When planning your next game night, a murder mystery game can be the perfect choice. Even in an era dominated by virtual party games, the tactile experience of a physical board game brings a unique thrill to the gathering. These games engage everyone, turning your evening into an interactive whodunit that keeps players on their toes. Whether you opt for a timeless classic like Clue, ideal for family fun, or a more complex game like One Night Ultimate Werewolf, perfect for a lively group of friends, there's a murder mystery board game to suit every preference.
TL;DR: These are the Best Murder Mystery Games
Clue
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One Night Ultimate Werewolf
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Mysterium
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Exit: The Game – Dead Man on The Orient Express
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Sherlock Holmes Consulting Detective - The Thames Murders & Other Cases
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Hunt a Killer – Death at The Dive Bar
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University Games Murder Mystery Party Case Files: Underwood Cellars
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Deception: Murder in Hong Kong
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13 Dead End Drive
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MicroMacro: Crime City
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Rear Window
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Cryptic Killers: Murder of a Millionaire
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Detective: A Modern Crime Board Game
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In this board game shopping guide, we’ve gathered some of our favorite murder mystery games that are perfect for your next game night. While primarily selected for adults, these games offer diverse experiences and can accommodate various player counts, ensuring you find the perfect fit for your group and atmosphere. Which ones have you tried?
Additional contributions by Hannah Houlihan
Clue
Clue
0See it at Amazon! Number of players: 2-6
Clue is a household name and a staple in the world of board games. This classic murder mystery can entertain up to six players, each assuming the role of a suspect in the mysterious death of Mr. Boddy at Tudor Mansion. Players must gather clues to determine the murderer, the weapon, and the location of the crime, making it an excellent choice for family game nights and one of the best family board games available.
One Night Ultimate Werewolf
One Night Ultimate Werewolf
0See it at Amazon! Number of players: 3-10
Werewolf is a beloved game for larger groups, but One Night Ultimate Werewolf offers a fast-paced twist that requires no moderator, no player elimination, and no downtime. Perfect for quick rounds with up to ten players, this game challenges you to unravel the mystery of who the Werewolf is in just one night. For more group-friendly games, explore our guide to the best board games for large groups.
Mysterium
Mysterium
0See it at Amazon! Number of players: 2-7
Mysterium elevates the murder mystery experience by having one player act as a ghost, guiding the other players, who are psychics, to identify the ghost's killer. This engaging game supports up to seven players and typically lasts just over 40 minutes, offering a captivating experience for all involved.
Exit: The Game – Dead Man on The Orient Express
Exit: The Game – Dead Man on The Orient Express
0See it at Amazon! Number of players: 1-4
Exit: The Game transforms your living room into an escape room, challenging you to solve a murder on the Orient Express before the train reaches its destination. Designed for one to four players, this game can only be played once as you'll need to cut, fold, and write on the game materials. If this type of game piques your interest, we've also explored other escape room board games that might catch your eye.
Sherlock Holmes Consulting Detective - The Thames Murders & Other Cases
Sherlock Holmes Consulting Detective - The Thames Murders & Other Cases
0See it at Amazon! Number of players: 1-8
Step into the shoes of a detective with the Sherlock Holmes Consulting Detective series. This game includes ten intricate mysteries set in Victorian London, offering endless game nights or solo play. Suitable for ages 12 and up, these games challenge even the most seasoned adult players with their complexity.
Hunt a Killer – Death at The Dive Bar
Hunt a Killer – Death at The Dive Bar
0See it at Amazon! Number of players: 1+
True crime enthusiasts will appreciate Hunt a Killer – Death at the Dive Bar. This immersive puzzle game can be enjoyed solo or with friends and involves solving the mysterious death of Nick Webster, a local bar owner. Expect to spend about 45-60 minutes unraveling this intriguing case.
University Games Murder Mystery Party Case Files: Underwood Cellars
University Games Murder Mystery Party Case Files: Underwood Cellars
0See it at Amazon! Number of players: 1+
For a deeper dive into the world of murder mysteries, the Underwood Cellars Murder Mystery Party Case Files will challenge you to solve the disappearance and subsequent discovery of famed Napa winemaker Cary Underwood. Plan for a game session lasting two hours or more.
Deception: Murder in Hong Kong
Deception: Murder in Hong Kong
0See it at Amazon! Number of players: 4-12
Deception: Murder in Hong Kong offers a quick 20-minute game session for groups of four to twelve. Similar to Werewolf, players take on various roles, including Murderer, Accomplice, Forensic Scientist, Witness, and Investigators, each contributing to the unfolding mystery.
13 Dead End Drive
13 Dead End Drive
0See it at Amazon! Number of players: 2-4
13 Dead End Drive is a classic murder mystery game that evokes the spirit of films like Knives Out. In this game, players vie for Aunt Agatha's fortune, setting traps to eliminate competitors. It's perfect for up to four players and offers a fun, competitive experience.
MicroMacro: Crime City
MicroMacro: Crime City
0See it at Amazon! Number of players: 1-4
MicroMacro: Crime City offers 16 cases to solve, each with a Where's Waldo-like element. Players use a magnifying glass, included in the box, to scrutinize details and crack the mysteries. This game can be played with up to four players and takes between 15-45 minutes per case.
Rear Window
Rear Window
0See it at Amazon! Number of players: 3-5
Inspired by Hitchcock's classic film, Rear Window adds a suspenseful twist to the game structure seen in Mysterium. One player, the director, assigns characters to apartments and uses images to communicate with other players, who must deduce who lives where. Occasionally, a murder element introduces a competitive edge, making each session a suspenseful experience worthy of the master of suspense.
Cryptic Killers: Murder of a Millionaire
Cryptic Killers: Murder of a Millionaire
0See it at Amazon! Number of players: 1-99
Cryptic Killers is a popular series of murder mystery cases that can be enjoyed solo or cooperatively. The first game, Murder of a Millionaire, challenges players to solve the death of lottery winner Chloe using a mix of visual and text clues, as well as logic puzzles. The game's engaging narrative and detailed props make it a compelling choice for mystery lovers.
Detective: A Modern Crime Board Game
Detective: A Modern Crime Board Game
0See it at Amazon! Number of players: 1-5
Detective prides itself on providing a realistic simulation of modern police work, with players taking on the roles of detectives navigating complex cases using online resources. The game also features a long-term campaign where early case details can resurface later, creating a deeply immersive narrative experience that rivals top TV dramas.
