Scary Games to Play with Friends: A Spooky Dive Into Real Life Terror

Gather ’round, brave souls. Forget the screen jump scares—tonight, we’re taking terror to a whole new level with games that make you part of the horror.

These are not the ghost stories your granny told you (though we love her dedication); these are the eerie, adrenaline-inducing games that plunge you and your friends into the heart of the unknown.

Whether you’re gearing up for a sleepover or feeling bold enough to wander out under the midnight sky, here’s the ultimate guide to scary games to play in real life.

Create Your Own Urban Legend

Woman in Black Witch Costume With Two Pumpkins

Want to make this night even more unforgettable? After playing some of these terrifying games, gather around and create your own urban legend. Here’s how:

Step 1: Pick a Setting: Choose a location that is familiar to everyone, like an abandoned house, a school, or even your own neighbourhood.
Step 2: Decide on the Legend: Will it be a spirit, a creature, or a mysterious event? The scarier, the better.
Step 3: Add Details: Make it realistic by adding specific times, eerie sounds, or even a history that involves people you know.
Step 4: Give It a Twist: Make sure there’s an unexpected twist—something that will make everyone question if it could actually be true.

Take turns building the story, adding chilling details, and weaving in elements that make it personal.

By the end of the night, your group will have a brand new scary tale to share, and who knows?

It might just be the next urban legend that keeps your friends awake at night.

1. Light as a Feather, Stiff as a Board

@theharindersingh Replying to @elowynsheart25 #lightasafeather #Hauntedtiktok #creepy #scarytiktoks #scarytok #horror #creepytok #creepytiktok #scarystories #horror #scarytiktoks #storytime #mysteries #spooky #crimetiktok #creepypasta #fyp #foryou #theharindersingh ♬ Creepy, scary, horror, synth, tension – Sound Production Gin

This classic slumber party staple makes a comeback for one reason—it works.

While magicians might tell you it’s all about illusions, there’s something undeniably spine-tingling about seeing your friend actually levitate.

You’ll need nothing more than some patience, your hands, and a slightly creepy chant.

How to Play: One person lies down while everyone else places two fingers underneath them and chants, “Light as a feather, stiff as a board.” Is it magic? Or just the result of too many late-night snacks? You decide.

2. The Picture Game

Ghost selfies, anyone? For this one, you’ll need some mirrors, a camera, and a whole lot of courage.

The goal is simple: try to capture a ghost on camera. The odds? Maybe not so much in your favour.

How to Play: Gather everyone at midnight, place a rope in a circle on the floor, with a filled glass in the middle.

Everyone has their own mirror, angled at the ceiling, and each person takes turns saying, “I trust you,” before snapping a photo of the middle of the circle. And, please, do NOT check the pictures immediately.

Just… don’t.

3. Bloody Mary

One of the most iconic scary games—if you haven’t played this at least once, were you really a teenager?

A bathroom, a mirror, and “Bloody Mary” chanted three times are all it takes. But don’t say we didn’t warn you.

How to Play: Lights off, and preferably just a candle in hand. Say her name three times into the mirror, and wait for her to either appear and scratch you or, best-case scenario, just not show up.

4. Red Door Yellow Door

This one’s practically the guided meditation session from hell. Also called the “Doors of Your Mind,” the game is about visualising a long hallway filled with doors.

You have a guide who, for all intents and purposes, is there to keep you from going through doors that shouldn’t be opened.

How to Play: One person lies down, while the guide massages their temples and talks them into a meditative state.

You’re exploring the different “rooms” of your mind. But heads up—if you find a room with a creepy person, get out immediately. Don’t overthink it; if it feels wrong, it probably is.

5. The Midnight Man

This one is absolutely not for the faint-hearted (or the logical thinkers, either).

You invite a terrifying entity into your home and try to avoid it until 3:33 AM.

The catch? You need to keep a lit candle with you the entire time. If it goes out… Well, better relight it before something finds you.

How to Play: Write your name on a piece of paper and add a drop of your own blood.

Knock on a wooden door 22 times, ensuring the last knock is at exactly midnight.

Congratulations—the Midnight Man is with you. Run or hide, but keep that candle lit until the clock strikes 3:33.

6. Sandman

Ever wondered what it feels like to be a human-shaped sack of sand? No? Me neither. But if you’re curious, Sandman is the game for you.

One friend lies face down while others narrate their gruesome fate, rubbing their body as they describe it being filled with sand. The eerie part?

The person lying down often feels genuinely heavy afterward, as if they are filled with sand.

How to Play: You narrate how the lying friend’s body is cut open and filled with sand, rubbing their arms, legs, and back as you do. When they stand, they should feel as if their body is impossibly heavy.

7. Three Kings

Looking for a bit of demonic wisdom? Three Kings requires some serious commitment: three chairs, two mirrors, a dark room, and enough bravery to invite spirits to join you in a bizarre Q&A session.

You’ll need a trusted friend, and an alarm set to make sure you don’t get too far gone into the game.

How to Play: Set up the chairs, one being the “throne” for you. The other two chairs will hold mirrors, each one representing either a queen or a fool.

Start the session by summoning the spirits at 3:33 AM and try to communicate, but always have someone ready to pull you back to reality. Just… in case.

8. The Corner Game

@jumpersjump Haunted four corner game Part 2 #fyp #creepy #podcast #jumpersjump ♬ original sound – Jumpers Jump Podcast

Need to lose a friend? (Don’t worry, only metaphorically… probably.) The Corner Game invites three people to stand in different corners of a room while the lights are off.

Participants move from corner to corner, calling the name of the missing person.

According to legend, a fourth presence can appear during the game.

How to Play: Four people in four corners of an empty room, lights off. One person leaves the room, and the other three must call for them.

Move to another corner each time, and don’t stop calling their name. Eventually, the missing player will join—but be careful. The rules say there could be more than one returning.

9. Dry Bones

This game is all about hiding—and surviving. You ask a deadly spirit into your home and then try to hide from it until 3 AM.

If you make it, your wish will be granted. If not, well… let’s not dwell on the negative.

How to Play: Invite the spirit in by lighting a candle and stating your intention. Then, hide anywhere in the house and stay quiet until 3 AM. If the spirit finds you before then, you’re on your own.

10. The Answer Man

This game requires ten people, each with their own phone. The idea is to all call the person to your left simultaneously, and one lucky (or unlucky) individual will reach “The Answer Man.”

How to Play: Form a circle with ten people. Everyone calls the person on their left at the exact same time.

If you get through to the Answer Man, you can ask a question—but he gets to ask one too. Answer wisely, because he may not like your response.

11. The Shoebox Telephone

If you’ve ever wanted to contact someone from the afterlife, this game gives you the chance.

It’s simple: a shoebox, a cup, a piece of string, and a lot of courage.

How to Play: Write a letter to the person you want to contact, then read it into a paper cup attached to a string.

Put the cup and letter into a shoebox, and wait for a response—which comes in a dream. If the box is open when you check, do not proceed.

12. Don’t Look Behind You

If you’re into summoning demons (not judging), this game might be for you.

You and two friends sit in front of three chairs, and you invite a demon to join—but promise not to look at it.

How to Play: Sit in front of three chairs, with a candle behind them. Invite the demon to join you, but whatever you do, don’t look behind you. If you do, you’ll regret it.

13. The Candyman

@syl_k_smooth Candyman Game #creepygames #scarygames #creepy #spookystory #creepystory #scarystory #spooktok #supernatural #paranormal #candyman ♬ original sound – Sylvia King

If Bloody Mary wasn’t enough for you, try summoning the Candyman.

This game requires courage and a bit of recklessness—because you’re about to invite something sinister.

How to Play: Stand in front of a mirror in a dimly lit room. Chant “Candyman” five times.

If you’re lucky, nothing will happen. But if you’re not… you’ll catch a glimpse of the Candyman himself. Make sure you have a light switch nearby, just in case.

14. The Binoculars Game

This one is also known as “Eye Spy,” and it’s perfect for those looking for a truly uncanny experience. It involves binoculars, patience, and perhaps a little bravery.

How to Play: Close and lock all doors and windows as the sun sets. Place a lit flashlight on each windowsill throughout your house.

Using the binoculars, peer outside each window until you spot a distant figure.

If you do, shout: “Forgive, for I am mistaken,” then close your eyes. If the figure is still there when you look again, you might want to reconsider your life choices.

15. The Elevator Game

Looking for an elevator ride to another dimension? This is the game for you.

It involves pushing specific buttons in a particular order, and if all goes well (or wrong), you’ll be transported to another world.

How to Play: Enter an elevator alone and press the following sequence of floors: 4-2-6-2-10-5.

If a woman enters on the 5th floor, do not look at her or speak to her—she’s not what she seems. Press 1.

If the elevator ascends instead of descending, you’re on your way to another dimension.

16. Ghost Paper Challenge

If you’ve got questions for a ghost, the Ghost Paper Challenge might just get you the answers you seek.

How to Play: At 3 AM, turn off all the lights and light a candle. Knock on a door three times and say, “Spirit of the door, I welcome you.”

Write a question on a piece of paper and slide it halfway under the door. If the paper is pulled away, the ghost is responding. Wait for it to return with an answer—if it does.

17. Tsuji-Ura (The Fortune Game)

Want to test your fate? Tsuji-Ura is a Japanese fortune-telling game played at a crossroads.

How to Play: Go to a crossroads at night with a comb and something to cover your face.

Run your fingers along the comb while chanting, “Tsuji-ura, tsuji-ura, grant me a true response.”

Wait for a stranger to approach. If they do, cover your face and ask for your fortune. Whatever they say is your fate.

18. The Midnight Game

Summon the Midnight Man and attempt to survive until 3:33 AM.

How to Play: Write your name on a piece of paper, prick your finger, and add a drop of blood.

Place it in front of a wooden door, light a candle, and knock 22 times, with the final knock at midnight.

Open the door, blow out the candle, and the game begins. Relight your candle quickly if it goes out, or surround yourself with salt.

19. The Dark Reflection Ritual

Harness negative energy and see what happens.

How to Play: Gather a mirror and have each participant breathe on it. Light a candle and hold it to the mirror, then break it.

Run away, as the negative energy is now released and will follow you. Make it to dawn for the negative energy to be replaced by positive energy.

20. One-Man Hide and Seek

@franklinthewoman Not quite a game, but a ritual. #japaneseurbanlegend #urbanlegends #hitorikakurenbo #scarystories #hauntedtiktok ♬ Hitori kakurenbo by Frankie – Frankie

Also known as Hitori Kakurenbo, this game allows you to play hide and seek with a spirit.

How to Play: Get a stuffed doll, remove its stuffing, and replace it with rice and a piece of your hair or nail clippings.

Sew it back up with red thread.

At 3 AM, fill a bathtub with water, stab the doll with a knife, and say, “I found you.” Hide while the spirit searches for you.

21. The Telephone Ritual

Communicate with spirits through a telephone line.

How to Play: Gather a rotary phone and place it in a room with a candle. Dial the number 204-968-3321 and wait.

If you hear static or whispers, ask your questions. If the line goes dead, immediately hang up and extinguish the candle.

22. The Devil’s Chair

A spooky ritual involving a haunted chair.

How to Play: Find an old, rumoured haunted chair. Sit in it at midnight and make a wish.

If you hear or see anything unusual, leave immediately. It’s said that the devil himself may answer.

23. Cat Scratch

A game to scare your friends by pretending to summon a cat spirit.

How to Play: One person lies down with their head on another’s lap while others chant, “Cat scratch, cat scratch.” The person lying down might feel scratches on their back after the game.

24. The Shadow Man

Summon a shadowy figure to appear.

How to Play: Stand in a dark room with only a candle. Chant, “Shadow Man, come out and play.”

If a shadow moves that isn’t yours, you’ve succeeded—but proceed with caution.

25. Charlie Charlie

@hesoswag Go show my friend @catalinamagee some love! [This is an ORIGINAL project and not related to the other charlie game] #cursedgames #creepygames #horrortok #scp #charliecharlie #creepypasta #urbanlegend ♬ Chopin Nocturne No. 2 Piano Mono – moshimo sound design

A simple but eerie game using pencils to communicate with spirits.

How to Play: Place two pencils in a cross shape on a piece of paper labelled with “yes” and “no.”

Ask, “Charlie, Charlie, are you here?” The pencils will move to answer. It’s said to summon a spirit named Charlie.

26. The Closet Game

Summon a demon to haunt your closet.

How to Play: Stand in a dark closet with a match in your hand. Say, “Show me the light or leave me in darkness.”

If you hear something, light the match immediately. If you fail, you might have a permanent visitor in your closet.

27. Elevator to Another World

A different version of the elevator game that transports you to a different reality.

How to Play: Enter an elevator and press the following buttons: 4-2-6-2-10-5.

A woman may enter on the 5th floor—do not speak or look at her. Press 1. If the elevator takes you up, you’re heading to another world.

28. Spirit of the Coin

Similar to a Ouija board, but using a coin.

How to Play: Draw letters and numbers on a piece of paper. Place a coin in the middle and have participants lightly touch it.

Ask questions, and let the coin move to spell out answers.

29. Hide and Clap

Inspired by “The Conjuring,” this game involves hiding while others try to find you by clapping.

How to Play: One person is blindfolded while others hide. The seeker must find them by asking for claps.

The hiders must clap three times to give away their location. It’s all fun and games until something else claps back…

30. The Bell Witch

Summon the infamous Bell Witch for a terrifying encounter.

How to Play: Sit in a dark room and chant, “Bell Witch, come forth.” If you hear footsteps or whispers, the Bell Witch has arrived. Beware—she doesn’t have a friendly reputation.

Safety Tips for Playing Scary Games

Know Your Audience: If someone isn’t into the whole ghost thing, respect that. No game is worth real fear or discomfort.
Don’t Play Alone: Many of these games hinge on group participation for safety—whether that’s having someone pull you out of a trance or just making sure someone else has a candle ready when yours goes out.
Call It Off If Needed: If at any point the vibe feels too intense, it’s okay to call it off. These games are about thrill, not trauma.

Scared yet? These games are perfect for those who think a traditional movie night is just a little too boring.

So the next time you’re with friends, leave the Netflix remote alone and grab a candle instead.

After all, it’s one thing to watch the horror unfold—it’s another to be in it.