Tabletop RPGs, or TTRPGs, are a great way to explore horror settings. Sure, video games make the setting more immersive, but they don’t offer the same level of freedom as TTRPGs do. If you’ve ever found yourself questioning the characters' actions in a horror movie, a TTRPG with a horror setting is just what you need. Let’s see if you’re able to do better in those situations
Eldritch Horror
Vampire: The Masquerade
With Halloween not too far off, it might be time for your party to get together again for a campaign that will leave them quaking in their boots. However, if you don’t have a horror-filled campaign ready, we’ve curated some TTRPGs that will be perfect for bringing in Halloween. Not only are they spooky, but some of them will drive you downright insane. You can thank Cthulhu for that.
Updated on Jul 11, 2025, by Vaspaan Dastoor:The horror never ends in Halloween season. With the spookiest of days creeping up ever so nearer, we decided to add a few more tabletop RPGs to this list. Not only will you be playing these horror games, you’ll be living through them.
Dungeons & Dragons
Roll for terror
you’re able to’t have a TTRPG list and not include Dungeons & Dragons. The beauty of this one is that skilled dungeon masters will be able to concoct their own horror setting. However, if that’s a bit much, you can always play the Rise of the Pumpkin King campaign, specifically crafted for Halloween.
The possibilities with Dungeons & Dragons are almost limitless. In the hands of a good DM, a campaign can poke at horrors you didn’t even know you should be afraid of. However, you can always opt for a campaign that’s already fleshed out, if you don’t want to create your own Halloween horror. Dungeons & Dragons can take you anywhere, and perhaps that’s the scariest part.
Pathfinder
The path to horror
Much like Dungeons, Pathfinder gives you the freedom to create and tackle a scenario in whatever way you may imagine. When it comes to set campaigns, the Horror Realms campaign setting will take you through places and quests that will undoubtedly make you shake your dice without even meaning to.
If you’re not a D&D person, you’re probably a Pathfinder person. While we’re not here to tell you which one is better, we can tell you that Pathfinder has specific set campaigns for when you want to make things a bit spooky, closer to Halloween. In the end, though, it offers the same freedom as D&D. Regardless of which TTRPG you choose, the horror will allways be lurking.
Arkham Horror Third Edition
Let sleeping ancient gods lie
Saving the world from Cthulhu’s awakening is never an easy task, especially when there’s a chance of going insane. While the overall story arc doesn’t chance much, your characters, decisions, and encounters will change up with every session of Arkham Horror. As you guessed it, your failure means the end of the world.
Stopping an ancient god from awakening seems to be th theme when it comes to te Arkham Horror games. While there are a number of editions and formats, the third edition seems to be the most popular among fans. Once again, you have to stop Cthulhu from awakening. Just make sure to hold on to your sanity, because he’s not a morning person.
Gloomhaven
When in doubt, explore.
Gloomhaven is a more streamlined version of a TTRPG than D&D and Pathfinder. The possibilities aren’t limitless, but that means you may be more sure of all the things you can and should do. It also makes it so that it’s easier to onboard new players who may seem overwhelmed by TTRPGs.
You may want to check out Gloomhaven if D&D and Pathfinder are a bit much for you. Sure it doesn’t feature the horror as brazenly as some of the other TTRPGs on this list, but it has certain elements of it. However, the most daunting thing about this game is that it has a lot of rules.
Call Of Cthulhu
The one true Cthulhu
Call of Cthulhu is its own line of TTRPG campaigtns and rulebooks. It features a number campaigns filled with instances and monstrosities from the Cthulhu Mythos. Horror on the Orient Express is a particularly great one based on the Agatha Christie novel, but with a Lovecraftian twist.
There’s nothing like an entire TTRPG dedicated solely to the Cthulhu Mythos. As investigators, your job will be to solve relatively straightforward cases which always seem to unfold into some world-ending ritual involving an ancient god. There are a number of campaigns in the Call of Cthulhu line, so the horror is never ending.
Alien
Don’t make a sound
Much like Call of Cthulhu, the Alien TTRPG is set in its own universe with rulebooks and campaigns based on various instances. Of course, fans of the original Alien will know the horror of making a sound to alert the Xenomorph.
Alien is one of the most well known horror franchises of all time. Sure, some installments get a bit shooty, but the RPG takes the series back to its horror roots. There are a number of campaigns you’re able to play, based on popular entries in the series.
Just let him sleep!
Cthulhu is at it again. It seems no matter what you do or where you go, there are always some cultists who want to wake the ancient god and destroy the world. As investigators, your job will be to travel across the map and solve riddles that will ensure that ol' tentacle face doesn’t awaken from his sweet slumber.
While there may be a number of RPGs based on H.P. Lovecraft’s legendarium, they all have different mechanics. Eldritch Horror is a hardcore TTRPG with skill checks, proficiencies, and other deep PRG mechanics that will truly immerse you into a world of madness.
The inspiration behind the video game, Vampire: The Masquerade does brilliantly to set up the lore behind an underground vampire society, and how you as the player bust navigate through it. This is a great RPG if you’re into elaborately constructed lore and societies.
Don’t let the video game fool you, Vampire: The Masquerade is a deep and detailed TTRPG which sets up a world of secrets and blood. An entire underground vampire society that stretches into every avenue of civilization is no joke, especially when you have to navigate it as a lowly, newly-turned vampire.
FAQ
Are there any horror RPGs?
There are numerous horror Tabletop RPG campaigns within Dungeons & Dragons and Pathfinder, while there are also many standalone horror TTRPGs like Eldritch Horror and Alien.
Are tabletop RPGs still popular?
Tabletop RPGs are extremely popular and have seen a resurgence in the last few years. With more starter level games coming out, more people have started getting into TTRPGs.
NEXT:Dungeons & Dragons Vs. Pathfinder Which TTRPG Is Right For You?
