit model includes a more ominous board as well as six horror-inspired figurines, including a goat head and straightjacket.
“Alien” Fate of the Nostromo: available at Amazon
Inspired by one of the scariest monster movies of all time, this board game features the Xenomorphs of “Aliens” in all their terrifying glory. Players are navigating a ship infested with ferocious aliens, tasked with various objectives and skills. High replay value, terrific miniatures and beloved main characters make this a fun and exhilarating horror romp.
Exit: The Catacombs of Horror: available at Amazon
This popular series of escape room games brings tension to your home, as players take on riddles and other puzzles in this adventure that can only be enjoyed once. There are a variety of inexpensive options available, but this newer release set in the Catacombs of Horror is particularly unnerving and one of the most difficult options available. The soundtrack on the companion app is there to set the mood and raise the anxiety level. Anthony Marcusa is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
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