Is this for skeptics or believers?

Both — many questions are framed as "have you experienced X" rather than "do you believe X", so skeptics still have plenty to answer.

Will it actually scare people?

Less than a horror movie, more than a true-crime podcast. The scariest part is usually someone else's answer.

Good for kids at a sleepover?

Older kids yes, younger kids be careful — some questions touch on death and break-ins.

Scary & Paranormal

Have you ever had a near-death experience?

👥 Play with Friends

Why people ask this

This question works because the yes-or-no split always surprises the room — someone answers in a way nobody expected, and the conversation starts from there. Scary questions get traction because everyone wants to know if their weird experience was unique or universal — usually it is more universal than they thought. The yes-or-no format is what makes it work — nobody has to volunteer a story, but once someone says yes the room always wants to hear it. That is why this question comes up again even in groups that have played before: the answer changes, the story changes, and the same question lands differently every time someone new is in the room.

What do players say?

57%

of players said Yes
7 responses

Based on 7 answers so far, 57% of players say yes — making this something the majority of players have actually done.

Discussion starters

→ Who in the group is most likely to have had a near-death experience?
→ What's the full story — and who in the group is most surprised by your answer?
→ What is the closest you have come to seeing a ghost?
→ What place have you been that genuinely felt wrong?
→ What is the scariest dream you remember?

Asking about near-death experiences invites stories of bravery, fear, and awe. It can lead to profound conversations or light-hearted tales in classic game nights. Curious to explore more intense topics? Check out our Scary & Paranormal questions for other hair-raising stories.

What This Question Really Asks

This question explores moments where life flashed before your eyes, highlighting your fears, beliefs, and perceptions of mortality. It reveals how people process life-and-death moments and their spiritual or emotional responses. When considering an answer, think about the story’s details, emotions involved, and the aftermath of the experience. Want to learn more about understanding life-changing events? Visit our deep and meaningful questions for further insight.

Have you faced a situation where you thought you might not make it?
Did this experience change your outlook on life or death?
What emotions did you feel during the moment?
Did it influence your beliefs or spirituality?
Would you consider sharing this story in a group setting?

How to Use This Question

Setting	Tone	Best for	Tip
Friends game night	Serious and respectful	Getting to know each other	Encourage sharing stories that highlight personal growth, and use our group decider tool for balanced turn-taking.
First date	Thoughtful and gentle	Building intimacy	Ask softly to foster trust, and explore the story behind the experience to deepen connection.
Team meeting	Professional but engaging	Icebreaking or team bonding	Use this question to reveal resilience and character; pair with other paranormal questions for fun.
Family dinner	Warm and respectful	Sharing life stories	Motivate family members to share meaningful anecdotes, perhaps using our icebreaker generator.
Party	Exciting and adventurous	Entertainment and storytelling	Set a lively tone and remind players to respect each other’s comfort levels while sharing.

When You Say "Yes"

You’ve faced a life-threatening situation and survived to tell the tale.
This experience influenced your outlook on mortality or spirituality.
You feel a stronger appreciation for life after the event.
It led you to make significant changes or decisions.
Sharing your story can help others feel less alone in their fears—learn more about meaningful stories.

Feeling bravery? Play now at our have.you platform!

When You Say "No"

If you haven’t experienced a near-death moment, it may mean:

You live a cautious or fortunate life that avoids dangerous situations.
You haven't encountered a situation severe enough to threaten your life.
You're curious about what such experiences might involve but haven't had one yourself.