Best Top 7 Horror Board Games to Play in 2024

Dive into the best horror board games, from eerie adventures in Gloomhaven to the haunted halls of Betrayal at House on the Hill.
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Mysterium coverZombicide coverBetrayal at House on the Hill cover

When we dove into the shadowy corners of the board game world to find the best horror experiences, we weren’t just looking for games that made us jump. Nope, we wanted ones that would make us think, strategize, and maybe even sleep with the lights on. Our picks for the top 7 horror board games promise not just spine-tingling moments but deep, immersive gameplay that pulls you into their eerie worlds. From haunted houses and apocalyptic wastelands to Lovecraftian mysteries and zombie invasions, our list has something for every horror fan. So, grab your flashlight and let’s explore these frighteningly fun games together.

On this list:

7 Mysterium

Mysterium cover

  • Age Range: 10+
  • Players: 2-7
  • Play Time: 42 minutes

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Kicking off our horror board game list, Mysterium has us playing psychic detectives. We were totally into its eerie atmosphere as we tried to solve a murder mystery. The communication aspect, where one player gives silent clues, really spooked us out, making it a perfect warm-up to any horror game night.

6 Zombicide

Zombicide cover

  • Age Range: 14+
  • Players: 1-6
  • Play Time: 60 minutes

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Next up, Zombicide. Nothing says horror like a zombie apocalypse. This game got us teaming up to fight off hordes of zombies. The cooperative play and loads of miniatures made our tabletop experience thrilling. It’s the adrenaline rush paired with strategic planning that put Zombicide on our list.

5 Betrayal at House on the Hill

Betrayal at House on the Hill cover

  • Age Range: 12+
  • Players: 3-6
  • Play Time: 60 minutes

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This game had us exploring a haunted house, which builds itself as we play. The twist of a potential traitor among us added to the horror experience. Each playthrough offered us a new spooky story, making Betrayal at House on the Hill a must-have for horror fans seeking variety.

4 Arkham Horror: The Card Game

Arkham Horror: The Card Game cover

  • Age Range: 14+
  • Players: 1-2
  • Play Time: 60-120 minutes

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Arkham Horror: The Card Game brought Lovecraftian horror to our table with a bang. The storytelling and roleplaying elements gripped us, creating a genuinely immersive horror atmosphere. The game’s replayability and depth had us diving back into the mystery and madness again and again.

3 Dead of Winter

Dead of Winter cover

  • Age Range: 14+
  • Players: 2-5
  • Play Time: 100 minutes

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Not just another zombie game, Dead of Winter made us survivors in a post-apocalyptic world where we faced not only zombies but also the cold and potential betrayal from our own group. The survival and moral dilemmas really brought the horror of humanity to light.

2 Eldritch Horror

Eldritch Horror cover

  • Age Range: 14+
  • Players: 1-8
  • Play Time: 120-240 minutes

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Taking the horror global, Eldritch Horror had us tackling mysteries across the world to stop an ancient one from awakening. Its epic scale and cooperative gameplay along with the diverse scenarios ensured that the horror never felt the same twice. Definitely a standout in horror-themed gaming.

1 Gloomhaven

Gloomhaven cover

  • Age Range: 14+
  • Players: 1-4
  • Play Time: 60-120 minutes

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Top of our horror list, Gloomhaven blends dark fantasy with horror in a massive campaign. We were hooked by its deep strategy, character progression, and branching story paths. The constantly evolving game world made every decision feel impactful. It stood out as the best because it wasn’t just about the horror; it was about how we became heroes within that horror.

Jamie in his proper element: With all of his board games
Jamie Hopkins

With years of dice-rolling, card-flipping, and strategic planning under my belt, I've transformed my passion into expertise. I thrive on dissecting the mechanics and social dynamics of board games, sharing insights from countless game nights with friends. I dive deep into gameplay mechanics, while emphasizing the social joys of gaming. While I appreciate themes and visuals, it's the strategy and camaraderie that truly capture my heart.