Today is Halloween – the perfect time to dust off those spooky TTRPG campaigns. Buteven the Vampire Lord of Barovia needs a break sometimes. So, put away Curse of Strahd and get ready for 10 terrifying tabletop RPGs that’ll have your players sleeping with the lights on!
Now, full disclosure: I haven’t played every single one of these games, but they’ve all caught my eye for one reason or another. I’m ranking these based on my excitement level, but your mileage may vary. Don’t agree with my list? Drop your favorites in the comments!
Oh, and stick around till the end – I’ve got a bonus game that might just shiver your timbers!
10. Dread
Want to skip the prep and dive straight into terror? Dread’s got you covered. This rules-light system replaces dice rolls with a Jenga tower, perfectly capturing the game’s namesake as players literally feel the tension building with each block pulled. Characters are shaped by questionnaires rather than stats, and death isn’t just likely – it’s guaranteed. Perfect for a last-minute Halloween game night!
9. Vampire: The Masquerade
A classic of the World of Darkness, Vampire: The Masquerade throws players into a world of bloodsucking politics and moral ambiguity. Battle factions, hidden agendas, and your own relentless Hunger using the d10 dice pool system. If you were Team Lestat in the 90s, this might be your perfect Halloween game.
8. Werewolf: The Apocalypse
Sticking with the World of Darkness, Werewolf trades vampiric scheming for primal rage and environmental horror. Play as a Garou, blessed (and cursed) with shapeshifting abilities, fighting to protect Mother Earth from greedy corporations and darker forces. If you like Vampire’s system but want more tooth and claw action, give Werewolf a try.
7. Alien: The Roleplaying Game
In space, no one can hear you scream… but your neighbors will! Set in the xenomorph-infested universe we all know and fear, Alien uses the Year Zero Engine with a twist – Stress Dice. The more terrified your character becomes, the more dice you can roll… but at what cost? Perfect for fans of the films, especially if Alien is your favorite.
Buy Alien (Core Rules): PDF | Physical
Buy Alien (Starter Set): PDF | Physical
6. Monster of the Week
Think Buffy meets the X-Files in this modern-day monster hunting game. Using the Powered by the Apocalypse system, Monster of the Week focuses on fast-paced storytelling and collaborative world-building. With its 2d6 resolution mechanic and emphasis on “failing forward,” it’s a great intro for RPG newcomers who love urban fantasy.
Buy Monster of the Week: PDF | Physical
5. Mörk Borg
(Attempts to pronounce it correctly) Yeah, I have no idea how to say that either. This apocalyptic fantasy RPG oozes style with its metal-inspired aesthetic and brutal, swingy combat. Characters seek redemption (or just loot) in a dying world filled with undead horrors and doomed prophecies. If you like your fantasy with a side of impending doom, Mörk Borg delivers.
4. Ten Candles
Prepare for tragedy. Ten Candles isn’t about surviving – it’s about finding meaning in your final moments. Set in a world of perpetual darkness, players use actual candles as both atmosphere and game mechanic. As each candle is snuffed out, hope dwindles… until the final flame is extinguished. A uniquely atmospheric experience that requires zero prep!
Buy Ten Candles
3. Vaesen
Journey to the Mythic North – a Gothic version of 19th century Scandinavia where folklore comes to life. As members of a secret monster-hunting society, players investigate eerie mysteries using the Year Zero Engine. With its gorgeous art and rich atmosphere, Vaesen is perfect for those who like their horror with a historical twist.
2. Call of Cthulhu
The granddaddy of cosmic horror gaming, Call of Cthulhu plunges everyday people into Lovecraft’s world of unspeakable terrors. Using the percentile-based Basic Role Playing system, CoC isn’t about defeating the monsters – it’s about retaining your sanity long enough to glimpse the truth. Available in multiple settings, from 1920s noir to modern day, it’s a must-play for any horror fan.
Buy Call of Cthulhu (Core Rules): PDF | Physical
Buy Call of Cthulhu (Starter Set): PDF | Physical
1. Mothership
Topping our list is the sci-fi horror masterpiece, Mothership. Imagine the gritty corporate dystopia of Alien mixed with the cosmic dread of Call of Cthulhu. Using a d100 system with escalating Stress mechanics, Mothership keeps players on edge as they explore derelict ships, fight xenomorphs, or simply try not to go insane. If Event Horizon is your idea of a good time, welcome aboard Mothership!
Buy Mothership (Core Set): PDF | Physical
Buy Mothership (Deluxe Set): PDF | Physical
Bonus Game: Pirate Borg
Yarr, here be monsters! If you liked Mörk Borg’s system but want more high seas adventure, Pirate Borg delivers swashbuckling action with a side of horror. Face mutinies, skeleton armies, and the dreaded Kraken as you seek glory and plunder. Compatible with Mörk Borg and easily adapted to other systems, it’s the perfect way to inject some spooky fun into your pirate tales!
Buy Pirate Borg: PDF | Physical
Got a favorite on this list? Did I miss your go-to spooky system? Let me know in the comments!
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