Planning a game night? Murder mystery games are always a hit! Even with the rise of online virtual games, nothing beats the thrill of a physical board game. Murder mystery games offer engaging, suspenseful fun for everyone. The genre boasts a wide variety of options, from family-friendly classics like Clue to more complex games for adults like One Night Ultimate Werewolf.
Top Murder Mystery Board Games
### Clue
Players: 2-6
Clue is a classic for a reason! Unravel the mystery of Mr. Boddy's murder at Tudor Mansion – determine the killer, weapon, and location. A fantastic choice for family game night.
### One Night Ultimate Werewolf
Players: 3-10
A fast-paced, moderator-free werewolf game perfect for large groups. Uncover the werewolf in a single night with no downtime or eliminations.
### Mysterium
Players: 2-7
A unique twist on the murder mystery: one player is a ghost guiding psychics (the other players) to solve the crime. Expect about 40 minutes of gameplay.
### Exit: The Game – Dead Man on The Orient Express
Players: 1-4
An escape room experience in a box! Solve the mystery before the train reaches its destination. Note: this is a one-time play game due to its interactive components.
### Sherlock Holmes Consulting Detective - The Thames Murders & Other Cases
Players: 1-8
Step into the shoes of Sherlock Holmes and solve ten Victorian-era mysteries in London. A challenging game best for ages 12+.
### Hunt a Killer – Death at The Dive Bar
Players: 1+
A truly immersive true crime experience. Solve the murder of bar owner Nick Webster in this engaging puzzle game (45-60 minutes).
### University Games Murder Mystery Party Case Files: Underwood Cellars
Players: 1+
A deep dive into a murder mystery, taking approximately 2 hours or more to complete. Uncover the truth behind the death of winemaker Cary Underwood.
### Deception: Murder in Hong Kong
Players: 4-12
A fast-paced (20 minutes) social deduction game where players take on roles like Murderer, Accomplice, and Investigator.
### 13 Dead End Drive
Players: 2-4
A classic murder mystery with a Knives Out feel. Inherit a fortune by outsmarting your rivals.
### MicroMacro: Crime City
Players: 1-4
Solve 16 cases using keen observation skills in this Where's Waldo-esque game (15-45 minutes).
### Rear Window
Players: 3-5
Inspired by Hitchcock's film, this game blends cooperative and competitive elements, with a potential murder mystery to solve.
### Cryptic Killers: Murder of a Millionaire
Players: 1-99
Solve the murder of lottery winner Chloe using visual and textual clues. Playable solo or cooperatively.
### Detective: A Modern Crime Board Game
Players: 1-5
A realistic simulation of police work, featuring complex cases and a long-term campaign.
This guide highlights some of the best murder mystery board games for your next game night. While geared towards adults, many offer diverse gameplay suitable for various groups. Which ones have you tried?
Additional contributions by Hannah Houlihan
