Best Paranormal Activity Board Games 2024: Top 10 Picks

Explore games filled with paranormal activity, perfect for new players diving into spooky mysteries and supernatural thrills.
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Mysterium coverBetrayal at House on the Hill coverGhost Stories cover

Looking for some ‘paranormal activity’ fun on game night? We’ve got you covered! We at Paranormal Players love a board game with eerie vibes and ghostly chills. Our picks for this list blend spooky themes with thrilling gameplay. We’ve tried these games with our friends, so we know they’re perfect for both newbies and seasoned gamers. Each game on our list offers a unique twist, ensuring there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re keen on solving supernatural mysteries or surviving haunted houses, these games will deliver the scares and excitement you’re after!

On this list:

10 Mysterium

Mysterium cover

  • Age Range: 10+
  • Players: 2-7
  • Play Time: 45 minutes

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Mysterium is always a favorite when it comes to paranormal activity themes. We often become spirits ourselves as we solve this murder mystery. One player has to play as a ghost, trying to lead mediums to the right assassin. The fun lies in interpreting these vivid visions through abstract art cards. It’s like playing charades, but with ghosts! We love how each game feels different, with endless combinations keeping the mystery fresh. Plus, let’s be real; it’s not every day you get to spook your friends while wearing a cool robe of mystery.

9 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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Betrayal at House on the Hill brings a lot of spooks and surprises. We love how each player starts as a cooperative adventurer exploring a haunted mansion. But wait, there’s a twist! Suddenly, one player becomes a traitor, and things get wild. You never know what’s behind the next door, quite literally. The game comes with 50 different scenarios, each with its own creepy story. It’s a different nightmare every playthrough. If you enjoy a mix of strategy and storytelling with your paranormal activity, this one’s for you. Just make sure none of your friends is secretly a haunting ghost!

8 Ghost Stories

Ghost Stories cover

  • Age Range: 12+
  • Players: 1-4
  • Play Time: 60 minutes

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If you’re looking for a cooperative paranormal activity game, Ghost Stories is the way to go. We’ve spent countless hours battling evil spirits in a small village and losing… often. The game’s tough, but that’s part of its spooky charm. Each player takes on the role of a Taoist monk, and together you aim to save the villagers from Wu-Feng’s dark powers. The art is stunning, and the tension is real as you strategize with pals to fend off spirits. Get ready to lose though; it’s called Ghost Stories for a reason, but it’s a thrilling ride!

7 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 isn’t your typical board. But oh boy, does it capture the essence of paranormal activity! We love how each card setup tells a unique horror tale in H.P. Lovecraft’s universe. Teaming up with friends to uncover mysteries or going solo, it’s equally harrowing. Building custom decks and adapting strategies to different situations is a blast, and it keeps us on our toes. The storyline weaves a rich, thrilling experience that’s bound to get your heart racing. It’s perfect for spooky nights when you want to dive into a world of horror and madness.

6 Scooby-Doo: Betrayal at Mystery Mansion

Scooby-Doo: Betrayal at Mystery Mansion cover

  • Age Range: 8+
  • Players: 3-5
  • Play Time: 25-50 minutes

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Scooby-Doo: Betrayal at Mystery Mansion combines humor with horror perfectly. As fans of Scooby, we love this family-friendly take on paranormal activity. You play as the beloved Mystery Inc. gang, solving mysteries and unmasking villains. It takes the core mechanics from Betrayal at House on the Hill and adds the charm of Scooby-Doo. With varied scenarios, each game feels like a new episode. The game is less intense than other horror games, making it perfect for younger players or casual nights. It’s a funny and light-hearted way to enjoy some spooky vibes.

5 The Bloody Inn

The Bloody Inn cover

  • Age Range: 14+
  • Players: 1-4
  • Play Time: 30-60 minutes

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We have a soft spot for The Bloody Inn. It’s a quirky blend of humor, horror, and card strategy. Set in 19th-century France, players are innkeepers luring guests for… nefarious purposes. The game’s macabre theme is surprisingly fun, and it challenges you to manage resources carefully. Balancing between killing, bribing, and burying guests creates tense situations. It’s a great choice for folks who enjoy dark humor with their paranormal activity. The artwork is uniquely charming, adding to the experience. It’s wicked fun, but remember, in this inn, you might not come out alive!

4 Obscurio

Obscurio cover

  • Age Range: 10+
  • Players: 2-8
  • Play Time: 45 minutes

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Obscurio is another hit with us. This game takes the paranormal activity theme to an interesting level. You play as wizards trapped in a magical library, trying to escape with a grimoire’s help. But there’s a traitor among you! The game focuses on communication and deduction, with players using cryptic clues to find their way out. The artwork is enchanting, adding a mysterious vibe. It’s a mix of strategy and luck as you navigate through illusions and betrayals. It’s definitely one to enjoy with friends, especially if you’re up for some magical tomfoolery.

3 Nyctophobia

Nyctophobia cover

  • Age Range: 9+
  • Players: 3-5
  • Play Time: 30-45 minutes

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Nyctophobia literally means fear of the dark, and this game captures it perfectly. We had a blast, stumbling around the board blindfolded, relying only on touch. One player is the hunter, but the others are trying to evade him in the woods. The unique component of playing without sight creates a tense, immersive experience that’s hard to find elsewhere. It’s a fantastic take on paranormal activity, as fear hinges on the unknown. You haven’t lived until you’ve played a board game using just your fingertips. A thrilling experience, but make sure no one peeks through their blindfold!

2 Ghost Fightin’ Treasure Hunters

Ghost Fightin’ Treasure Hunters cover

  • Age Range: 8+
  • Players: 2-4
  • Play Time: 30 minutes

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Ghost Fightin’ Treasure Hunters is perfect for family game nights. We enjoy its playful take on paranormal activity. As treasure hunters, you work together to collect jewels while dodging ghosts in an ever-changing haunted house. It’s cooperative, making it accessible and fun for kids and adults. The ghost minis are charming, adding whimsy to the table. It balances strategy and simple fun. We’ve had memorable moments with friends and family, making it an excellent choice for those looking to introduce spooky games to younger audiences.

1 Dead of Winter: A Crossroads Game

Dead of Winter: A Crossroads Game cover

  • Age Range: 14+
  • Players: 2-5
  • Play Time: 60-120 minutes

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Ah, Dead of Winter is what comes to mind when someone says ‘best board game with paranormal activity’. It’s our top pick for its brilliant mix of horror, survival, and storytelling. We always get enveloped in its narrative, battling zombies in a post-apocalyptic world. The crossroads cards add unexpected twists, leaving you constantly on edge. Trust issues arise as personal objectives may clash with group goals. It’s intense, thrilling, and keeps us talking long after the game ends. For those looking for the ultimate horror experience, Dead of Winter delivers on all fronts.

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.