When it comes to planning a game night, you can't go wrong with a murder mystery game. Even in an era where virtual party games are readily available online, the charm of a physical board game remains unmatched. Mystery board games are not only fun for everyone involved but also keep guests engaged and on their toes with a thrilling whodunit throughout the night. With a variety of options within this genre, you can choose from classics like Clue for family fun or more intricate games like One Night Ultimate Werewolf for a night with friends.
TL;DR: These are the Best Murder Mystery Games
### Clue
0See it at Amazon
### 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
0See it at Amazon
### 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 curated a selection of our favorite murder mystery games that are perfect for your next game night. Although chosen with adults in mind, each game offers a unique experience and can be enjoyed with a wide range of players, ensuring you find the perfect fit for your group and vibe! Have you tried any of these?
Additional contributions by Hannah Houlihan
Clue
### Clue
0See it at AmazonNumber of players: 2-6
Clue is a timeless classic that's perfect for up to 6 players. As you step into the shoes of a suspect, your mission is to unravel the mystery of who killed Mr. Boddy at Tudor Mansion, pinpointing the exact location and weapon used. It's an ideal detective game for family gatherings and one of the best family board games available.
One Night Ultimate Werewolf
### One Night Ultimate Werewolf
0See it at AmazonNumber of players: 3-10
One Night Ultimate Werewolf offers a thrilling, fast-paced twist on the beloved Werewolf game, perfect for large groups. With no moderator, no elimination, and no downtime, you can enjoy a quick round with up to 10 players and solve the mystery of who the Werewolf is in just one night.
If you're looking for more party games like this, check out our guide to the best board games for large groups.
Mysterium
### Mysterium
0See it at AmazonNumber of players: 2-7
Mysterium elevates the murder mystery experience by casting one player as a restless ghost who guides the other players, acting as psychics, to uncover the identity of their killer. With up to 7 players, you can solve the mystery in just over 40 minutes.
Exit: The Game – Dead Man on The Orient Express
### Exit: The Game – Dead Man on The Orient Express
0See it at AmazonNumber of players: 1-4
Exit: The Game transforms your home into an escape room, challenging you to solve a murder mystery before the train reaches its destination. Inspired by Agatha Christie, this game can only be played once as you'll need to interact with the case materials in the box, writing notes, folding, and cutting different elements.
If you're interested in this type of game, we've researched a variety of other escape room board games you may also enjoy.
Sherlock Holmes Consulting Detective - The Thames Murders & Other Cases
### Sherlock Holmes Consulting Detective - The Thames Murders & Other Cases
0See it at AmazonNumber of players: 1-8
Step into the world of classic detectives with the Sherlock Holmes Consulting Detective game, featuring 10 detailed mysteries set in Victorian London. This game is perfect for extended game nights or solo play, offering a challenging experience suitable for ages 12 and up, though many adults find it demanding as well.
Hunt a Killer – Death at The Dive Bar
### Hunt a Killer – Death at The Dive Bar
0See it at AmazonNumber of players: 1+
True crime enthusiasts will love Hunt a Killer – Death at the Dive Bar, an immersive puzzle game that can be played solo or with friends. Solve the mysterious death of local bar owner Nick Webster in about 45-60 minutes.
University Games Murder Mystery Party Case Files: Underwood Cellars
### University Games Murder Mystery Party Case Files: Underwood Cellars
0See it at AmazonNumber of players: 1+
For a more in-depth murder mystery, the Underwood Cellars Murder Mystery Party Case Files will keep you engaged for about 2 hours or more. Uncover the truth behind the disappearance and death of famed Napa winemaker Cary Underwood, which occurred 20 years ago.
Deception: Murder in Hong Kong
### Deception: Murder in Hong Kong
0See it at AmazonNumber of players: 4-12
Deception: Murder in Hong Kong offers a quick 20-minute game where players take on roles such as Murderer, Accomplice, Forensic Scientist, Witness, and Investigators. Similar to Werewolf, this game challenges you to identify the murderer among the group.
13 Dead End Drive
### 13 Dead End Drive
0See it at AmazonNumber of players: 2-4
13 Dead End Drive is a classic murder mystery game reminiscent of Knives Out. In this game, Aunt Agatha has passed away, leaving her fortune up for grabs. Compete with up to four players to inherit her wealth by setting traps and eliminating the competition.
MicroMacro: Crime City
### MicroMacro: Crime City
0See it at AmazonNumber of players: 1-4
MicroMacro: Crime City offers 16 different cases to solve, each with a Where's Waldo-like element. Use the included magnifying glass to investigate every detail and solve the mysteries in 15-45 minutes with up to four players.
Rear Window
### Rear Window
0See it at AmazonNumber of players: 3-5
Inspired by Hitchcock's thriller, Rear Window adds a twist to the structure of Mysterium. One player acts as the director, assigning characters to apartments and using images to communicate their identities to the other players without words. Sometimes, a murder adds a thrilling twist, turning the game into a suspenseful challenge where the director wins if the murder remains a secret, while the other players win by solving it.
Cryptic Killers: Murder of a Millionaire
### Cryptic Killers: Murder of a Millionaire
0See it at AmazonNumber of players: 1-99
Cryptic Killers: Murder of a Millionaire is the first in a popular series of murder mystery cases that can be solved solo or cooperatively. Solve the murder of lottery winner Chloe using visual and text clues, logic puzzles, and props to determine the guilty suspect among the many provided.
Detective: A Modern Crime Board Game
### Detective: A Modern Crime Board Game
0See it at AmazonNumber of players: 1-5
Detective: A Modern Crime Board Game immerses you in the world of modern-day detectives, offering a realistic simulation of police work with complex cases and an online database of evidence. The game's long-term campaign ensures that information from early cases can become relevant later, creating an engaging narrative akin to top-tier TV drama.
