13 TABLETOP GAMES FOR OCTOBER

FROM COZY AUTUMN VIBES TO MADDENING HORROR

OCT 16, 2023

October is here, and we know that many of you may be looking for games to play that either fit the autumn vibes or the spooky vibes. Guess what? We’ve done the work for you and compiled a list of various tabletop games from our personal game library that are perfect to play in October. This list goes from cozy and family friendly all the way to maddening horror games not suited for all ages.

GAMES FOR COZY AUTUMN VIBES

1. AUTUMN HARVEST

DIFFICULTY: EASY | PLAYERS: 2-4 | AGES: 10+ | PLAY TIME: 30 - 60 MIN

Gaming can bring connection. Connect with people and feel like you fit in.

An adorable deck building game where each player chooses their tea dragon and helps it grow as the seasons progress, making memories along the way. At the end of the game, the player with the most points wins. We recommend brewing a cup of your favorite tea to enjoy while playing this game.

2. THE FOX IN THE FOREST

DIFFICULTY: EASY | PLAYERS: 2 | AGES: 10+ | PLAY TIME: 30 MIN

A 2-player trick-taking game, but make it fairytale themed. Special fairy character cards, such as the Fox, have special abilities. Rack up the points by winning more tricks, but if you get too greedy, you will love long enough to see yourself become the villain of the game. Just look at the box. You can’t tell us that it doesn't scream autumn.

3. STARDEW VALLEY THE BOARD GAME

DIFFICULTY: MEDIUM | PLAYERS: 1-4 | AGES: 13+ | PLAY TIME: 45 - 200 MIN

A cozy feel good board game where you are working collaboratively with other players to restore grandpa’s farm. Each season brings an opportunity to grow new crops, and, while we know we might be a little biased, fall is one of the most beautiful seasons in the game. Complete your gaming experience by putting on the Stardew Valley soundtrack for each season you play through.

4. ROOT

DIFFICULTY: HARD | PLAYERS: 2-4 | AGES: 10+ | PLAY TIME: 60 - 90 MIN

A gorgeous game set in the woodlands during autumn. Play as one of the little woodland creatures that are working to gain control and restore order to the woods. The art of this game really drives home the autumn vibes with the artwork as the woodlands is dotted with the colors of fall foliage. Don't let the adorable artwork fool you though. This game has its challenges.

GAMES FOR DARK ACADEMIA VIBES

5. CLUE

DIFFICULTY: EASY | PLAYERS: 2-6 | AGES: 8+ | PLAY TIME: 45 MIN

Clue gives us dark academia vibes mixed with nostalgia. The perfect game to play on a dreary, rainy evening as you work to unravel the mystery surrounding a murder - was it Professor Plum in the Library with the Candlestick? Cozy up by the fire, put on some classical music and you now have the perfect dark academia atmosphere for playing this game. Personally, Victoria likes this Dark Academia Playlist.

6. HARRY POTTER: HOGWARTS BATTLE

DIFFICULTY: MEDIUM | PLAYERS: 2-4 | AGES: 11+ | PLAY TIME: 30 - 60 MIN

A deck building game that goes through the events of each book. Work together to face off against the forces of evil. Acquire resources and iconic characters to beef up your deck. Each book becomes more and more challenging. If you really want to go all in with a more immersive experience, we encourage you to enjoy a cup of butterbeer and some pumpkin pasties while listening to the soundtrack or the movie that pairs with each story campaign.

GAMES FOR SPOOKY VIBES

7. THE GRIMM MASQUERADE

DIFFICULTY: EASY | PLAYERS: 2-5 | AGES: 8+ | PLAY TIME: 20 - 40 MIN

What better time to play a game where the guests attending the beast’s masquerade are transformed upon entering his castle to look like another attending guest. Players must gather 3 artifacts of their favor while attempting to avoid the artifacts of their bane and being ousted by other attending guests. In order to win the Beast’s Rose Trophy, and thus the game, your skills of observation, deduction, and bluffing will all be put to the test.

8. HOUSE OF DANGER

DIFFICULTY: EASY | PLAYERS: 1-99 | AGES: 10+ | PLAY TIME: 60 MIN

It's time to dust off your sleuthing skills again. Gather your wits and your friends and embark upon a perilous journey to unearth the hidden secrets within. Take risky chances, collect clues, and face dangerous challenges in this co-operative choose your own adventure game based on R.A. Montgomery’s book, House of Danger. Some players may vote for one action, while others may vote for another. You must decide on which action you will take and see what fate awaits you. Will you make it out?

9. GLOOM

DIFFICULTY: EASY | PLAYERS: 2-5 | AGES: 13+ | PLAY TIME: 60 MIN

The sky is gray, the tea is cold, and a new tragedy lies around every corner.This game is all about having your characters suffer the greatest tragedies possible before eventually giving in to the respite of death. With each card you play, you are either bringing misfortune on your own family or happiness to your opponent's family. You must weave your own tale that corresponds with the card. Your storytelling abilities will be put to the test and laughter shall ensue amidst this gloomy game.

10. HORRIFIED

DIFFICULTY: MEDIUM | PLAYERS: 1-5 | AGES: 10+ | PLAY TIME: 60 MIN

While all variations of this game are amazing, and we encourage you to try them all, we think the original may be best suited for this month as it focuses on the monsters from the classic universal movies - Dracula, The Wolfman, The Mummy, Frankenstein and the Bride of Frankenstein, The Invisible Man, and the Creature from the Black Lagoon. A strategic game with an alluring co-op experience where no two games are the same. Each monster has its own abilities and requirements to be defeated or cured. You can try putting on this Spotify Playlist while you play through the game.

GAMES FOR HORROR VIBES

11. BLOODBORNE: THE CARD GAME

DIFFICULTY: MEDIUM | PLAYERS: 3-5 | AGES: 14+ | PLAY TIME: 30 - 45 MIN

So Hunter, you're finding the path through Yharnam monotonous. Do you find yourself seeking thrill beyond compare in the depths below Yharnam? Prove yourself worthy to challenge the monstrosities of these Chalice Dungeons seeking all meager means to ensure your victory. Fight hard, collect Blood Echoes and Trophies from your fallen foes, and you just might make it out alive.

12. BLOODBORNE: THE BOARD GAME

DIFFICULTY: HARD | PLAYERS: 1-4 | AGES: 14+ | PLAY TIME: 45 - 75 MIN

So Hunter, you're finding the path through Yharnam monotonous. Do you find yourself seeking thrill beyond compare in the depths below Yharnam? Prove yourself worthy to challenge the monstrosities of these Chalice Dungeons seeking all meager means to ensure your victory. Fight hard, collect Blood Echoes and Trophies from your fallen foes, and you just might make it out alive.

13. ARKHAM HORROR

DIFFICULTY: HARD - EXTREME | PLAYERS: 1-4 | AGES: 14+ | PLAY TIME: 60 - 120 MIN

A Lovecraftian inspired deck building, role-playing, strategizing beauty of a card game rife with difficult arcane encounters that players must deal with to progress and keep sane while reality melts before their eyes. We haven’t experienced a tabletop game quite like this, and it’s not for the faint of heart - and not just because of the horrors you will face. This game was so infuriating at times. While the Board Game Geek rating is Hard, we actually feel like it fits more in the Extreme level. If you really want to set the stage, try listening to the Arkham Horror Ambient Soundtrack while playing.