Games to Play When the Power is Out: Because Shadows Make the Best Opponents

When the power goes out, it can feel like the world has come to a standstill. No lights, no TV, no internet—just you and the eerie silence of a house without electricity. But fear not! A power outage doesn’t have to be a boring or frustrating experience. In fact, it can be an opportunity to rediscover some classic, low-tech games that don’t require a single watt of electricity. Whether you’re alone or with friends and family, here are some games to play when the power is out, along with a few unconventional ideas to keep things interesting.
1. Shadow Puppets: The Original Silent Film
When the lights go out, shadows become your canvas. Grab a flashlight (or a candle if you’re feeling dramatic) and let your imagination run wild. Create animals, characters, or abstract shapes on the wall. Challenge your friends to guess what you’re making, or have a shadow puppet storytelling session where each person adds to the narrative. Bonus points if you can make a shadow version of your favorite movie scene.
2. 20 Questions: The Ultimate Mind Game
This classic guessing game requires nothing but your brain and a little creativity. One person thinks of an object, and the others have 20 yes-or-no questions to figure out what it is. The catch? The object can be as obscure or ridiculous as you want. Is it a toaster? A unicorn? The concept of existential dread? The possibilities are endless.
3. Charades: Silent but Deadly
Charades is a timeless game that thrives in the dark. Act out movies, books, or famous people without speaking, and let your team guess what you’re trying to convey. The lack of electricity adds an extra layer of challenge, as you’ll have to rely on gestures and body language alone. Pro tip: Use glow sticks or flashlights to add some dramatic flair to your performance.
4. Storytelling Roulette: One Word at a Time
Gather around and create a story together, with each person contributing one word at a time. This game can lead to hilariously nonsensical tales, especially when everyone is trying to steer the story in a different direction. For an added twist, set a theme or genre beforehand, like “haunted house” or “space adventure.”
5. Board Games by Candlelight
Dust off those old board games and give them a new lease on life. Monopoly, Scrabble, and Clue are perfect for a power outage, as they require no electricity and can keep you entertained for hours. If you’re feeling adventurous, try playing them by candlelight for a cozy, old-school vibe.
6. Hide and Seek in the Dark
Take the classic game of hide and seek to the next level by playing it in complete darkness. The lack of light adds an extra layer of suspense and difficulty, making it a thrilling experience for everyone involved. Just make sure to establish some ground rules to avoid any accidental collisions.
7. The Memory Game: Test Your Recall
This simple yet challenging game requires nothing but your memory. One person starts by saying, “I went to the store and bought…” and names an item. The next person repeats the sentence and adds another item, and so on. The chain continues until someone forgets an item. It’s a great way to sharpen your memory while having fun.
8. Paper and Pencil Games: Old-School Fun
Sometimes, the simplest games are the most entertaining. Tic-tac-toe, hangman, and Pictionary are all excellent choices for a power outage. All you need is a piece of paper and a pencil, and you’re good to go. For a more creative twist, try drawing collaborative comics or writing short stories together.
9. The Whisper Challenge: Miscommunication at Its Finest
This game is all about miscommunication and laughter. One person wears headphones or earplugs while the other whispers a phrase. The person with the headphones has to guess what was said based on lip-reading and context clues. The results are often hilariously inaccurate, making this a great icebreaker.
10. DIY Escape Room: Create Your Own Adventure
Turn your home into an escape room by creating puzzles and challenges for your friends or family to solve. Use clues, riddles, and hidden objects to guide them through the adventure. The lack of electricity can actually enhance the experience, as it adds an element of mystery and suspense.
11. Themed Trivia Night: Test Your Knowledge
Choose a theme—like movies, history, or pop culture—and create a trivia game for your group. You can either come up with questions beforehand or take turns asking them on the spot. For an extra challenge, make the questions as obscure as possible.
12. Sock Puppet Theater: Unleash Your Inner Performer
Grab some old socks, markers, and any other craft supplies you have lying around, and create your own sock puppets. Then, put on a show! Whether it’s a comedy, drama, or a retelling of your favorite fairy tale, sock puppet theater is a fun and creative way to pass the time.
13. The Floor is Lava: A Classic with a Twist
This childhood favorite gets even more exciting in the dark. Use furniture, pillows, and anything else you can find to create a path across the room. The goal is to get from one side to the other without touching the floor, which is now “lava.” The lack of light makes it harder to see your next move, adding an extra layer of difficulty.
14. Would You Rather: The Ultimate Dilemma
This game is all about making tough choices. Take turns asking each other “Would you rather” questions, like “Would you rather have the ability to fly or be invisible?” The more absurd the questions, the better. It’s a great way to spark interesting conversations and debates.
15. DIY Karaoke: Sing Your Heart Out
Who says you need electricity to have a karaoke session? Grab a flashlight (or a candle) and take turns singing your favorite songs. You can even make it a competition by having the group vote on the best performance. Bonus points for dramatic lighting effects.
FAQs
Q: What if I don’t have any board games at home?
A: No problem! You can create your own games using household items. For example, use coins or buttons as game pieces and draw a board on a piece of paper.
Q: How can I make shadow puppets more interesting?
A: Try using multiple light sources to create layered shadows, or experiment with different materials (like lace or leaves) to add texture to your puppets.
Q: What if I’m alone during a power outage?
A: Solo activities like journaling, drawing, or solving puzzles can be just as entertaining. You can also challenge yourself to create a story or poem inspired by the darkness.
Q: Are there any safety concerns when playing games in the dark?
A: Always be mindful of your surroundings, especially when moving around in the dark. Use flashlights or candles responsibly, and avoid any activities that could lead to accidents.
Q: Can I play these games with kids?
A: Absolutely! Many of these games are perfect for kids, and they can be adapted to suit different age groups. Just make sure to supervise any activities that involve candles or small objects.