Halloween Horror Nights (HHN) at Universal Studios Hollywood gets more crowded every year, and with big-name IPs like Terrifier, Five Nights at Freddy’s, and Jason Universe drawing fans, 2025 is no exception. Express Passes are the easiest way to experience everything, but if you’re going without one, you’ll need a solid plan. This guide walks you through the best way to hit all the houses, shows, and attractions—without wasting precious time.

The Strategy: How to Do HHN Without Express

Even without early access, you can fit everything into one night if you stay focused. The key is to tackle the longest waits early and keep moving with purpose. Here’s the step-by-step gameplan.

(The way I recommend it involves a bit more walking, however if you want to walk a little less, switch step 1 & 2.)

Step 1: Start With the H Lot (Terrifier)

Arrive as close to the 7 PM opening as possible.
Head straight through the park, through Hogsmeade and past Hogwarts, until you reach the H Lot.
Do Terrifier first. Even if the line looks long, it won’t get shorter as the night goes on so get that wait out of the way.
Skip Poltergeist for now—you’ll circle back later.

Step 2: Lower Lot Heavy Hitters

Take the back path behind Three Broomsticks and head down to the Lower Lot. Here’s the order I recommend:

Five Nights at Freddy’s (usually one of the longest waits of the night but if you do it early enough you should be okay).
Scarecrow music by SLASH.
WWE Presents: The Horrors of the Wyatt Sicks.
Jason Universe.

At this point, you’ll have knocked out most of the night’s biggest lines.

Step 3: Decide on the Terror Tram

As you head back up you have a decision to make:

If you’ve never done the Blumhouse Terror Tram, now’s the time.
If you’ve already experienced a Blumhouse version or don’t want to sacrifice time, feel free to skip it.

Step 4: Return to the H Lot (Poltergeist)

Loop back through Hogsmeade—the fastest way is the way you should’ve exited earlier—and hit Poltergeist. The line may be longer now, but saving it for later helps balance your night and avoids doubling back earlier.

Step 5: Recharge With a Break + Chainsaw Man Show

By now you’re probably hot and tired. This is a good time to:

Grab a drink or quick bite.
Catch Chainsaw Man: The Chaos at the DreamWorks Theatre. It’s a perfect 15–20 minute cooldown in the AC and gives you a second wind.

Step 6: Finish Strong on the Upper Lot

From the plaza near Minion Mayhem, head toward the final two houses:

Fallout (do this first).
Monstruos 3 (a great way to end your house run).

If you still have time and energy, catch The Purge: Dangerous Waters before calling it a night.

Final Tips

This plan is based on opening weekend (sold out Saturday), and it still covered every house and a show.
Don’t wander aimlessly between houses—stick to a route and keep moving.
Expect sore feet and SoCal heat, but the payoff is worth it.

TL;DR: H Lot (Terrifier) → Lower Lot (FNAF, Scarecrow, Wyatt Sicks, Jason) → Terror Tram (optional) → H Lot (Poltergeist) → Chainsaw Man show → Upper Lot (Fallout, Monstruos 3) → Purge show if time.