When many think of tabletop games a few elements come to mind. Typically, relaxing, competitive, or puzzle-orientated. However, not all board games need to tackle these elements, some are capable of bringing even the most relaxed player into a heightened sense of tension, dread, or mistrust as they traverse the mystical and dangerous lands within.
While there is a multitude of different genres to explore, there is nothing quite like a good sci-fi horror to play on a dark stormy night. The only problem, choosing the perfect game can be a real challenge, especially since there are so many available. Luckily there are a select few that players just have to try.
10 Space Hulk (Fourth Edition)
Space Hulk is often thought of as the grandfather of sci-fi horror tabletop games. Released in 2014, the fourth edition is the most up-to-date version and will probably be the most friendly to newer players. However, it's possible to play the older versions if desired.
Either way, this is perfect for fans of sci-fi, horror, and Space Marines as the game explores an intense but rather nerve-wracking battle between the Space Marines and the Genestealers. It's a fast-paced fighting game that will force tension throughout its 60-minute duration and will force players to work together to survive the hoards of aliens approaching them.
9 Mothership
This sci-fi horror RPG is a thrill to play, leaning more on the older style of gaming seen in the beginning editions of Dungeons and Dragons, particularly in the design of the character sheet many will see in both games. Mothership has a retro design that befits the game's storyline, fully immersing any player who chooses to attempt to survive the terrors of space.
Ultimately, Mothership feels like a combination of Dungeons and Dragons, Alien, and the good bits of every other horror set in space. Each are given roles and use their knowledge of space to survive deadly aliens, ship damage, and the dangers of each other in this gripping board game.
8 Dark Moon
Perhaps one of the best aspects of a horror board game is the fact that players typically can't trust anything around them, especially when one of them is a traitor. This is what makes Dark Moon such a perfect sci-fi horror tabletop game. The mistrust is enough to increase the tension throughout its 60-75 minute playtime and will provide a memorable experience for all who take part.
It tells the tale of a group of people who go on an expedition in space until trouble arises in the form of a problematic virus that turns players onto each other. Although the scenario is scary enough, it's the other players that will provide the most horror.
7 Alien: The Roleplaying Game
Alien is perhaps one of the most famous sci-fi horror films in the world and has really set a precedent for any future additions to the genre, so it would be understandable if the tabletop version was just as scary, tense, and exciting as the film. Luckily, Alien: The Roleplaying Game is just that and so much more.
Players will not need to be fans of the franchise, nor will it matter if they haven't seen it due to the fact that this game brings its own story and is hosted and directed by the players. Due to it being primarily roleplay, the players will be forced to the forefront of the tale, which brings the horror into a league of its own.
6 Not Alone
A vast amount of sci-fi horror games seem to be primarily set in space, and while that's not a bad thing, sometimes players don't want to be stuck within the confines of a ship, sometimes they want to explore. Playing Not Alone will make anyone miss the safety of ship walls.
It's a team-based game where the main focus is deck building, bluffing, and losing trust. One player will act as the vicious creature that hunts the lands the other players have crash-landed on. Unlike many other games, the players cannot defeat the creature, instead, they have to focus on hiding, running, or distracting until they can get help. That lack of power makes this game pretty challenging.
5 Level 7 (Escape)
Perhaps one of the best aspects about the Level 7 games is how well they all fit together. There are three main versions of the game with multiple elements of added content for those who can't get enough. Level 7 (Escape) is the first and brings the beginning of a trilogy of destruction, fear, and trying to break out of a laboratory into a stressful, cooperative game where anything can happen.
It's a particularly intense board game that any fan of horror will enjoy, it's also one of the rare sci-fi horror tabletop experiences that doesn't place player against player.
4 Those Dark Places
Rather than having lots of gory cards or terrifying maps, Those Dark Places is a roleplay-focused science-fiction game that leans itself to the more industrial aspect of space. All this combined creates a story the players will love and one that can be repeated endlessly due to the creatively ambiguous nature of its gameplay.
It doesn't focus much on the rules and mainly focuses on helping players create an immersive and terrifying story for as long as necessary. It's perfect for players with a twisted mind for horror and a love for roleplay and storytelling.
3 Tragedy Looper
Tragedy Looper leaves the space theme of sci-fi behind and focuses more on time travel and the problematic connotations of the events that occur, forcing the group to restart rather horrific scenarios. All this combined with some designated roles that aren't exactly the kindest and players will be in for a relatively frustrating ride filled with mistrust and a classic murder mystery.
It's a tabletop game in which players try to maintain a normal day, if a tragedy occurs then it's right back in time they go to start all over again. There are a set amount of times this can happen, or the villain of the group wins.
2 Escape From The Aliens In Outer Space
If players are looking for a quicker sci-fi horror experience then Escape From The Aliens In Outer Space is ideal. It takes around 20-45 minutes to play and will leave anyone gripped for its entirety. As for the plot, it doesn't require much explanation due to the title.
That being said, the players will divide into teams and be put against each other as they fight for survival, or to end the humans' life on the ship that has been plunged into terrifying but more than likely deadly darkness.
1 Shadows Over Sol
The majority of horror games are set in space. It's an endless expanse many know little of and when it adds sci-fi into it then this realm is filled with deadly aliens, personality-changing viruses, or even just corporate management who care so little for human life that it poses a threat to the entire crew.
Shadows Over Sol combines the space setting with a problematic corporate scenario and the terrifying monsters that await their journey. It's a wonderful game that works for any player of tabletop games, beginner or veteran. With the character sheets and gameplay, each session will provide a brand new terrifying experience.