Running a Horror Campaign Without Losing the Fun

How to keep your players laughing, gasping, and coming back for more this coming Halloween!

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🕯️ Why Horror Works in TTRPGs

Horror in tabletop RPGs is more than jump scares and creepy monsters—it’s about tension, atmosphere, and emotional investment. Done right, it can create some of the most memorable sessions your players will ever have. Done wrong, it can leave them uncomfortable or disengaged.

The goal? Frighten without alienating. You want your table to feel the thrill of the unknown while still having a blast.

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🧠 Step 1: Know Your Players’ Comfort Zones

Before you start, have a Session Zero or a quick check-in:

• Lines & Veils: Identify topics that are off-limits (lines) and those that can be hinted at but not shown in detail (veils).
• Tone Agreement: Decide if the horror will be campy, gothic, psychological, or slasher-inspired.
• Safety Tools: Use tools like the X-card or pause words to keep everyone comfortable.

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🏚️ Step 2: Build Atmosphere, Not Just Encounters

Horror thrives on immersion:

• Lighting & Music: Dim the lights, use candles (real or LED), and play eerie ambient tracks.
• Descriptive Language: Focus on sensory details—creaking floorboards, the metallic tang of blood, the smell of damp stone.
• Pacing: Alternate between slow, tense build-ups and sudden bursts of action.

Pro Tip: Even in a fantasy setting, grounding horror in relatable sensations makes it more impactful.

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🦇 Step 3: Keep the Fun Alive

Horror doesn’t have to mean grim misery. Inject moments of levity to keep the table from burning out:

• Comic Relief NPCs: A bumbling gravekeeper or a cowardly bard can break tension without ruining immersion.
• Heroic Moments: Give players chances to feel powerful, even in the face of fear.
• Player Agency: Let them make meaningful choices—don’t railroad them into helplessness.

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🧩 Step 4: Use Horror Tropes Creatively

Classic horror elements work best when you twist them:

• The Haunted House: Maybe it’s alive and trying to help the party.
• The Monster: Give it a tragic backstory that makes players question whether to kill it.
• The Curse: Make it contagious in unexpected ways—like spreading through dreams.

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🕰️ Step 5: End on a High Note

Whether your finale is a triumphant victory, a bittersweet escape, or a cliffhanger, make sure your players leave the table smiling. A post-game debrief can help everyone shake off the tension and share their favorite moments.

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🎭 Final Thoughts

A great horror campaign is like a haunted house ride—you scream, you laugh, and you want to go again. This Halloween, give your players the chills and the chuckles, and you’ll have a session they’ll talk about for years.