Shockingly Easy Tips & Loot to Creep Out Your RPG Guests
5 Easy Ways to Host a Spooktacular RPG Game Night 👻🕯️
We’ll admit it—we’re a little obsessed with horror. There’s just something magical about the way spooky season transforms tabletop game nights. It’s partially the crisp autumn air, those flickering candles, and it’s for sure the promise of an eerie adventure. October is the perfect time for Game Masters to lean into the macabre, whether you’re running a Dungeons & Dragons one-shot or a full-blown Halloween campaign on any game system.
If you’re planning your own fright night RPG session, here are five super easy ways to impress your adventuring party, plus a few ideas from our store to make your tabletop gaming experience even more immersive.
1. Set the Tone with Creepy Music 🎶
Atmosphere is everything when it comes to horror campaigns. Before your players even roll initiative, you can make them shiver with antici….pation by creating a well-curated playlist. Ambient dungeon sounds, stormy nights, haunted forest whispers, or subtle violin crescendos can completely change the vibe of your table.
You don’t need to be a sound designer, just queue up some spooky background music, dim the lights, and let your adventurers feel the chill.
GM Tip: If you’re game, sync the music with key story events. A sudden thunderclap during a jump scare? Chef’s kiss.
2. Add a Little Smoke & Mirrors 💨🍸
Want a fast way to make your RPG game night feel magical? Drop a bit of dry ice into your drinks or cauldron of party punch. Its curling mist adds instant drama, whether you’re serving themed cocktails, punch, or just good ol’ goblets of root beer.
A few things to remember about dry ice: handle it carefully. It is safe to consume & will instantly cool your drink but because it’s -100F(ish) DO NOT touch it with bare hands and make sure it fully dissipates before drinking or you’ll end your epic RPG night at the E.R., which is not fun. Dry ice is available at most grocery stores but only lasts for 24 hours so get it the day of your event.
3. Run a Freshly Undead Adventure 🧟♀️
The backbone of any great Halloween tabletop night is, of course, the adventure itself. Choose something that fits the spooky season or whatever your players fear most: horror on the high seas, deadly urban legends, cursed forests, or mysteries that unravel at midnight.
If you’re a Game Master looking for inspiration, try running a horror one-shot that lasts about 3-4 hours. Or if you're running a weekly game for your players, go for a horror-themed quest that lasts throughout October and ends with a big finale and a seasonal gathering on or around Halloween.
Looking for a new adventure? Check out our online store for horror-themed encounters designed for D&D 5E, Pathfinder, Shadowdark, and other RPG systems and our themed horror mystery crates.
4. Haunt the Tabletop with Themed Accessories 🕯️🕸️
Adding new tabletop accessories can completely elevate your game night. Think gothic miniatures, thematic maps, or something as simple as candlelit scenery. These details draw players deeper into the world you’ve created, making every roll and reveal feel more cinematic.
It doesn’t have to be complicated—just one or two creepy additions can make a huge difference.
5. Gift Your Fellow Players Themed Dice 🎲
Nothing says “welcome to the table” like a surprise gift. Themed dice sets—especially Halloween or horror designs—are a fun way to reward your players and commemorate the night. You could hand them out at the start of the session as part of their “character kits” or at the end as a memento of their spooky adventure. You don't have to be the game master to give gifts. Gifting your fellow players and your GM something fun will make everyone feel special.
If you’re on the hunt for eerie dice that glow, change color like magic, and feature spooky motifs, we’ve got you covered in our online store.
Bonus: Make It Your Own
The best part about running a horror RPG session is that you can go as big or small as you want. Whether you’re hosting a simple D&D one-shot with friends or building a full haunted dungeon crawl, these small touches make your table unforgettable.
So dust off your GM screen, sharpen those stakes, and prepare your adventuring party. Spooky season is the perfect time to roll for initiative.