Every October, the air grows colder, the nights grow longer, and the shadows at the edge of the table seem to lean in just a little closer. It’s Halloween — the one time of year when ghost stories, creepy costumes, and frightful fun aren’t just welcome… they’re expected.
And if you’re a tabletop gamer, you already know this: Halloween is made for TTRPGs!
But why do we celebrate Halloween the way we do? And more importantly, how can you bring some of that spooky magic to your own game nights? Grab your dice, light a candle, and let’s peel back the veil between history and imagination.
👻 A Haunted Past: Where Halloween Comes From
Halloween’s roots stretch back more than 2,000 years to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain. Held at the end of October, Samhain marked the end of the harvest and the beginning of the dark half of the year. It was believed that during this liminal time, the barrier between the living and the dead grew thin. Spirits could wander freely, and mortals could (with a little luck and caution) interact with the otherworld.
Sound familiar? That “veil between worlds” theme has powered countless RPG sessions. Whether it’s restless ghosts, mischievous fae, or ancient curses, Samhain’s legacy lives on at many gaming tables.
As centuries passed, the festival blended with Roman traditions and later with All Hallows’ Eve, the Christian observance before All Saints’ Day. Bonfires became lanterns, spirits became saints and souls, and offerings for the dead slowly turned into trick-or-treating.
The Halloween we know today—a mix of costumes, candy, and creepy fun may feel modern, but its bones are ancient. And that’s part of the magic: Halloween has always been about storytelling in the dark.
🎲 Halloween & TTRPGs: A Natural Pairing
Think about it:
- Halloween is about slipping into another identity... just like roleplaying.
- It’s about gathering together at night, sharing scares and laughs... just like a game session.
- And it’s about facing the unknown... just like venturing into a dungeon.
Halloween isn’t just compatible with TTRPGs—it’s practically an extension of them.
Want to run a one-shot horror game? Perfect excuse!
Want to terrify your players with a cursed artifact? The season demands it!
Want to use your fog machine at the table? No one can stop you!
🕯️Tips for a Spookier Game Night
Below are some ways to make your October sessions truly haunting.
(Of course, you don’t have to do all the heavy lifting yourself. Our community of creators has already brewed up plenty of haunted maps, chilling adventures, and bone-rattling soundscapes to set the mood.)
🎃 Atmosphere is everything
Dim the lights, play some eerie background sounds, and maybe even light a candle or two. (Check out Michael Ghelfi Studios or other creators on the Bazaar for ready-made spooky soundscapes.)
🎃 Use props wisely
A torn letter, a wax-sealed envelope, or a claw-marked map can do wonders for immersion. (Check out Angela Maps or other creators on the Bazaar for ready-made spooky battlemaps.)
🎃 Lean into uncertainty
Horror thrives on the unknown. Use secret rolls, describe only what the characters think they see, and let their imagination fill in the rest.
🎃 Subvert expectations
Not every pumpkin is harmless, and not every smiling NPC is a friend. Keep your players guessing.
🎃 Keep it short & sharp
Horror often works best in one-shots or short arcs. Think of it like a scary story—better to end with chills than to drag it out until the fear fades. (Check out Dragonshorn Tales or other creators on the Bazaar for ready-made spooky adventures.)
🦇 A Month of Spooky Inspiration
This October, we’re not holding a sale—but that doesn’t mean the Bazaar will sleep in its coffin. All month long, we’ll be highlighting eerie maps, monstrous tokens, chilling soundscapes, and creepy adventures from our talented creators.
Instead of waiting for discounts, you’ll have a steady stream of inspiration to haunt your sessions—whether you want to run a bone-rattling one-shot, creep out your players with subtle horror, or just add a touch of spooky flair to your campaign.
👉 Follow us for October-long highlights of the best creepy content in the Bazaar.
👻 Final Thought: Why We Love Halloween
Halloween isn’t just about costumes or candy. It’s about community, tradition, and storytelling. It’s about gathering around the table, whether it’s a kitchen table piled with dice or a virtual one lit by the glow of a screen, and daring to face the unknown together.
And really, isn’t that the heart of every TTRPG session?
So this October, lean into the eerie. Let your players chase whispers in abandoned ruins, face unspeakable horrors, and maybe (just maybe) survive to tell the tale. 😉
Happy haunting, happy gaming, happy Spooktober, and happy Halloween!
