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, including:
→ A Subscription Option
→ An Amazon Best Seller for Family Game Night
→ An Option that Can Be Played More Than Once
Shop our picks for some of the top Murder Mystery Games in 2023.
1.
Murder Mystery Party Games
Murder at Mardi Gras
$25.99
$20.67 (20% Off!)
This dinner party game is appropriate for ages 18+. With 8 players, solve the Pierre’s mysterious death by a set of Mardi Gras beads. Includes IAccess to Audio/Video with an introduction, summary of events, clues and the solution to the crime online. Mardi Gras not your thing? This line also features four other options as well. Pasta, Passion and Pistols anyone? Check them all out here on Amazon.
2.
Hunt A Killer
Subscription Service
Starts at $30.00 per month
You can subscribe to this Murder Mystery Box on a monthly basis, and also choose a 6 or 12 month option. You’ll get all the materials, and clues to examine, and markup, so you can sort through suspects, alibis, and timelines. Determine each suspects means, motive, and opportunity. You can also connect with others on their official Facebook page, and exchange ideas and theories in spoiler free zone. Each box takes anywhere from 90 minutes to 3 hours to complete. Pick it up here on Hunt a Killer. Or check it out here on Amazon.
3.
Unsolved Case Files
Buddy Edmonds, Cold Case Murder Mystery Game
$29.99
$26.97 (10% Off!)
This series is targeted towards ages 14 and up, so it’s a great option for a family game night with teens, or for teens to play with their friends. Here, you’re a cold case detective that needs to solve a murder that happened decades ago – with only the original investigator’s case file. You’ll need to solve 3 different mysteries or clues in order to crack the case! Includes over 50 evidence photos and documents, like old newspaper clippings, crime scene photographs, fingerprint cards, phone records, and lots more. Pick it up here.
4.
A Killing Affair
This Whodunit is Killer
Starting at $32.50 per month
This one is set up similar to your favorite crime show. You’ll start off with season one (each season is 5 episodes long), and you’ll work through secret messages, find hidden clues, and sort through all the evidence while eliminating certain suspects along the way. Once you make it to the final episode, you’ll have everything you need, and be ready to convict the killer! Recommended for ages 12 and up. Pick it up here.
5.
University Games
Murder Mystery Party Case Files: Underwood Cellars Unsolved Mystery
$19.80
Recommended for ages 14 and up, with a skill level of intermediate, you’ll gather and sort through mort than 50 pieces of evidence and try to identify your killer. You can also find hints and solutions available online in “archived or lost evidence.” Pick it up here.
6.
Talking Tables
Murder Mystery at the Theater
$45.00
If you’re not a fan of the one and done approach, here’s one you can play more than once. With 3 alternative endings, you’ve got a few options. Includes everything you need to plan a murder mystery night – a welcome speech for the host, 12 place cards, name cards, trait cards, occupation cards, and murder weapon props, along with reusable clues, forms and files that add unexpected twists. Gather your favorite group of 5 – 12 people and crack the case! Pick it up here.
You’ll Also Love:
Motivational Water Bottles That Hold You Accountable!
The Latest in Vegan Collagen Powders + Boosters
A Best Selling Face Mask For Beautiful Skin
Vital Proteins Promo Codes & Sales!
