Ever been so bored you’d summon a ghost for entertainment?
Or do you just love the idea of scaring the pants off of your friends for your evening entertainment?
Dive into this guide on spine-tingling games to play with friends, perfect for those looking to spice up their hangouts.
Whether you’re a thrill-seeker or just love a good adrenaline rush, these eerie activities promise unforgettable memories.
Prepare for chills, thrills, and guaranteed goosebumps!
When it comes to scary multiplayer games, there are so many shriek-worthy options to choose from.
To help you plan your next horror game night with friends, we’ve picked 27 of the most terrifying, chill-inducing multiplayer fright fests that are guaranteed to scare the screams out of everyone. Read on if you dare!
1. Ghost Stories
Dim the lights, huddle up close, and scare yourselves silly by sharing spine-tingling tales. Take turns dramatically recounting your creepiest real or fictional ghostly encounters, using vocal effects and suspenseful delivery to amp up the terror. Embellish with creepy props and candles to set the mood, then vote on the most chilling storyteller after each bone-rattling tale. It’s a fun way to elicit shrieks and shivers!
What you’ll need:
A group of at least four friends
A dark room with minimal lighting
Flashlights to create an eerie vibe
Spooky decorations and props like candles, cobwebs, skulls
How to play:
Have everyone sit in a circle in the dark room. Set up candles, cobwebs, and other decor to make things extra spooky.
Take turns sharing your scariest real or fictional ghost stories. Speak slowly and dramatically, using hushed tones and vocal sound effects.
When it’s your turn, really ham it up and describe the ghostly encounter in vivid detail, building up suspense and intrigue.
At the end of each story, have everyone vote on who told the most bone-chilling tale.
2. Blindfolded Hide and Seek
Plunge into darkness and evade discovery using just your hearing as you take classic hide-and-seek to the next level. Select one unlucky seeker to remain blindfolded while hunting down friends who must sneak about quietly. Be prepared for goosebump-inducing jump scares as the sightless seeker fumbles in the shadows.
What you’ll need:
Blindfolds for all players
A large, clutter-free indoor or outdoor space
Quiet shoes to muffle footsteps
How to play:
Select one person as the blindfolded seeker. They stand in the middle of the space while everyone else hides.
The seeker counts to 100 aloud as the hiders sneak away and conceal themselves.
Once the seeker finishes counting, they remove their blindfold and attempt to locate the hiders using only their hearing and sense of touch.
The hiders must maneuver around very quietly to avoid detection. They can gently distract the seeker by making odd noises.
The game ends when the seeker locates all hiders. The last one found becomes the next blindfolded seeker.
3. Red Door Yellow Door Game (or Doors of the Mind)
Venture into the subconscious mind, navigating a labyrinth of doors that conceal memories, dreams, and possibly nightmares. As a form of guided meditation, one participant journeys inward while another assists, ensuring their safe return from the depths of their mind.
What you’ll need:
A quiet, dimly lit room
Two participants: a Guide and a Traveler
A soft surface or bed
How to play:
The Traveler lies down on the soft surface, placing their head on the Guide’s lap.
The Guide starts rubbing the Traveler’s temples in a slow, circular motion while reciting “Red door, yellow door, any other color door” until the Traveler enters a trance-like state.
The Traveler begins describing what they see, including doors and the surroundings. The Guide prompts questions, helping them navigate.
Doors can lead to memories, imagined scenes, or unsettling visions. The Traveler should approach with caution and avoid any figures or rooms that feel threatening.
If the Traveler becomes distressed or unresponsive, the Guide should shake them gently until they awaken.
Once finished, the Guide can slowly bring the Traveler back by counting to three and telling them to wake up, ensuring a smooth return from their mental journey.
4. Two Truths and a Lie Horror Edition
Turn this classic party game sinister by making all truths nightmarish—share your freakiest fears, paranormal encounters, and disturbing secrets.
Take turns presenting two real tales and one fabrication while friends determine the falsehood. Watch out; the line between fact and fiction may blur in this spine-tingling twist on Two Truths and a Lie.
What you’ll need:
A group of 4-8 friends
Spooky ambiance – dim lighting, candles, decorations
Paper and pens for keeping score
How to play:
Have everyone sit in a circle in a dimly lit room. Light candles to set the mood.
Take turns sharing three short stories – two true scary or creepy experiences and one fictional. Use vocal effects and dramatic pauses.
After each person’s stories, the rest of the group votes on which story they think is a lie.
Award points for correctly guessing the false story. After a set number of rounds, the player with the most points wins!
5. Horror Movie Trivia
Test your knowledge of all things horror—from iconic slashers to creepy characters, see who best knows grisly movie trivia. Divide into teams and quiz each other rapid-fire to rack up points, but beware, wrong answers cost you. If you know your Michael Myers from your Freddy Krueger, this fright night game is for you!
What you’ll need:
Trivia card decks or a trivia app
A scoreboard and writing implements
Two evenly divided teams of friends
Comfy seats arranged to face each other
How to play:
Split into two teams and have them face each other.
Take turns asking trivia questions back and forth. Teams can collaborate before answering.
Award points for correct answers. Subtract points if wrong.
Keep score on a board. After a set time, the team with the most points wins!
6. The Silent Library
A game of nerve and silence, where participants must endure strange and sometimes spooky tasks without making a sound. Based on a popular Japanese game show, the library becomes more eery the quieter it remains.
What you’ll need:
A library or any quiet room with bookshelves
Random spooky tasks written on paper
A sound measuring device or app
How to play:
Each participant draws a task from the papers and must perform it without making noise.
Tasks might include things like “hold an ice cube for a minute” or “let a spider crawl on your hand.”
Using the sound measuring device, monitor the noise levels. Any significant spike in noise means the participant fails.
The game becomes creepier as participants imagine seeing figures in the aisles or hearing distant whispers from unknown sources.
7. Never Have I Ever Spooky Edition
Reveal your freakiest secrets and experiences in this cringe-inducing version of Never Have I Ever. Take turns stating things you haven’t done—whoever has done the deed drinks. As admissions get creepier, so do expressions. Things may get uncomfortable in this game of skeletons in closets and twisted truths.
What you’ll need:
A group of friends seated in a circle
Drinks for each player
A creepy ambiance – dim lights, candles, decorations
How to play:
Go around the circle with each person making a “Never have I ever…” statement about something spooky they haven’t done.
Those who HAVE done the deed must take a drink.
Statements get more personal and revealing as the game goes on.
The first to refuse to drink or run out of secrets loses!
8. The Shadow’s Name Game
Dip your toes into ancient rituals and mysterious shadows with this game. Ever thought about naming a shadow? While it sounds quirky, legends have it that giving a name grants power. But be cautious: what you name might just become too real.
What you’ll need:
A dimly lit room, ideally illuminated by the natural light of the setting sun.
Chalk or tape.
A piece of paper and a pen.
How to play:
Find a wall in the dimly lit room where shadows are distinctly visible.
Outline the most prominent shadow using chalk or tape.
Everyone pens down a name they feel suits the shadow and places their suggestion into a bowl.
Draw one name from the bowl.
Together, as a group, chant the chosen name three times, directing the chant towards the outlined shadow.
Observe. If the shadow strays from its outline or any uncanny noises are heard, it’s believed the shadow has acknowledged its name.
Concluding the game is crucial: erase or remove the shadow’s outline and courteously thank the shadow by its new name, requesting it to return to its realm. Ensure a peaceful parting to keep any residual energies at bay.
9. Build a Terrifying Maze
Work together to transform your home into a haunted labyrinth full of horrors using sheets and furniture. Wind through makeshift corridors and spooky spaces, encountering surprises from deranged dolls to ghastly ghouls. This project turns your abode into a house of horrors, sure to elicit screams and laughs.
Designate different rooms or areas for horror themes.
Drape sheets over furniture to create a maze of corridors and passages.
Decorate with creepy elements in certain spaces.
Turn off lights and walk through with flashlights.
Pop-out at each other or trigger automated scares!
10. Conduct a Séance
Dim the lights, join hands, and summon spirits from the beyond—if you dare. Appoint a medium to guide the ceremony, light candles, and create a circle of energy to call forth paranormal activity. Just beware of what you awaken during this spine-tingling ritual.
What you’ll need:
Candles, incense, and spooky ambiance
Friends seated in a hand-holding circle
A volunteer medium or psychic
Paper and pens to record messages
How to play:
Create a creepy atmosphere in a darkened room.
The medium leads the group in a séance ritual to contact spirits.
Participants ask questions and watch for signs like flickering lights.
Record any eerie messages that seem to come through.
11. Play with a Ouija Board
Harness the power of the occult to potentially glimpse the secrets of the afterlife—but avoid accidentally unleashing sinister spirits. Place your fingers lightly on the planchette and ask your burning questions. But don’t be surprised if the answers spell your doom.
What you’ll need:
An authentic Ouija board
Candles and mood lighting
2-4 friends
How to play:
Sit facing each other with the Ouija board between you.
Place your fingers gently on the planchette.
Take turns asking questions of the spirit realm.
Watch in wonder and fear as the planchette seemingly moves on its own.
12. Light as a Feather, Stiff as a Board
Chant together in an attempt to magically lift a person using just two fingers each. Harness the power of concentration and commitment to the spell. Skeptics will be baffled by this freaky feat of supernatural strength.
What you’ll need:
A willing participant to be lifted
Four friends to lift them
How to play:
Have the person lie flat on their back.
The lifters kneel in a circle around them, placing two fingers under the person.
In unison, chant, “Light as a feather, stiff as a board.”
Concentrate intensely and see if you can raise them!
13. The Frozen Mirror Challenge
Dive into a world of distorted reality by staring into a frozen mirror under the moonlight. As the frosty surface warms, you might just see a version of yourself from another dimension—or something more sinister.
What you’ll need:
A handheld mirror
A freezer
A moonlit night
How to play:
Place the mirror in the freezer for at least two hours.
Once the night is moonlit, take the mirror outside and hold it so the moon reflects on its frosty surface.
Stare deeply, allowing your mind to wander into thoughts of other worlds and versions of oneself.
As the frost melts, the reflection may change, revealing unsettling images or unfamiliar faces.
End the game by placing the mirror back inside, sealing away any spirits or energies you might have stirred.
14. The Candlelit Labyrinth
Journey into a maze of your own creation, where each turn holds a riddle and shadows play tricks on the mind. Drawing inspiration from ancient mazes and labyrinths, this game pushes players to rely on their intuition and senses, all while battling the clock as their candle burns.
What you’ll need:
A spacious, dark room or open area at night.
Multiple candles (one for each player) and matches.
Sheets of paper with riddles or challenges.
A timer or stopwatch.
How to play:
Arrange candles in intricate pathways, mimicking a labyrinth. Each path should have a few challenges or riddles placed sporadically.
At the entrance of the labyrinth, each player lights their candle. This is their only source of light and timekeeper.
The objective is to navigate the labyrinth, solving riddles or completing challenges to advance.
As players make their way, they must be cautious: if their candle goes out, they have to return to the start.
The game ends when a player reaches the end of the labyrinth or when all candles have been extinguished.
For added suspense, set a collective timer. If no one completes the maze before the time runs out, the shadows “win.”
15. Midnight Man Ritual
Descend into a chilling game of cat and mouse with the mysterious Midnight Man. This old pagan ritual dares participants to invite the Midnight Man into their home, then avoid him until 3:33 AM. What you’ll need:
A candle
Matches or a lighter
Salt
A needle to prick your finger
A piece of paper
A front door with a wooden latch
How to play:
Write your full name on the paper.
Prick your finger and drop a dot of blood on your name.
Light the candle and turn off all lights in the house.
Knock on your front door 22 times, precisely at midnight.
Open the door, blow out the candle, and then close the door, inviting the Midnight Man.
Quickly relight the candle. The goal is to keep it lit until 3:33 AM.
If your candle goes out, that means the Midnight Man is near. Form a circle of salt around you for protection.
Survive until 3:33 AM to win.
16. Charlie Charlie Challenge
Summon the spirit of Charlie, a mysterious entity, to ask him yes-or-no questions. Do you dare to find out the answers?
What you’ll need:
A piece of paper
Two pencils
How to play:
Draw a cross on the paper, dividing it into four quadrants.
Write “YES” in two opposite sections and “NO” in the other two.
Place one pencil on the line horizontally and balance the other vertically on top.
Ask aloud, “Charlie, Charlie, are you here?”
Wait for the pencil to move, pointing to either “YES” or “NO.”
Ask your questions and watch the pencil for answers.
17. Bloody Mary Summoning
Unleash the legend of Bloody Mary by calling her name three times in a dimly lit bathroom. Does she really exist? Only one way to find out.
What you’ll need:
A bathroom with a mirror
Candles
How to play:
Enter the bathroom and turn off the lights.
Light the candles, placing them before the mirror.
Stare deeply into the mirror.
Slowly chant “Bloody Mary” three times.
Wait to see if she appears or if any other unusual activity occurs.
18. The Elevator Ritual
Discover a parallel world using a multi-story building’s elevator. But be cautious—you might not return to the world you know.
What you’ll need:
A building with at least ten floors and an elevator
How to play:
Enter the elevator alone.
Visit the floors in the following order: 4-2-6-2-10-5.
If a woman enters on the fifth floor, don’t look at or speak to her.
Press the button for the first floor. If the elevator ascends to the tenth floor instead, you’ve entered the other world.
To return, repeat the floor sequence, but be very careful not to make a mistake.
19. The Hooded Man Ritual
Embark on a journey in a black cab driven by the Hooded Man, where you might encounter passengers from another realm.
What you’ll need:
A telephone
Salt
Black cord or string
Two small candles
How to play:
At night, close all doors and windows in your home.
Draw the curtains and turn off all lights.
Light the candles and place them on either side of the telephone.
Tie the black cord around the phone’s handset, whispering, “I bind you to my service.”
Dial a sequence of numbers (often shared among the ritual’s enthusiasts), then tie the other end of the cord to the phone’s base.
Wait for the Hooded Man to answer and ask for a cab.
Extinguish the candles and sleep. A black cab will be outside when you awaken.
Enter the cab and lie down. Do not peek or interact with any entities you might hear. After your ride, you’ll find yourself back home—or perhaps somewhere entirely different.
20. The Dark Reflection Ritual
Engage in an unsettling game that involves reflecting upon one’s deepest fears. By breaking a mirror, participants unleash negative energy, which they must then evade throughout the night.
What you’ll need:
A mirror
Candle
Dark, quiet room
How to play:
In a dimly lit room, stare into the mirror, allowing your deepest fears to surface. Feel the negative energy.
Light the candle, hold it before the mirror, and then blow it out, plunging the room into darkness.
Break the mirror and listen closely for any whispers or signs of movement.
Avoid the negative energy or spirits you’ve released until sunrise. Only then are you safe.
21. The No-Eyes Challenge
Unearth an old legend of a blindfolded specter by spinning a tale of its existence. But beware, for invoking its name might just make it appear before your very eyes.
What you’ll need:
A quiet room
A blindfold
How to play:
Gather in the quiet room, sitting in a circle.
Blindfold one participant and recount the legend of the No-Eyes specter.
Everyone chants “No-Eyes, show yourself” three times.
Remove the blindfold and scan the room for any signs of the mysterious entity.
The game ends when someone spots the entity or if the group becomes too frightened to continue.
22. The Whispering Game
Tap into the spirit world’s auditory realm. By creating a conduit for ethereal voices, participants attempt to hear whispered messages from beyond our plane of existence.
What you’ll need:
A soundproof room or a very quiet space
A white noise machine or app
A recording device
How to play:
Begin by setting up the white noise in the soundproof room.
Instruct everyone to sit in a circle and focus on channeling spirits.
Turn on the recording device and ask questions aloud, waiting a few minutes between inquiries.
After a session, play back the recording, straining to hear any potential whispered responses.
Interpret and discuss any mysterious voices captured.
23. The Living Doll Ritual
Turn a simple doll into a vessel for spiritual energies. By performing a ritual, the doll becomes “alive” and might respond to your questions or even move.
What you’ll need:
A doll with limbs
Red thread
Rice
A sharp object (e.g., needle or knife)
How to play:
Remove the doll’s stuffing and replace it with rice.
Using the sharp object, add a drop of your blood to the rice.
Sew the doll back up with the red thread, keeping it as tight as possible.
At night, submerge the doll in water. Ask it a question and observe any changes in its position or posture.
To end the game, thank the doll and safely dispose of it.
24. The 11-Mile Road Ritual
Embark on a harrowing drive down an elusive road that’s said to grant wishes. However, the journey is fraught with spectral entities and unexplained occurrences, testing the willpower of anyone daring enough to drive it.
What you’ll need:
A car with a full tank of gas
A deep, personal wish or desire
How to play:
At night, drive to a remote wooded area and begin searching for a road that feels “otherworldly.”
Once you believe you’ve found the 11-mile road, drive without stopping, regardless of what you see or hear.
Each mile tests your resolve, presenting chilling specters or eerie sounds.
Reach the end to have your wish granted, but be warned: few make it to the 11th mile, and the road may exact a toll.
25. The Watcher in the Window
Challenge the courage of your friends by daring them to summon The Watcher—a shadowy figure said to peer through windows at night. Legend states that The Watcher is an age-old spirit, eager to observe our world, but beckoning him might just pull you into his.
What you’ll need:
A window without curtains or blinds
A candle
A personal item, like a trinket or photograph
How to play:
Begin at midnight. Place the personal item on the windowsill and light the candle beside it.
Everyone should join hands and recite: “Watcher at the threshold, we invite you to gaze. Peer into our world through this window’s haze.”
Extinguish the candle and back away, keeping your eyes on the window.
Wait in silence. If a shadowy figure appears, don’t approach or communicate; just observe.
To conclude, light the candle again, remove the personal item, and ask The Watcher to depart in peace.
26. Whispers of the Forgotten
Immerse yourself in the echoes of forgotten stories by communicating with fictional entities of the past. In this game, participants pen down questions to seek wisdom or foresight from the “forgotten” and then attempt to channel responses through collective energy.
What you’ll need:
A quiet, dimly lit space.
A bowl of water.
Small slips of paper and pens.
A floating candle.
How to play:
Each participant writes down a question they’d like to ask the forgotten on a slip of paper.
One by one, fold the slips and place them beside the bowl.
Light the floating candle and let it drift in the bowl’s center.
Participants join hands around the bowl and focus on the candle’s flame, silently urging the forgotten to answer.
After a few moments of silence, one person picks a slip and reads the question aloud.
The group then shares any thoughts, feelings, or words that come to mind, which might serve as responses from the “forgotten.”
Continue until all questions have been addressed, and always thank the spirits for their guidance, ensuring a harmonious closure.
27. Concentrate: Echoes of the Future
Dive deep into the recesses of your mind and uncover potential glimpses of the future with the game of “Concentrate.” This game blends rhythmic chanting with visualization, leading players to experience fleeting and often symbolic premonitions.
What you’ll need:
A quiet, dimly lit room.
Soft cushion or rug for sitting.
A metronome or app that can produce a consistent beat.
How to play:
Players sit in a circle on the cushion or rug, ensuring they’re comfortable.
One person is chosen as the “Receiver,” while the others are the “Chanters.”
The metronome is set to a slow, consistent beat to guide the Chanters.
The Receiver closes their eyes and takes a few deep breaths, mentally preparing to “receive.”
Chanters begin the rhythmic chant of the word “Concentrate,” aligning with the beat of the metronome. The repetition creates a trance-like environment.
As the chant continues, the Receiver visualizes opening doors in their mind, seeking images, symbols, or events. They’re encouraged to let their intuition guide them.
After a set time (usually around 5 minutes), the chant slowly diminishes.
The Receiver then shares their visualizations, which could be interpreted as potential insights or symbolic representations of future events.
Roles can be rotated, allowing others to experience being the Receiver.
Note: Always ensure that players are comfortable and willing. The game is about visualization and introspection, and it’s essential to approach it with an open mind devoid of any firm expectations.
Why Scary Games to Play with Friends Are So Much Fun
There’s a tantalizing thrill in the idea of confronting the unknown and testing the boundaries of our fears, especially when shared with friends. As the heart races and adrenaline courses through the veins, these spooky games transform an ordinary evening into a memorable and electrifying experience.
Whether it’s the allure of dark legends, the suspense of the unexpected, or simply the camaraderie formed in moments of shared anticipation, these games hold an undeniably magnetic appeal.
Shared Adventure: Nothing bonds people more than shared experiences. Facing “dangers” together, even if imaginary, creates lasting memories.
Adrenaline Rush: The thrill of being scared in a safe environment can be exhilarating. It’s a controlled way to experience excitement and fear without real-world consequences.
Test of Bravery: These games can be a way for individuals to challenge their limits and face their fears, proving their mettle to themselves and others.
Engaging Imagination: They transport participants to other worlds, whether it’s a haunted realm or a mysterious dimension, tapping into the power of collective imagination.
Cathartic Experience: Engaging in controlled scares can be therapeutic, allowing players to release pent-up emotions and stress in a unique way.
Unpredictability: No two games are ever the same, as outcomes depend on players’ reactions, choices, and even external environments, ensuring a fresh experience every time.
Final Thoughts
Whether it’s for a spooky evening or just to inject some thrills into a gathering, these eerie games promise both chills and camaraderie. So, gather your brave-hearted friends and dive into these adventures – unforgettable memories and heart-pounding moments await!
