30 Scary Games to Play With Friends: Spine-Chilling Fun
Gather around flickering candles and whispered tales for a night of suspense and laughter.
Whether it’s a sleepover, camping trip, or Halloween party, scary games offer an electrifying way to bond with friends and test your nerves. These games blend supernatural legends, suspenseful rituals, and chilling encounters that will leave you with goosebumps and lasting memories. From whispering tales in the dark to playing ritualistic thrillers, here’s a comprehensive guide to 30 scary games that you can enjoy with your group.
Why Play Scary Games?
Scary games bring more than just fright—they foster teamwork, spark imagination, and add adrenaline to gatherings. The suspense and surprise of these games make them ideal for parties, sleepovers, and any time you crave a unique, immersive experience. Many are rooted in urban legends and folklore, adding mystery and excitement to their gameplay.
30 Scary Games to Play With Friends
Below you’ll find 30 games, each featuring instructions, setup requirements, and the legend or thrill behind them. Explore, but proceed with caution!
1. Bloody Mary
Gather in a dark bathroom, light a candle, and chant “Bloody Mary” three times while staring into a mirror. The legend warns that a ghostly woman may appear—perfect for testing your bravery!
2. Queen of Spades
Tape a Queen of Spades card to your mirror and, using red lipstick, draw stairs below it. Light a candle and chant “Queen of Spades, come” three times. Some claim she will reveal herself through the mirror if summoned correctly.
3. Candyman
Stand in front of a darkened mirror and say “Candyman” five times. Turn the lights on quickly or legend says the Candyman’s spirit might snatch you!
4. Concentrate
One person stands while another recites a chant behind them, lightly tapping their shoulders. This game claims to reveal your fate by prompting eerie visions or predictions as you concentrate in silence.
5. Light As a Feather, Stiff As a Board
One player lies down while others place their fingertips beneath them. Chants begin, and the group attempts to lift the person using just their fingers, relying on “supernatural” forces for help.
For those planning a memorable sleepover, enrich your experience with our ultimate guide to 50 fun activities you can try. From games to mesmerizing activities, these ideas will keep the energy alive and the spooky vibes rolling all night long.6. The Message Game
Players sit in a circle and write mysterious messages on a piece of paper, which gets passed around. The goal is to see if any otherworldly responses reveal themselves among the messages.
7. Hide and Seek in the Dark
A classic game made scarier by playing in total darkness. Hide seekers must rely on their senses alone, heightening suspense with every step.
Looking for a broader range of entertainment for teenagers? Check out our ultimate guide to 25 fun party games that will keep everyone engaged! These games are perfect for energizing any gathering with laughter and creative challenges, ensuring a fantastic time.8. Ouija Board
Players ask questions while using a planchette on the board. The board is said to summon spirits or reveal messages from the beyond.
9. The Midnight Man
Write your name on a piece of paper, prick a finger for a drop of blood, then light a candle. At midnight, knock on a wooden door 22 times and summon the Midnight Man, then try to evade being found until 3:33 a.m.
Before diving into the darkness, make sure to consult our collection of 41 fun and engaging family games to play at home. These activities will create a perfect mix of fun and interaction for family game nights, with options suitable for every age.10. The Elevator Game
Played in a building with at least ten floors, follow a sequence of floors while riding the elevator. Legend says this ritual can transport you to a parallel world if the steps are followed precisely.
11. The Corner Game
Four people stand in the four corners of a dark room while one calls out “Corner Game Start!” Players switch corners in the dark, hoping not to encounter a ghostly presence.
12. Cat Scratch
Sit together as one person lays on another’s lap, and a story about a cat that scratched people is told. Light scratching on the person’s back may leave mysterious marks by the end of the story.
13. The Creepy Doll Game
Hide a doll somewhere in the house. Chant a secret phrase to “activate” it and then search for its new hiding place. Some say the doll moves on its own in the darkness!
14. The Red Book Game
Use a red book as a medium. Whisper your question, then randomly open the book; the answer supposedly appears where your finger lands.
15. The Shoebox Telephone
Craft telephones from shoeboxes, string, and tape. Two players use these to “call” spirits, hoping for mysterious messages or static noises from the unknown.
16. Three Kings
Set up two mirrors at angles with a chair between them. Light a candle, bring a favorite toy, and play at 3:33 a.m. to “meet” the king spirits and reveal hidden truths.
17. The Thumb Game
Based on a Japanese legend, friends sit in a circle holding the left thumb of the person next to them, with a candle in the center. As a chant is recited, you’re transported to a haunted village—don’t break your grip!
18. The Bath Game (Daruma-san)
In a dark bathroom, one player washes their hair with closed eyes, chanting about Daruma-san. Supposedly, a ghostly woman appears—the aim is not to meet her gaze.
19. Manhunt
Hide-and-seek with a dark twist, played outdoors at night. The seeker hunts in near darkness, with heightened suspense throughout the chase.
20. Charly, Charly
Balance two pencils over one another and ask the spirit of Charly, “Charly, Charly, are you here?” The pencils’ movement reveals the answer.
21. The Answer Man
Ten players form a circle with phones, each calling the person to their left at the same time. If one connects with “the Answer Man,” they may ask one question—but must answer a question in return.
22. Knock Knock
Players go to a dark room and knock on a door three times, inviting spirits to “reply” with sounds, movements, or unexplained chills.
23. The Closet Game
Enter a pitch-black closet with a lit match and whisper to the darkness to reveal itself. If the match goes out suddenly, legend says a demon might be present.
24. The Pencil Game
Two pencils are held in a cross over a piece of paper with “yes” and “no” written. Ask questions to see how the pencils turn, supposedly revealing answers from the spirit realm.
25. The Candle Game
Place a circle of candles in a dark room, chant together, and watch for flickering lights or unnatural gusts that might signal an unseen presence.
26. Spirit of the Glass
Write letters on a sheet, place a glass on top, and ask spirits questions. Watch the glass move as answers are spelled out.
27. The Devil’s Face
Gather in a dark room and shine a flashlight on your face while making terrifying expressions. The legend warns the “Devil’s face” may appear in someone’s reflection.
28. The Mirror Game
Place a mirror flat on a table, light candles, and stare at your own reflection silently. Some claim to see ghostly faces or shapes beside them.
29. Dice of Darkness
Players roll a special die inscribed with creepy symbols. Each roll triggers a supernatural challenge, dare, or question from the dark.
30. Spirit Writing
Place your hand lightly on a pencil over paper. With eyes closed, invite spirits to take control and write a message. Open your eyes to read the mysterious note.
How to Ensure Safe and Fun Scary Game Nights
- Always Play With Friends: Never attempt frightening rituals alone—having others nearby is safer and more fun.
- Set Boundaries: Discuss everyone’s comfort level with scary content before starting.
- Use Caution With Candles and Matches: Flames add mood but require careful handling for safety.
- Respect Urban Legends: Treat supernatural games as entertainment; don’t take legends too seriously.
- Stop If Anyone Feels Uncomfortable: It’s okay to end any game that makes someone uneasy.
Tips to Maximize the Spook Factor
- Turn off the lights and use candles or lanterns.
- Play atmospheric music or sound effects in the background.
- Tell scary stories between rounds for added suspense.
- Decorate the gaming space with eerie props (fake cobwebs, dolls, masks).
- Time your session for late at night or dusk for maximum effect.
Scary Games: Popular Variations and Global Favorites
Many scary games have variations based on culture or local legend. For example, the Daruma-san game originates from Japan; the Elevator Game is popular in South Korea; Bloody Mary and Candyman stem from Western folklore. These games capture universal fears and fascination with the supernatural, making them a thrilling way to connect with friends across cultures.
Table: Setup & Fear Ratings for Scary Games
| Game | Players Needed | Setup Difficulty | Scare Level (1—5) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bloody Mary | 2–8 | Easy | 4 |
| Light as a Feather | 4–8 | Easy | 3 |
| Midnight Man | 2+ | Moderate | 5 |
| Elevator Game | 1 | Hard | 5 |
| Ouija Board | 2–8 | Moderate | 4 |
| Manhunt | 6+ | Easy | 3 |
| The Bath Game (Daruma-san) | 1 | Moderate | 3 |
| The Answer Man | 10 | Moderate | 4 |
| Three Kings | 1 | Hard | 5 |
| Cat Scratch | 2–4 | Easy | 2 |
| Spirit Writing | 1+ | Easy | 3 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Are scary games appropriate for all ages?
A: Not all scary games are suitable for young children. Consider age-appropriate games with less intense themes, and check with parents before playing.
Q: Is there any real danger in playing these games?
A: Most scary games are based on legend or folklore and pose little real danger. However, always prioritize safety with darkness, candles, or any physical activity.
Q: What should I do if someone is too scared or upset?
A: Take breaks and have an open conversation. Never force anyone to continue if they’re uncomfortable.
Q: Can any objects or equipment be reused for multiple scary games?
A: Yes—mirrors, candles, and writing materials are often used across several games. Just remember to handle candles or matches carefully.
Q: Which scary game is best for a large group?
A: Games like Manhunt or Hide and Seek in the Dark are ideal for larger groups and involve everyone.
Final Thoughts
Scary games provide unforgettable thrills, laughter, and whispers in the dark. Whether you’re channeling spirits, unearthing legends, or simply chasing shadows, these games will make any night more memorable. Choose your adventure and summon the courage to play—your next scare awaits!
References
- https://parade.com/living/scary-games
- https://www.gamespot.com/gallery/best-horror-games/2900-4900/
- https://www.thehorrorcat.com/post/5-horror-multiplayer-games-to-enjoy-with-friends
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kBSljoHYlkQ
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_xbzcLnEpKM
- https://tornightfire.com/rpg-nightmares-5-horror-games-to-play-with-your-friends/
- https://www.momjunction.com/articles/scary-games-to-play-with-friends_00762732/
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