17 Spooky Games to Play With Friends: Unforgettable Sleepover Scares
Eerie team challenges blend suspense and laughter for memories lasting beyond nightfall.
17 Scary Games to Play With Friends at a Sleepover
For those who crave heart-pounding thrills and unforgettable memories at sleepovers, scary games offer the perfect mix of excitement, teamwork, and shivers. Whether you prefer tales of haunted dolls or team-based survival against zombies, these games are designed to evoke adrenaline and laughter in equal measure. Below, find the ultimate guide to 17 horror-themed games to elevate your next gathering into a night of spine-tingling fun.
Why Play Scary Games at Sleepovers?
- Adrenaline Rush: Scary games create excitement and suspense, perfect for bonding with friends.
- Memorable Experiences: Unique challenges and spooky settings make every sleepover unforgettable.
- Teamwork & Strategy: Many of these games require cooperation, planning, and clever thinking.
- Laughter & Thrills: Amid the scares, these games usually spark laughter and group camaraderie.
Top 17 Scary Games to Play at Sleepovers
1. Murder in the Dark
This classic horror game needs five or more participants and a dark room. One player is secretly chosen as the ‘murderer’ while another is the ‘detective.’ As everyone roams in the darkness, the murderer ‘kills’ by tapping someone on the shoulder. Once discovered, the detective gathers everyone and must guess who the murderer is based on clues and reactions. A game of quick thinking and suspense with the ultimate challenge of concealing one’s identity under pressure.
2. The Mimic (Roblox)
The Mimic is a popular horror adventure on Roblox that drops players into four terrifying chapters filled with haunted corridors, cryptic puzzles, and monster encounters. Players must collaborate to find missing friends lost in realms of horror, avoiding jumpscares and unraveling eerie mysteries. Ideal for fans of online co-op survival and atmospheric storytelling.
3. Haunted Dolls
Gather friends and hand each a creepy doll. Create an unsettling mood with dim lights and eerie background music. Players sit in a circle, each crafting a spine-chilling backstory for their doll—whether haunted origins, terrifying incidents, or disturbing legends. Sound effects, theatrical narration, and jump-scares are encouraged. Dropping the doll leads to a confession or a silly penalty picked by others. The game’s tension gradually mounts as each participant builds upon previous tales, weaving a night full of goosebumps and laughter.
4. Sandman
All participants lay down, closing their eyes while one becomes the ‘sandman.’ Others chant stories or give gentle sensory suggestions, like brushing or tapping, designed to create the sensation of their bodies turning into sand. The game blends relaxation with a surreal, uncanny suspense that often leads to odd sensations and nervous giggles.
5. Shadow Tag in the Woods
Perfect for moonlit nights, this game sends one player (“it”) into the backyard or forest wearing a spooky mask. Others scatter and conceal themselves. “It” must tag others by shining a flashlight onto their shadows. The blend of darkness, masks, and racing heartbeats makes every round exhilarating as players rely on stealth, speed, and hiding skills.
6. Zombie Apocalypse Survival
Imagine a world infested with zombies and limited resources. Divide into teams and work together to build fortifications, collect supplies, and coordinate defenses. As night falls, zombie waves intensify, requiring strategic planning and teamwork. Survival depends on how well participants communicate, strategize, and support each other—ideal for those who love planning and cooperative gameplay.
7. Ghostly Hide And Seek
Venture into a maze-like setting or large, dimly lit room. One player becomes the “ghost,” using supernatural abilities to detect others (e.g., limited vision or sound cues). Hidden players must stay silent and cleverly outmaneuver the ghost. The ghost’s erratic search adds suspense, while whispers and giggles challenge the fear factor and stealth skills.
8. Séance of Whispers
Arrange candles in a circle and dim the lights. Players join hands, forming a “séance.” The “medium” attempts to summon spirits as everyone whispers ghostly stories or confessions. The room darkens with mysterious silence and subtle chills, amplifying group anticipation. As tales and secrets unfold, the suspense intensifies—sometimes leading to eerie feelings or sudden frights.
9. Ghostly Glow Hide And Seek
Switch off all lights; one player becomes the ‘ghost,’ armed with a faintly glowing item. Others hide in total darkness. The ghost’s eerie glow creeps through the shadows, instilling a chilling sense of anticipation. Players must resist laughter and avoid sudden movements in the pitch-black, racing heartbeats as discovery draws near.
10. Light as a Feather, Stiff as a Board
Sit in a circle with one player lying down in the center. The others chant “light as a feather, stiff as a board” while attempting to lift the person using nothing but their fingertips. Some believe supernatural forces make the lifting possible, blending trust, suspense, and a dash of the paranormal. As the participant floats upward, nervous excitement fills the air.
11. Concentrate
One player sits calmly as another stands behind, reciting the spooky ‘Concentrate’ poem while gently tapping or massaging their head. At the end, the ‘vision’ or sensation felt is said to symbolize how they might die (e.g., orange implies fire, white means old age). The game is all about suggestion, suspense, and the unexpected chill of prophecy.
12. Ouija Board
The Ouija board is a classic for those seeking paranormal chills. Gather participants around the board, dim the lights, and place hands gently on the planchette. Ask questions to the spirits and wait as the planchette moves seemingly of its own accord. Whether you’re a skeptic or believer, the tense silence and anticipation can turn any sleepover into a hair-raising affair.
13. Queen of Spades
This game is inspired by the urban legend of summoning the Queen of Spades. Stand in front of a mirror, sometimes with a candle, and chant the Queen’s name a set number of times. The goal: to catch a glimpse of her apparition. The suspense, dim lighting, and reflections create psychological thrills as imaginations run wild.
14. The Candyman
Another mirror-based legend, this scary game dares players to say “Candyman” a certain number of times before a mirror, hoping for a supernatural occurrence or sighting. It’s a test of nerves and bravado—best accompanied by plenty of friends and dim lighting.
15. Five Minutes in Hell
Choose a dark, empty, and slightly creepy room. One player must sit inside alone for five minutes, with only a candle and a recording device. Meanwhile, friends listen for unexplained noises or see if any ‘ghostly’ activity is detected. The psychological pressure makes each minute stretch, making players question what’s real or imagined.
16. Telephone Horror Stories
Sit in a circle and start a scary story. Whisper a sentence to the next player, who continues the tale with their own terrifying twist. The story goes around and evolves with each recount, often leading to gory, funny, or completely unexpected endings. This game is great for showcasing creativity and building suspense collaboratively.
17. Spooky Trivia Challenge
For those who love competitive fun, create trivia questions centered on horror movies, scary legends, and supernatural events. Divide into teams and test your knowledge. Throw in jump-scare penalties or mystery prizes to ramp up the excitement.
How to Set the Scene for Maximum Scares
- Dim the Lights: Use candles, lanterns, or colored bulbs to create an eerie atmosphere.
- Background Music: Play suspenseful or haunting soundtracks to set the mood.
- Props: Costumes, masks, dolls, and glowing objects enhance realism and suspense.
- Outdoor Settings: Try games in forests, backyards, or empty rooms for added chills.
Tips for Safe and Fun Scary Game Nights
- Establish ground rules for consent—if someone is uncomfortable, allow them to opt out.
- Avoid genuine danger or dangerous locations—no roof-climbing or abandoned buildings!
- Use props that are safe and never heavy or throwable.
- Respect boundaries. Some participants may prefer tamer games or lighter scares.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How do I choose the right scary game for my group?
Consider age, group size, outdoor vs. indoor preferences, and everyone’s comfort level. Mix active games with storytelling or role-play for variety.
Q: Are scary games safe for kids?
Many games can be tailored to be age-appropriate; avoid anything involving dangerous dares, disturbing themes, or unsupervised play for young children.
Q: What are the best settings for scary games?
Low-lit living rooms, yards, or basements enhance atmosphere, but always ensure the area is safe and free from potential hazards.
Q: Can these games be played online?
Some games, like The Mimic or digital haunted trivia, work perfectly online. For storytelling, video chat platforms are ideal for connecting remote friends.
Q: How do I add suspense to every game?
Sound effects, props, and creative storytelling build suspense. Assign a ‘game master’ to manage flow, add twists, and handle surprises for added thrill.
Key Takeaways
- Scary games offer excitement, teamwork, and creative storytelling for memorable sleepovers.
- Popular picks include haunted doll stories, ghostly tag, survival strategy, and supernatural dares.
- Atmosphere matters—dim lighting, spooky music, and props amplify fear and fun.
- Always prioritize safety and respect personal boundaries.
References
- https://www.ign.com/articles/best-horror-games
- https://www.stylecraze.com/articles/scary-games-to-play/
- https://parade.com/living/scary-games
- https://www.stylecraze.com/articles/this-or-that-questions/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sRaKHy8Oi_4
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hp3IEWJ8ogs
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10719968/
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_horror_games
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