Who hasn’t been tempted to try one of those scary games to play in real life, especially during a sleepover or late-night hangout with friends? I know I have and yeah, some of them seriously messed with our heads. Whether it’s whispering into the dark, summoning something creepy, or just testing our courage, these games hit different when they’re happening right in front of you.
If you’re searching for scary games to play with friends in real life, here are 13 of the wildest ones people still try (some of which I’ve done myself regretfully or not):
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Ouija Board
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Bloody Mary
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The Midnight Man
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Light as a Feather, Stiff as a Board
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One-Man Hide and Seek
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The Elevator Game
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Charlie Charlie Challenge
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The Hooded Man Ritual
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Red Door, Yellow Door
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The Corner Game
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Sandman
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Baby Blue (a.k.a. Blue Baby)
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Three Kings Ritual
I’ll break down each one below how it works, what happened when I tried it (if I did), and why some people refuse to mess with them ever again.
1. Ouija Board
Ah yes, the Ouija Board. Probably the most famous scary game to play in real life and honestly, still one of the creepiest. It’s that flat board with the letters, numbers, and “YES/NO” that somehow ends up being way too intense after midnight.
I remember the first time we tried it. It was me, two friends, and way too much confidence. We lit a candle (because of course we did), placed our fingers lightly on the planchette, and asked if anything was there. At first? Nothing. But then that thing started moving… and nope, nobody was laughing anymore.
Some people swear it’s just subconscious movement. Others say it opens a portal to… things you don’t wanna mess with. Either way, whether you’re a skeptic or full-on believer, this game messes with your head.
How to play:
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Grab a real Ouija board or make your own (paper works too, but it’s creepier with the real thing).
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Light a candle or two to set the mood.
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Everyone places two fingers lightly on the planchette.
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Ask simple yes or no questions like “Is anyone here with us?”
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Let the board “answer”… if it does.
Heads up: Don’t play alone. And maybe don’t say “goodbye” sarcastically just in case that part really matters.
2. Bloody Mary
If you’ve ever been dared to stand in front of a mirror in a dark room and chant “Bloody Mary” three times, you know this one. It’s one of those scary games to play in real life that’s part urban legend, part actual nerve-wrecker.
I tried this with friends during a sleepover bad idea. We stood in a dim bathroom, flashlight off, and took turns calling her name. Nothing happened… at first. But then, just when I wasn’t expecting it, a weird shadow flickered in the mirror, and I swear I felt something watching me. We all bolted out of there fast.
Whether it’s your imagination or something else, Bloody Mary is a classic scare game that’s still popular for a reason. Just don’t try it alone or when you’re already creeped out it’s not for the faint of heart.
How to play:
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Find a dark room with a mirror.
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Turn off the lights and hold a candle or flashlight.
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Stand in front of the mirror and say “Bloody Mary” three times (some say more).
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Watch closely for anything unusual… if you dare.
Heads up: Don’t freak yourself out too much it’s easy to let your mind play tricks on you.
3. The Midnight Man
The Midnight Man game is a creepy ritual that some swear is real and honestly, it’s one of those scary games to play in real life that sounds like it’s straight out of a horror movie.
I haven’t personally tried this one (too spooky even for me), but I’ve read enough stories to know it’s not something to take lightly. The idea is to summon the Midnight Man at exactly midnight and then try to avoid him while wandering your house. If you get caught, well… let’s just say it’s not good.
This game is all about courage and quick thinking, but it’s definitely not for everyone. If you want to try it, make sure you understand the rules perfectly and have a way to “end” the game safely.
How to play:
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Write your full name on a piece of paper and prick your finger to put a drop of blood on it.
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Place the paper on your front door, knock 22 times, and open the door to drop it outside.
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Close the door and immediately lock yourself inside your house.
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Light a candle, turn off all other lights, and prepare to move quietly Midnight Man is now “in” your home.
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Avoid him until 3:33 AM without running or screaming.
Heads up: This game is intense and could freak you out big time. Definitely not for the faint-hearted.
4. Light as a Feather, Stiff as a Board
This one’s a classic from back in the day and honestly, it’s a mix of spooky and fun. You’ve probably heard of it, but actually trying it in real life can get pretty eerie.
I remember doing this at a friend’s house. We sat in a circle, each of us placing two fingers under a friend who was lying flat on the floor. Then, we all said the chant: “Light as a feather, stiff as a board.” At first, it felt like magic like we actually lifted someone with just our fingertips. But the silence and the chanting gave the whole room this weird vibe.
Whether it’s just a trick of the mind and muscles or something more, this game always gives me chills.
How to play:
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Have one person lie flat on their back.
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Everyone else places two fingers under that person’s body (usually under the arms).
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Chant “Light as a feather, stiff as a board” together several times.
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Try to lift the person using only your fingertips.
Heads up: Make sure everyone is careful, so nobody gets hurt. And don’t underestimate how creepy the silence can get during this one.
5. One-Man Hide and Seek
This game is definitely one of the creepiest scary games to play in real life because it mixes the familiar with the supernatural. The basic idea? You play hide and seek but alone… with a ghost.
I gave this one a shot once, mostly to prove I wasn’t scared. Spoiler: I was scared. The setup is simple but unsettling. You turn off all the lights, hide somewhere in the house, and the “it” is supposed to be a spirit roaming around trying to find you. The catch? You’re alone, so it’s just you and the dark.
It’s more psychological than anything, but that silence and knowing you’re the only one moving in the dark is enough to mess with your head.
How to play:
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Choose a large enough space, like a house.
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Turn off all the lights and close all doors.
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Hide somewhere and wait silently.
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The “it” is an imaginary spirit that “searches” for you you just try to avoid making noise or being “found.”
Heads up: This one is mostly about testing your nerves. If you get too creeped out, it’s okay to quit!
6. The Elevator Game
The Elevator Game is one of those scary games to play in real life that’s straight out of a creepy urban legend. It supposedly lets you travel to another dimension by riding an elevator in a very specific way.
I haven’t tried this one myself mostly because the idea of getting stuck somewhere else sounds terrifying. The rules are strict: you have to press buttons in a certain order, and if you do it right, you end up in a different world. But if you mess up? You could get trapped forever.
It’s the kind of game that’s as much about following the ritual perfectly as it is about the fear it creates.
How to play:
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Find a building with an elevator that has at least five floors.
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Enter the elevator alone, and press the floors in this order: 4, 2, 6, 2, 10, 5.
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On the 5th floor, a woman might get in don’t look at her or speak.
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If everything goes well, the elevator will take you to a mysterious 11th floor.
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To return, press the buttons in reverse order. If it stops before reaching the lobby, don’t get off.
Heads up: This game is mostly urban legend territory, but still, don’t try it alone or without knowing the full rules.
7. Charlie Charlie Challenge
The Charlie Charlie Challenge blew up on social media a few years ago, and it’s one of those scary games to play in real life that feels simple but can really creep you out.
I tried this with some friends just for laughs, but once the pencil started moving on its own, the mood shifted fast. It’s basically a spooky yes-or-no game where you ask “Charlie” questions and wait for the pencil to point to “yes” or “no.” Weird things happen if you don’t treat it seriously or if you do.
Some say it’s all a trick, others swear something weird is going on. Either way, it’s a quick way to freak yourself out.
How to play:
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Place two pencils in a cross shape on a piece of paper with “yes” and “no” written in the four corners.
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Ask “Charlie, Charlie, are you here?” and wait for the pencil to move.
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If it moves, start asking yes or no questions.
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Be respectful don’t mess around or the game might “turn” on you.
Heads up: Don’t play this alone, and always say goodbye to end the game properly.
8. The Hooded Man Ritual
The Hooded Man Ritual is one of those eerie scary games to play in real life that involves summoning a mysterious figure who might show up at your door. It’s creepy because it blurs the line between a game and an actual haunting.
I never tried this one myself, mainly because it sounded way too intense. The ritual asks you to knock on your door 22 times and then sit in silence, waiting. Some people claim the Hooded Man actually appears and watching him can be… unsettling.
It’s definitely not a game to take lightly, and if you’re someone who gets scared easily, it’s probably best to skip.
How to play:
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At midnight, write your full name on a piece of paper and prick your finger to put a drop of blood on it.
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Place the paper outside your front door.
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Knock on your door exactly 22 times, then open it and drop the paper outside.
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Close the door and lock yourself inside.
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Sit quietly and wait for the Hooded Man to appear.
Heads up: This one is said to bring bad luck if you don’t complete the ritual properly. Play only if you’re brave and cautious.
9. Red Door, Yellow Door
Red Door, Yellow Door is one of those scary games to play in real life that’s like stepping into a strange dream or maybe a nightmare. It’s a ritual that’s supposed to take you to a different “place” when you do it right.
I tried this once with friends, and honestly, it felt like time warped a little. We sat in a quiet room, following the steps, and the weirdest part was how disconnected everything felt after. It’s one of those games where you’re not sure if it’s all in your head or something else.
The ritual involves a lot of concentration and trust in the process, so it’s not for messing around.
How to play:
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Sit quietly and close your eyes.
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Follow a specific set of steps involving counting and imagining doors usually red and yellow doors.
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When you “enter” the yellow door, the ritual says you’ll end up in another world or dimension.
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If you reach a red door, it’s said to be dangerous and you should leave immediately.
Heads up: This game is all about focus. Don’t try it if you’re feeling anxious or easily freaked out.
10. The Corner Game
The Corner Game is one of those scary games to play in real life that feels simple but can get seriously unsettling fast. The idea is to trap yourself in a corner of a room and try to escape from a mysterious presence or sometimes, your own mind.
I played this once at a friend’s house, and the silence was deafening. Everyone else was walking around, but the person in the corner just stayed still, trying to “escape.” It’s weird how something so simple can mess with your head.
The game’s rules are easy, but it’s the feeling of being trapped and watched that gets you.
How to play:
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Find a room with four corners.
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Choose one corner to “trap” yourself in.
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Turn off the lights and sit quietly in that corner.
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Try to “escape” without moving your feet or making noise.
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Others in the room can try to distract or scare you.
Heads up: This one can be mentally exhausting only try it if you’re up for a real challenge.
11. Sandman
Sandman is one of those creepy games to play in real life that mixes a spooky story with a bit of a challenge. The legend says if you can’t keep your eyes open while saying “Sandman,” something might come for you.
I tried this with some friends one night trying to stay awake while whispering the name felt like a challenge, but when someone finally blinked, the room went cold, and the mood totally changed. It’s a mix of superstition and nerves that makes it stick with you.
How to play:
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Sit in a dark room with friends.
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Take turns saying “Sandman” repeatedly without blinking.
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If someone blinks, they’re “taken” or “marked.”
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The goal is to stay awake and not get caught by the Sandman.
Heads up: This game is more about willpower and nerves than anything supernatural, but the tension is real.
12. Baby Blue (a.k.a. Blue Baby)
Baby Blue is one of those scary games to play in real life that’s a mix of creepy storytelling and a test of bravery. The legend goes that if you stare at a picture of a pale baby with blue eyes for too long, strange things start happening.
I remember a friend daring me to try it late at night. We found the image online, stared at it, and after a while, the room felt colder and we all started getting the chills. It’s one of those games where your mind plays tricks, but the eerie feeling sticks with you.
How to play:
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Find a creepy picture of Baby Blue online.
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Sit in a dark room and stare at the image for a few minutes.
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Try not to blink or look away.
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Legend says the eyes of Baby Blue will start following you, and strange things may happen.
Heads up: Don’t try this if you’re easily scared or prone to anxiety it’s all about the atmosphere.
13. Three Kings Ritual
The Three Kings Ritual is one of those scary games to play in real life that mixes mystery and a bit of supernatural suspense. It’s said to summon spirits when you follow the steps exactly at midnight.
I haven’t tried this one myself, but the stories make it sound like something you don’t mess with lightly. The ritual involves candles, mirrors, and a lot of concentration kind of like a spooky meditation.
If you decide to try it, make sure you have a way to safely end the ritual and don’t ignore the warnings.
How to play:
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At midnight, light three candles and place them around a mirror.
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Look into the mirror and chant the names of the “Three Kings” three times each.
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Stay focused and don’t break eye contact.
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Spirits may appear or communicate if things get too intense, end the ritual immediately.
Heads up: This game isn’t for the faint of heart. Take it seriously and respect the process.
Wrapping It Up
There you have it 13 scary games to play in real life that can seriously mess with your nerves (and maybe your friendships). Whether you’re looking for a fun way to test your courage or just want to freak out your friends during your next hangout, these games deliver.
Just remember: some of these are more about the thrill and atmosphere than actual ghosts or spirits. So keep it fun, stay safe, and don’t take anything too seriously unless you want the scares to be real.
If you decide to try any of these, let me know how it went. Just maybe don’t blame me if you get a little freaked out!
