There are lots of ways to celebrate Halloween, including binge-watching favorite horror movies or scary TV shows, like some of the best Halloween TV specials, or even checking out some of the latest Halloween-themed or horror movies, like A Quiet Place II and Halloween Kills. But board games are also a good way to have fun, and the best games to play for Halloween all fit into the same category: they're spooky, scary, deal with ghosts, goblins, monsters, or spirits, and involve some type of mystery and/or danger.
From fun and popular games to play with the entire family, like Mysterium to ones based on movies, like Hocus Pocus The Game and Monopoly IT Edition, the selection when it comes to board games that are perfect to play in celebration of Halloween is diverse.
Hocus Pocus
Ideal for the whole family, with kids as young as 8 able to participate, this game is described as one of "magic and mayhem." It's a cooperative card game where the players must work with one another to prevent the Sanderson sisters from finishing their evil potion before the sun rises. In doing so, Salem's children will be protected.
With tricks and matching along with spells being cast along the way, it isn't as easy as it sounds. Each game is only about 30 minutes and up to six people can play at once, making this a great family-friendly game to play with the kids before bedtime.
Zombies!!!
Given the popularity of zombie-related TV shows like The Walking Dead and its many spin-offs, along with the best zombie movies, it's no surprise that a board game about zombies ranks as one of the best games to play for Halloween. Play as teams to make it through the game board while avoiding a zombie horde, attempting to make it to the Helipad, unscathed.
Players receive life tokens and once the supply has run out, they're out of the game. There are various game scenarios from which to choose, including cooperative play whereby everyone makes it over or no one does. With multiple editions of the game, all compatible with the other, it's easy to play again and again while enjoying new cards and looks.
Salem 1692 Witch Hunt
Great for large groups, up to 12 people can play this card-based game of strategy whereby everyone is accused of witchcraft based on the cards they're holding. Players, aged 13 and up, must use strategy, deceit, deduction, and even a bit of luck in order to win.
The game can last anywhere from 20-40 minutes so it's easy to play a few times in one night as everyone switches roles. It comes in a neat magnetically closing faux book box, too, making it the perfect game to bring along to a party or friend's house.
Mysterium
This wildly popular mystery board game is one that can be played with the whole family, from ages 10 and up, and with anywhere from two to seven players. With an average playtime of about 45 minutes, it's perfect for before-bedtime family fun.
The backstory is that a servant was murdered three decades ago at the Warwick Manor, and his ghost has haunted the place ever since. Players must work as psychic detectives to figure out what happened and finally break the case, with the help of the victim himself. What's great about this game is that there are tons of scenarios including who did it, with what weapon, and where so it's the type of game that can be played again and again with a different outcome each time.
Monopoly "IT" Version
Monopoly is a board game classic and through the years, licensed themed versions have come out for movies, countries, characters, and more. Two of the latest Monopoly versions include Animal Crossing. That includes the popular horror movie IT by Stephen King, with locations from the frightening film in place of the regular game board spots.
There are six custom sculpted tokens that celebrate iconic moments and items from the film, including the balloon, Richie's glasses, and a bicycle. Up to six players aged 17 and up can work to earn money and acquire suburban houses and apartment buildings in games that can last for up to an hour or more.
The Haunted Mansion
Hailing from Disney, this game of spirits is a simple one kids can play that sees players trying to collect matching sets of cards, each featuring a different ghost. Taking place in a manor full of the ghoulish creatures, players explore every room, and even head out to the graveyard, to find as many ghosts as they can.
Be careful, though, as hitchhiking ghosts might tag along, cast a spell, and get players out of the game before they have the chance to make it to the end.
Betrayal At House On The Hill
This is a building game whereby players must use tiles to build their own haunted mansion. Once it's built, they have to try and escape, unharmed. There are 50 terrifying scenarios, however, that could throw a wrench into that plan, each more horrifying than the next.
This highly rated game can accommodate up to six players 12+, though one must secretly play as the traitor. Each game lasts for about an hour making it perfect for game night whodunit fun.
Eldritch Horror
For ages 14+ and up to eight players, this is the type of game that can even be played solitary style for those spending Halloween night on their own. It's still a tall order to win, which requires preventing the end of the world.
Through a variety of worlds and mysteries, players must fight monsters, travel throughout the game, and try to maintain enough energy to survive and make it to the end before the Ancient One takes over and puts an end to humanity. The game is actually based on the writings of H.P. Lovecraft, the author whose works inspired the book and series Lovecraft Country. The Emmy-nominated series Lovecraft Country even did some things better in the show than book.
Arkham Horror
A mystery and strategy board game for ages 14+, this game is best for a full game night since each round lasts anywhere from 2-3 hours. Players explore the streets of Arkham, working as one of 12 investigators, each with their own special abilities. The goal is to find out what is going on with the Ancient Ones. They are aliens who hide between space and time, just waiting to attack. Can they be stopped?
Players get to work in teams, trying to find clues, defeat monsters, and look for tools and allies in the hunt to stop the end of the world. Since each game can follow a unique path, it's the type of game that can be played every year for a special Halloween board game night. Like Eldritch Horror, this game is also inspired by the writings of H.P. Lovecraft, whose works have also inspired many movies.
Horrified
Monsters are a key part of Halloween, and in this board game, ideal for ages 10+, it's all about working together to stop the evil forces of some of the most popular horror movie characters, including Dracula, Frankenstein, the Bride of Frankenstein, the Wolfman, the Mummy, the Invisible Man, and the Creature from the Black Lagoon.
Complete with sculpted mini-figures of each, the board game also includes bases so they're even to move around along with cards, dice, placard, and the board along with instructions for the simple game. Play with up to five people and choose among different levels of difficultly.