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Mysterium
Highly awarded
"A silent ghost sends dreamlike picture clues to help everyone solve its murder. Cooperative, eerie and family-friendly, for 2 to 7 players."
2–7 players45 minLight
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Spooky Board Games for Halloween
Ghosts, zombies, monsters and a demon in the village, all award winners
Halloween night doesn't need a horror movie. A good spooky board game gives you the same shivers with a lot more laughing: whispered accusations, a ghost who can't speak, a demon hiding among your friends. Every game below has won or been recognized by an established award jury, so you get the atmosphere without gambling on a dud. We've mixed gentle, family-friendly picks (monsters and ghosts, nothing gory) with darker games for teens and adults, and noted player counts so you can match the game to your party.
Hosting tips
- For a mixed-age party, start with King of Tokyo or Wandering Towers, then bring out Mysterium once the little ones are in bed.
- Dim the lights and put on a spooky playlist. Atmosphere does half the work in a mystery or bluffing game.
- For big groups, Blood on the Clocktower (5 to 20 players) and Mysterium (up to 7) keep everyone involved at once.
- Check the ages: Dead of Winter and Blood on the Clocktower are best for teens and adults.
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Blood on the Clocktower
Award nominee
"A demon hides among the villagers, and the dead keep talking. The ultimate Halloween party game for 5 to 20 players, ages 14 and up."
5–20 players90 minMedium
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The Quacks of Quedlinburg
Exceptional consensus · 3 organizations
"Brew potions from a bag of ingredients and hope your cauldron doesn't explode. Witchy push-your-luck fun for 2 to 4 players."
2–4 players45 minMedium
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Dead of Winter
Highly awarded
"Survive a zombie winter together while wondering whether someone at the table is a traitor. A long, tense game for teens and adults."
2–5 players120 minMedium
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King of Tokyo
Highly awarded
"Giant monsters roll dice and battle for control of Tokyo. Loud, silly and great for families, ages 8 and up."
2–6 players30 minLight
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Clank!
Award winner
"Sneak into a dragon's dungeon and grab treasure, but every noise could wake it. A tense, funny adventure for 2 to 4 players."
2–4 players60 minMedium
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MicroMacro: Crime City
Exceptional consensus · 3 organizations
"Solve crimes together on one giant hidden-picture map. Some cases have mature themes, so check before playing with kids."
1–4 players20 minLight
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Wandering Towers
Highly awarded
"Wizards race to a magical castle while moving towers trap them. A light, surprising pick for younger players, ages 8 and up."
2–6 players30 minLight
See full details and buying options →More holiday picks
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