Buhuhuuuu!
Greetings fellow dicerollers. Let me introduce myself, for I will haunt you from now on through all your dreams. I am the ghost of missed out games!! Oh don’t laugh, hey why are you smiling? I am your deepest nightmare! Listen, human, I will not stop talking until you give up into my cold and unforgiving arms of despair and… Ah come on now, don’t cringe around, I am spooky! Ok, at least let’s pretend. Thanks. Now let me start and take you into my realm, where all the spooky games are lying that you should play on your next Halloween party! I mean besides being haunted by me, what's spookier than gathering around a board game, immersing yourself in horror game, or finding out that one of your beloved friends is secretly a werewolf? As the nights grow longer and the weather turns colder, board games are the perfect way to feel the spirits of spooky season and explore new worlds together. Here are some game that will make a perfect fit to get in the mood of Halloween, I guarantee:
One Night Ultimate Werewolf:Â A classic game of deceit and deduction. One of my favourite Halloween games actually because it always brings a ton of laughter and suspense to your whole party. The key mechanics are deceit and deduction. Each player takes on a role in a village and tries to figure out who among them is the werewolf. If the villagers manage to find out who the werewolves are, their town is safe again and they win. However, if the last survivors turn out to be werewolves, the villagers are doomed and must face their inevitable end.
Dead Man's Cabal:Â Another great game for a Halloween games night is 'Dead Man's Cabal'. This might be just the perfect Halloween game for you. Why? You're a necromancer! I mean what is deadlier than a necromancer, having the power to bring the dead back to life for a party of undead players. The artwork on the game box and room tiles is by the way absolutely beautiful! The game invokes a good balance between strategy and luck, and the aim of collecting the most points wins the game.
Halloween Family Feud: Family fun with Halloween Family Feud. If you're looking for a board game that can get all the family involved, you might want to try 'Halloween Family Feud'. This fun spin on the classic game can be played with as many family members as you'd like. It's just like the game show – survey questions, "fast money" rounds, and all – but Halloween-themed! Throw in some candy corn for the winner, and you've got yourself a hilarious evening.
Arkham Horror: What is more Halloween-ish than the stories by H.P. Lovecraft? Arkham Horror is masterful as a cooperative board game in employing a "Fog of War" that players must confront with their roles they immerse themselves into. However, the amount of time spent on this flood of storytelling depends both on the game's preparation and the group's greed and drive for perfection, so a session with 4 players can last between 2 and 8 hours.
Betrayal at House on the Hill:Â Explore, survive, betray. All you need to spook the cr*p out of everyone, right? Or are you even looking for more fun ideas? 'Betrayal at House on the Hill' is another excellent horror board game. Players explore a haunted mansion, discovering new room tiles and playable characters as they delve deeper. But beware, one player will eventually betray the rest, turning the cooperative exploration into a fight for survival. The game ends when either the betrayer or the other players triumph.
Pumpkin Bowling: A Halloween party staple. Now, for a slightly different type of Halloween game, how about 'Pumpkin Bowling'? It's a straightforward, physical game where small, round pumpkins act as bowling balls and pins are made out of toilet paper rolls. But don’t throw too hard. Believe me, it’ll be a mess. A fun, light-hearted game that's great for kids and can be a fun way to shake things up.
Ghost Stories: You probably know this one. Lastly, one cannot forget 'Ghost Stories'. This cooperative board game tasks players with defending a village from ghosts until either the players are overwhelmed, or they defeat the big boss ghost. It’s kinda tough but incredibly fun. Also looks absolutely stunning! If you are into art, check out the illustrations, they are true eye candy.
Hosting a Halloween games night can be an incredibly fun way to enjoy playing games with your friends and family. From the anticipation of discovering the werewolf in 'One Night Ultimate Werewolf' to the tension of exploring a haunted house in 'Betrayal at House on the Hill', these games can add an extra layer of thrill to your Halloween celebrations.
Competitive board games: Adding the fun to fear. We can't forget the friendly competition that board games introduce. The concept of victory points, bonus cards, and the rush to cross the finish line first all contribute to making board games a key part of any Halloween party. Also, consider games like 'Small World' which, while not strictly a Halloween game, provides a fun and competitive atmosphere that can definitely add to the Halloween spirit.
Card games: A different type of scare. Now, if you're someone who prefers card games over board games, 'Arkham Horror: The Card Game' could be the horror game for you. With the ability to create your character and make decisions that affect the game's outcome, the narrative-driven gameplay and intricate rule cards ensure that no two games are alike. The game ends when either all the investigators complete the objectives, or they are all driven insane. And, the game box is packed with expansion packs, making it a different experience each time you play.
As you can see, there are endless options when it comes to games for Halloween. Whether it's a board game, a card game, or a simple game of little pumpkins being bowled over, there's something for everyone. So gather your gaming group, stock up on candy corn, A LOT, and get ready for a spook-tacular Halloween games night!