The brittle claws of Autumn weave through the streets, it’s dead nails screeching across your windows. You hold your breath waiting to see if it will pass you by.
And that’s when the electricity goes out.
Over the sound of screams the practical person begins lighting candles and says, “Hey let’s play a game!” And so the evenings entertainment begins. I’ve set the scene so particularly because I want you to pick up what I’m putting down. These 5 games are the perfect choices to play when the lights go out, some for different reasons but all peak candlelight choices.
Ticket To Ride – Europe
From the cover art on the box to the fact that it’s about trains the game screams a pre-electricity era. Just imagine yourself sitting around a table with family or friends trying to make routes by candlelight. You will find yourself caught up in whimsy like you wouldn’t believe! The tactics and machinations of the players seem almost softened by the light. Often it becomes more about the journey than the destination. It is by far and away the cosiest game on this list and I love it for that. And hey nothing says you have to wait for an electricity shortage, kill the lights and bring out the candles for the fun of it.
Codenames
Is there a storm or did someone cut the line? Playing Codenames by candlelight is perfection, from the flicker of the flames causing ever changing shadows across faces, the shifting alliances and the subtle messages (the single raised eyebrow carrying a wealth of meaning) all declare the game perfect for the darkness. Would James Bond break in somewhere in broad daylight? Actually that might be a bad example. Nevertheless! Codenames is all about focus, concentration, and the ability to read someone’s mind. What better way to achieve that than by removing external distractions? Playing by candlelight is not just atmospheric but also an aid.
Magic: The Gathering
Honestly sometimes I think MTG should be referred to as Ye Olde Magick Thee Gathering, it feels like it’s been around long enough. There is a small part of me that believes when Moses came down the mountain he was actually holding two Commanders. And in that vein: candlelight! Imagine sitting around in a group by candlelight, the light and dark tripping over the artwork, ancient sounding names being spoken and the hush of the darkness just beyond the candles. If you try this I am in no way responsible if you accidentally summon a demon. But I mean, Magic by candlelight? The atmosphere screams so much perfection you practically expect Geralt to wander in. (He’ll leave shortly after when you inform him it’s the wrong card game).
Cthulhu – Death May Die
It’s as Cthulhu once said: uisdghzfuisdb h sgrhwygfyj hhsbafvdkhjwfj fdl jgkjgbjkdc,kmdjsbzcjsb. Very eloquent eldritch being. But to translate into English: what could be more Cthulhu, more terrifying, than the unknown that lies beyond the light? (I mean realistically it’s probably your kitchen or something but let’s just roll with the vibes). In the game you’re trapped like a rat in a maze running from one dilapidated room to another trying to both escape the eldritch horror but also to defeat it. Can you imagine with a bit of flair and showmanship how fun the summoning of the creatures could be? Once you play by candlelight it will never be the same again!
Lorcana – Reign of Jafar
Now I’m not talking about Lorcana in general, no, specifically Reign of Jafar. And why? Candlelight and oil lamps are a feature of Aladdin and that atmosphere extended to this run. So hear me out, Lorcana, candlelight, and if we’re feeling fancy the score from Aladdin playing low in the background. Now tell me you don’t feel ready to crash the Cave of Wonders! The best thing about Lorcana is the art tailored to every run, meaning you can see what your favourite characters look like if they had stumbled into Agrabah. Plus it’s such genuine, wholehearted fun.
There you have it, the ideal games to play by candlelight! Hopefully you either saw one of your favourites or I’ve given you an idea to play with. Keep these five games in mind the next time the power goes out and the atmosphere comes to play.
