13 Scary Games to Play in Real Life (If You Dare)
By Alex David Du · Updated
Alex writes about gaming, tech, and simple online income ideas, and builds projects that bring ideas to life.
Late nights make small dares feel bigger. These games turn a quiet room into a story. Some are pure legend, some are mind tricks, and a few can feel too real. If you try any, be smart, be kind to your friends, and stop if anyone feels unsafe.
13 Scary Games: Short Descriptions
| Game | What it is |
|---|---|
| Ouija Board | Ask questions with a spirit board and planchette. |
| Bloody Mary | Call a name in a dark mirror and watch for signs. |
| The Midnight Man | A house ritual where you avoid a presence until 3:33. |
| Light as a Feather | A lift trick that feels like light magic. |
| One-Man Hide and Seek | Hide alone and pretend a spirit seeks you. |
| The Elevator Game | Ride floors in a set order to reach a strange place. |
| Charlie Charlie | Crossed pencils answer yes or no. |
| The Hooded Man | A knock ritual said to invite a visitor. |
| Red Door, Yellow Door | Guided mind trip with doors you imagine. |
| The Corner Game | Sit in a corner and fight the feeling of being trapped. |
| Sandman | Try not to blink while saying the name. |
| Baby Blue | Stare at a creepy image and watch your mind react. |
| Three Kings Ritual | Candles and a mirror for a late night session. |
Use this list to pick what fits your group.
1. Ouija Board
Ouija Board Game
It looks simple, a board with letters and a small pointer. After midnight, it feels different. Some say it is just tiny muscle moves. Others say do not open doors you cannot close.
How to play:
Use a real board or a neat paper version.
Light a candle, sit calm, and rest two fingers on the planchette.
Ask clear yes or no questions.
If it moves, follow it without pushing.
Safety note: Do not play alone. Always say goodbye.
2. Bloody Mary
Bloody Mary Game
A mirror, a name, a dark room. The scare comes from the wait and what you think you see.
How to play:
Stand in front of a mirror with lights off.
Hold a candle or a dim light.
Say the name three times and watch the glass.
Keep in mind: Your eyes can trick you in low light. Stop if anyone panics.
3. The Midnight Man
The Midnight Man Game
This one feels like a movie. You invite a presence at midnight, then try to avoid it until 3:33.
How to play:
Write your full name on paper. Add one small drop of blood.
Tape it to the inside of your front door.
Knock 22 times. Open the door, remove the paper, close and lock the door.
Light a candle, turn off other lights, and move quietly.
Stay moving until 3:33 without screaming or running.
Caution: Very tense. Do not try if anyone is anxious.
4. Light as a Feather, Stiff as a Board
Light as a Feather, Stiff as a Board Game
A classic sleepover lift trick. The chant and silence make the room feel strange.
How to play:
One person lies flat on the floor.
Others place two fingers under the person.
Everyone chants together, then tries to lift.
Safety tip: Lift slowly and keep backs safe.
5. One Man Hide and Seek
One Man Hide and Seek Game
Hide and seek, but you pretend a spirit is it. The dark does the rest. If you want the same tension with friends, try the best hide and seek game to play with friends on Roblox.
How to play:
Choose a safe space with no sharp clutter.
Turn off lights and close doors.
Hide in a spot and stay quiet.
Before you try: This is a nerves test. End it early if fear spikes.
6. The Elevator Game
The Elevator Game
Urban legend rules for riding to another place. The pattern matters most.
How to play:
Find an elevator with at least five floors.
Enter alone and press floors in this order: 4, 2, 6, 2, 10, 5.
If someone enters on the 5th, do not speak or look.
If it goes to an odd floor at the end, some say you reached a strange place.
To return, press the buttons in reverse order until the lobby.
Note: Do not block real riders. Do not try this in busy buildings.
7. Charlie Charlie Challenge
Charlie Charlie Challenge
Two pencils cross and answer yes or no. Simple, spooky, and easy to set up.
How to play:
Draw a grid with yes and no in the four boxes.
Balance one pencil on another.
Ask, Charlie, are you here.
Watch out for: Air drafts and breath can move the pencil. Keep it light.
8. The Hooded Man Ritual
The Hooded Man Ritual
A midnight knock pattern said to invite a visitor. People tell stories. The wait is the scare.
How to play:
Write your full name and add one drop of blood.
Place the paper outside your door.
Knock exactly 22 times, then shut and lock the door.
Sit in silence and listen.
Ground rule: If anyone feels unsafe, stop and clear the space.
9. Red Door, Yellow Door
Red Door, Yellow Door
A guided mind trip. You picture halls and doors. Choice matters.
How to play:
Sit calm, close your eyes, and breathe.
Picture doors. Yellow is said to be safer. Red is not.
Walk the halls in your mind with a friend guiding you.
If you try this: End it at once if you feel trapped or dizzy.
10. The Corner Game
The Corner Game
Pick a corner and sit. The room grows loud in your head.
How to play:
Find a room with four clear corners.
One person sits in a chosen corner.
Others move and make soft sounds. The sitter tries not to move feet.
Quick caution: Limit time. It can be draining.
11. Sandman
Sandman Game
A stare and a word. Try not to blink. The tension is the point.
How to play:
Sit in a dim room.
Take turns saying Sandman again and again.
If someone blinks, they are out.
Small caution: Eyes get dry fast. Take breaks.
12. Baby Blue
Baby Blue Game
A creepy photo test. Stare too long and the mind plays.
How to play:
Find a Baby Blue image.
Sit in a dark room and stare for a few minutes.
Try not to blink or look away.
Be gentle here: Skip this if anyone is prone to anxiety.
13. Three Kings Ritual
Three Kings Ritual Game
Candles, chairs, and a mirror. People say it can invite contact.
How to play:
At midnight, set three chairs in a triangle and place a mirror.
Light three candles and sit facing the mirror.
Stay focused and calm.
Safety first: If fear rises, end it and clear the room.
If You Are Going To Try These
These games can make a normal night feel charged. Keep it fun, set a clear stop rule, and check in with each other. No scare is worth a real harm. If anyone feels bad, you end it. Simple as that.