Spooky Game Night Essentials – Terrifying Tales and Horrific Fun at Your Table
As the nights grow longer and the air turns crisp, it’s the perfect time to gather your friends, dim the lights, and dive into games that blend mystery, suspense, and a touch of the macabre. At The Hidden Lair, we’ve pulled together a few of our favorite spooky tabletop experiences — from haunted houses and lurking monsters to cursed lands and dark rituals. Whether you’re looking for jump scares, eerie storytelling, or strategic thrills, these four titles will make your next game night deliciously dreadful.
Betrayal at the Neibolt House: The Evil of Pennywise Expansion
(Avalon Hill | Ages 17+ | 3–6 Players)
The classic Betrayal at House on the Hill formula gets a chilling Stephen King twist with this Evil of Pennywise Expansion, inspired by IT. Step inside the infamous Neibolt House, where strange noises echo through the halls and red balloons float ominously in the corners.
This expansion brings new haunts, terrifying scenarios, and — of course — Pennywise the Dancing Clown himself, who lurks in the shadows waiting to feed on fear. Players explore the house, uncovering room tiles and triggering encounters, until the betrayal is revealed and one (or more) players become the villain.
Fans of Betrayal will love how this set injects fresh dread into an already classic experience. It’s atmospheric, cinematic, and perfect for horror movie fans who want to step directly into a nightmare.
Campy Creatures Vol. 1
(Alderac Entertainment | 2–5 Players | Ages 10+)
If your tastes lean more toward retro monster mayhem, Campy Creatures Vol. 1 is a delightfully twisted choice. In this fast-paced card game, players take on the roles of mad scientists commanding their own stables of classic monsters — think vampires, mummies, and giant kaiju — all competing to capture unwitting mortals for “research.”
Each round plays out like a 1950s horror double feature, full of bluffing, outguessing, and special abilities. The rules are simple, but the strategy runs deep as you anticipate your opponents’ next moves. The game’s vintage art style and tongue-in-cheek humor make it a hit for family nights or Halloween gatherings where you want just the right mix of spooky and silly.
Dungeons & Dragons: Starter Set – Heroes of the Borderlands
(Wizards of the Coast | Ages 12+ | 2–6 Players)
For adventurers craving something with a darker edge, Heroes of the Borderlands is the perfect entry point into Dungeons & Dragons. This starter set plunges players into a realm filled with ancient ruins, haunted keeps, and lurking monstrosities that test both courage and cleverness.
Inside, you’ll find everything you need to begin your campaign — pre-made character sheets, dice, rulebooks, and a complete adventure filled with mysterious quests and eerie encounters. While not overtly horror-themed, Heroes of the Borderlands leans heavily into classic gothic D&D storytelling: cursed lands, dangerous secrets, and monsters best faced by torchlight.
If you’ve ever wanted to try D&D but didn’t know where to start, this set captures the perfect blend of fantasy and fear to kick off your journey.
Necromancer: The Card Game
(Publisher: to be announced | 2–4 Players | Ages 14+)
Step into the role of a master of death in Necromancer: The Card Game, a fast, thematic battle for dark supremacy. Each player takes command of a necromancer, raising undead armies, summoning cursed relics, and waging magical duels for dominance.
Gameplay balances risk and resource management — you’ll gather souls, perform forbidden rituals, and attempt to keep your power from consuming you entirely. The art and mechanics drip with gothic flavor, evoking classic horror films and grim fantasy alike. It’s an excellent pick for fans of dark strategy card games who want something that feels equally competitive and narrative-driven.
Gather Your Courage (and Your Friends)
This Halloween season, skip the scary movie marathon and build your own tabletop terror. Each of these games offers a unique way to explore the darker side of storytelling — from supernatural showdowns to sinister secrets.
Light some candles, deal the cards, and remember — in the shadows of Valhalla and beyond, not every player will make it out alive.
