13 Best Paranormal Activity Board Games Reviewed for 2025
Looking for the best board games with a paranormal activity twist? We tested spooky favorites that turn every night into ghostly fun!
13 Best Board Games for Paranormal Activity Fans
Nothing gets our group more excited than a night full of spooky board games that bring paranormal activity right to the tabletop. When picking our top 13, we looked for games that nail the ghostly vibe—think haunted mansions, creepy mysteries, and teamwork to outsmart some poltergeists. We made sure these games are easy to get into, actually fun to play, and give you that shiver-down-the-spine feeling. Whether you want to investigate a haunting, solve a supernatural puzzle, or just steal candy from friendly ghosts, we’ve got you covered with our favorite paranormal activity board games.
On this list:
13 Mysterium
We picked Mysterium because nothing says ‘paranormal activity’ like ghostly charades. One of us always tries to channel Patrick Swayze, but usually just fumbles with the cards. This game has you working together as psychic investigators solving a murder with the help of a ghost, who can only communicate through trippy artwork. The mix of guesswork and teamwork creates ghostly fun, and most game nights end with wild accusations and someone blaming the spirit for their own bad guessing. Perfect for parties, and even Aunt Marge (who still believes her house is haunted) gets a kick out of it.
12 Betrayal at House on the Hill
Paranormal activity runs wild in Betrayal at House on the Hill. We once played a round where Uncle Harry turned into a werewolf, and the screams were real (from us, not him). Every game brings a new haunted scenario, with hidden traitors, secret objectives, and a mansion that seems to have more rooms than Ikea. We love how this game mixes spooky surprises and sudden betrayals, making each play feel like a fresh horror movie night—minus the popcorn, unless you want to tempt the poltergeist.
11 Ghost Stories
If you like a paranormal activity theme with a side of frustration, Ghost Stories delivers. We’ve lost to these ghosts more times than we’d like to admit. You and your gang are Taoist monks defending a village from waves of vengeful spirits led by Wu-Feng. The cooperative play is a real test of friendship—expect to argue over every move. The satisfaction of finally beating Wu-Feng is legendary (we celebrated with ghost-shaped cookies). Fun, tough, and ghostly as heck.
10 Paranormal Detectives
Paranormal activity detectives, assemble! We love this as it lets you interrogate a ghost using everything from tarot cards to—yes—literal string. Hilarity often breaks out when someone tries to mime ‘eaten by piranhas’ through interpretive dance. It’s part deduction, part party game, and all about creative thinking (or just wild guessing). This one is accessible and great for mixed groups, whether you believe in ghosts or just like pretending to.
9 Mansions of Madness (Second Edition)
We picked this one because it is packed with paranormal activity, haunted mansions, and way more creepy goings-on than we can handle. The app integration makes everything spooky and surprising, just like those other games—without being one of them!
8 Eldritch Horror
Eldritch Horror takes the paranormal activity theme global. We spent an entire Saturday chasing cultists across continents, only to lose to an ancient god before lunch. The world-traveling, mythos-monster-fighting gameplay keeps everyone engaged. It’s a big, sometimes punishing game, but so atmospheric. If you want your paranormal fun with tentacles and cosmic horror, this is the ticket. Just keep snacks handy for those long nights of saving the world.
7 Nyctophobia
Nyctophobia is the only paranormal activity board game we’ve played while wearing blackout glasses. One player is the hunter, the rest are blind and feeling their way through a creepy forest—yes, really. We’ve poked friends, the board, and thin air, usually in that order. It’s unique, tense, and the fear of the unknown is so real that we once jumped when the cat sneezed. It’s the closest you’ll come to a haunted house in a box.
6 Arkham Horror: The Card Game
We’re big fans of the Arkham series, but the card game really cranks up the paranormal activity. It’s co-op, story-driven, and every play feels different thanks to its deck-building system. You’ll face cultists, monsters, and lots of tough choices (like, do you save the world or your sanity?). We get attached to our investigators, which makes their inevitable demise extra painful—but that’s half the fun. Perfect for story lovers and Cthulhu fans.
5 Ghost Blitz
Not all paranormal activity games need to be scary! Ghost Blitz is a fast, silly reaction game that’s kid-friendly. We’ve never yelled “GHOST!” so much in our lives, and it always ends with a pile of toppled objects and laughter. It’s simple, great for all ages, and a perfect way to start or end a spooky game night. Plus, no actual ghosts required (not that we haven’t tried summoning some).
4 Dead of Winter: A Crossroads Game
Dead of Winter isn’t just about zombies—it’s about strange, paranormal events in a freezing colony. We’ve argued about exiling our squirrel-obsessed friend more times than we can count. The paranoia and betrayal feel real, and the Crossroads cards keep things fresh (and weird). Paranormal activity is everywhere, from visions to creepy cults, so if you like your horror with a dash of ice and drama, look no further.
3 Obscurio
Obscurio mixes paranormal activity with a traitor mechanic—someone is working against you! It’s like if a haunted library met Among Us. We love trying to mislead each other through magical images, though it usually devolves into us blaming the “wizard” for being too subtle. Great art, tense gameplay, and non-stop blaming your friends—what more could you want? Bonus: You’ll find out who’s the most paranoid in your group.
2 EXIT: The Game – The Haunted Roller Coaster
We included this because nothing says paranormal activity like getting stuck in a haunted amusement park. The EXIT series is our go-to for a spooky escape room fix. We did this one on Halloween, and the puzzles had us scratching our heads while the eerie soundtrack kept us on edge. It’s a one-time experience but perfect for a memorable night, and it’s surprisingly challenging for a small box.
1 Ghosts Love Candy
We’ll be honest: Ghosts Love Candy is our paranormal activity pick for pure, sweet chaos. You’re not just haunting people—you’re haunting kids for their candy! We’ve played this with all ages, and it always devolves into giggles and bribery (there’s never enough candy). The art is cute, the rules are simple, and it’s perfect for families or anyone who wants a lighter ghostly fix. This game wins our top spot because it makes everyone laugh, brings out the sneaky kid in us all, and really nails the ‘friendly paranormal’ vibe. We play it every Halloween, and no one is ever too old to steal candy—especially if you’re already a ghost.
