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Are you, your pals, or your teens big fans of Criminal Minds? Of course you are, that’s why you’re here!
If being the fantastic armchair detective you know you are has you solving mysteries that even the experts haven’t been able to crack, chances are you’d love to hop on the murder mystery box bandwagon. These games, so to speak have been trending lately, and truth be told, we love a good table top game. In a world of mindless scrolling (guilty!), it’s nice to get together for an old fashioned game night. You know, with murder and mayhem. So if you’ve ever wanted to take matters into your own hands, and solve a crime – now’s your chance.
There are a couple of different ways to tackle this trend. Some are presented as a subscription service. So if you have a standing date with your buds, you can go all in with a monthly membership – so the good times keep rolling on a monthly basis for 6 or 12 months. On the other hand, if you’re commitment-phobic and don’t want to be tied to a subscription service, you can opt for some of the games available to purchase on an as-needed-to-solve basis. Whichever way you like to solve your crimes, the object of these games is to solve a cold case. You’ll pour through clues, examine evidence, and sort through suspects, alibis, photos, motives, and more. You’re responsible for organizing the files, theories and clues – and of course, solving the case.
A few things to note would be that most of these games are geared toward an older crowd. Some have age ranges of 13 and up, while others are recommended for 18 and up. Aside from the obvious that small children aren’t really big fans of games that could bring them nightmares, some of the games are pretty involved, have complex clues, and require analyzation skills that are out of reach for young kids. And of course some of these games can only be played once. Once you know who did it, there’s really no way to un-solve it. We’ve found that swapping the games, and passing them along to different friend groups once we were done is a good way to recycle them, and solve new cases.
So if you’re looking to kick things up a notch for your next game night and need a place to start, we’ve found some really cool options below:
OUR TOP GAME PICKS
Murder Mystery Party Games
murder at mardi gras
PROS
- Interactive fun
- Perfect for various occasions
- Challenging and engaging
- Comes with everything you need
CONS
- Time constraints: prepare for a lengthy game
- Complex set up
- Need a larger group
Level of Difficulty
Mardi Gras in New Orleans is a whirlwind of booze, beads, music, and pure joy. HOWEVER, one of its fanciest neighborhoods just added a new twist – murder!
AN INTERACTIVE MURDER MYSTERY GAME
Your party guests transform into characters suspected of this heinous crime. Time’s a factor, and the only way to clear your name is to grill your fellow pals (suspects) until the real murderer coughs it up.
DINNER PARTY IN A BOX
Inside, you’ll find everything you need to throw a fabulous murder mystery dinner party. We’re talking character booklets, party invitations, name tags, crime scene clues, a party planning booklet, and even online access for video or audio clues. It’s all here.
FOR EVERY OCCASION
This mystery game is a great go-to for an epic family game night, an all out dinner party with friends, or a killer themed bash (see what I did there?). Ideal for groups aged 16 and up, these games ensure an evening of laughs, and fun. Mardi Gras not your thing? This line also features four other options as well. Pasta, Passion and Pistols anyone?
SPECS:
- RECOMMENDED AGE: 16+
- NUMBER OF PLAYERS: 8
Hunt a Killer
death at the dive bar
PROS
- Good for beginners
- Flexible player count
- Engaging and quick
CONS
- Limited replay
- Can be too quick and easy for some
- Code can be tough to crack
Level of Difficulty
Get ready to solve a small town murder. Immerse yourself in the mystery of Nick Webster, a popular bar owner whose untimely death has rocked the town.
MYSTERY GAME FOR ALL
This one is beginner friendly, so whether you’re flying solo or teaming up with friends or family, this game is perfect for puzzle newbies with a 1/5 difficulty rating. Recommended for sleuths aged 14 and up.
PERFECT FOR GAME NIGHT
This all in one mystery box will have you ready to solve in no time. It has everything you need for a fun game of intrigue and suspense. Ideal for an adult game night or a murder mystery party.
FAMILY FUN
This engaging game will lead you to spend 45-60 minutes investigating Nick’s mysterious death at the dive bar. With 1-5 players, you and your crew will become part of a gripping crime-solving experience.
IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCE
The story driven game play will help take your family and friends game night to the next level with Hunt A Killer’s immersive, story-rich card, puzzle, and board game.
SPECS:
- RECOMMENDED AGE: 14+
- NUMBER OF PLAYERS: 1-5
Unsolved Case Files
Buddy Edmonds
PROS
- Three mysteries in one!
- Detailed evidence
- Interactive online answer key
CONS
- Detailed set up
- Time consuming play
Level of Difficulty
Gather ’round and get ready to solve a decades-old murder. This time, you’re the sleuth tasked with cracking the mysterious murder of Buddy Edmunds on April 3, 1989.
THE CASE WITH 3 INTRIGUING MYSTERIES
With a bit of a twist compared to some of the other mystery games, this one requires you to tackle three separate mysteries in order to unravel this cold case. First, prove why the convicted woman is innocent. Next, disprove a key suspect’s alibi. And finally, identify the critical clue that will close the case once and for all.
DIVE INTO THE EVIDENCE
Inside this game you’ll find over 50 investigation documents and photos – including newspaper articles, crime scene photos, reports, phone records, coroner’s report, fingerprint cards, maps, legal documents, suspect interrogations, witness statements, character photos, and more. Phew!
ONLINE ANSWER KEYS
You’ll also have access to interactive online answer keys, so you can progress through each step by visiting an online answer page. But there’s a catch! You’ll need to prove you’ve cracked the case before moving on.
FUN FOR ANY OCCASION
This one is great for any crew. Whether it’s individuals, couples, best buds or a party – it works for a range of murder mystery fans, both teens and adults.
SPECS:
- RECOMMENDED AGE: 14+
- NUMBER OF PLAYERS: 2+
A Killing Affair
this whodunit is killer
PROS
- TV show vibes: you'll be hooked as episodes build
- Monthly mysteries mean the fun keeps going
- Great for groups
CONS
- Subscription commitment (can cancel anytime)
- Patience required: It's episodic!
Level of Difficulty
This monthly subscription service is like binge-watching your favorite TV show but with a twist – you’re the detective. Start with Season 1, Episode 1, and get ready for a five-episode journey. Each month, you’ll dive into secret messages, hidden clues, and critical evidence, eliminating suspects along the way. By the final episode, you’ll have everything you need to nail the killer.
MONTHLY SUBSCRIPTION MYSTERY
This murder mystery games sets things up a bit differently than some other games you’ll come across online. Get a thrilling new “episode” every month, with each season spanning 5 episodes, and you can cancel anytime. It’s great for family game night as well, with the recommended ages being 12+ and best enjoyed in a small group.
IMMERSIVE ONLINE EXPERIENCE
Internet access is a must here in order to fully engage with the game’s online elements, which adds a modern twist to your detective work. But fear not, each episode is loaded with hours of puzzles, ciphers, and more. It’s a brain-teasing extravaganza.
TEAMWORK MAKES THE DREAM WORK
One of the best things about any of these murder mystery games is the fun (hopefully?) of working as team. You and your while crime solving crew, will review evidence and case files, eliminate suspects, uncover motives, and of course, ultimately solve the mystery. Ready to put on your fanciest detective hat and crack the case? Grab your dream team, dive into the clues, and unravel the mystery.
SPECS:
- RECOMMENDED AGE: 12+
- NUMBER OF PLAYERS: 2+
University Games
underwood cellars
PROS
- Versatile fun: good for small or large groups
- Online hints and solutions
- Engaging gameplay
CONS
- Can be challenging to set up
- Detail overload for some
Level of Difficulty
Get ready to uncover a 20 year old murder, where Napa winemaker Cary Underwood vanished two decades ago – but his murder was revealed after a Napa earthquake. The killer is still out there, and it’s up to you to crack the case.
CRACK THE CASE LIKE THE PROS
Your best detective skills are required for this one. You’ll investigate motives, means, and opportunities just like a real detective. Start to piece the clues together in order to solve the murder and catch the killer.
REALISTIC CASE AND EVIDENCE
Immerse yourself in what feels like an authentic scenario. The case file includes crime scene photos, suspect interviews, and newspaper clippings, all curated to provide the most realistic experience. Go through your checklist and answer the big questions: Who had a reason to kill? Who had access to the murder weapon and victim? Who had the chance to commit the crime? Analyze the evidence to narrow down the suspects and solve the case.
ONLINE HINTS AND SOLUTIONS
Stuck on a clue and can’t seem to dig yourself out? Access online hints to keep your investigation moving and the game going. When you’re ready, check your solution online to confirm your suspicions and make an arrest.
SPECS:
- RECOMMENDED AGE: 14+
- NUMBER OF PLAYERS: 2+
What Do You Meme?
who killed mia
PROS
- Mystery with modern flair
- Interactive play: let the hacking begin!
- Great for single player or groups
CONS
- Age restriction: not suitable for younger detectives
- Smart phone required
Level of Difficulty
If you’re into murder mystery games with a modern twist, this is a great one to try. When social media star Mia Star is murdered during a livestream, her viewers watch in shock. Millions of fans are left wondering, “Who did it?” It’s up to you to solve the case before it’s too late.
DIGITAL CLUES
If you’re an avid watcher of CSI, 20/20, or Dateline, you already know the first three days after a crime are the most critical. You’ll sort through three packs of evidence, and uncover both digital and physical clues. Solve puzzles, read testimonies, watch social media footage and even hack into Mia’s devices to piece together the mystery.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
Each game pack is loaded with 40 pieces of physical evidence and links to digital experiences. You’ll need a smartphone (which is not included – womp womp) to dive into this multi-layered mystery. It’s like getting three murder mystery boxes in one mysterious case.
FOR MATURE DETECTIVES
This one is really geared towards adults, so not ideal for a family game night with kiddos. This intense murder mystery kit is designed for players aged 17 and up and is perfect for solo play, couples, or a group game night.
SPECS:
- RECOMMENDED AGE: Adult, 17+
- NUMBER OF PLAYERS: 1+
