Planning a game night? You can't go wrong with a murder mystery game. Even with the rise of virtual party games, there's something uniquely engaging about a physical board game. Mystery board games are thrilling, keeping everyone involved and on the edge of their seats with a whodunit that lasts all night. Whether you're looking for a classic like Clue for family fun or a more intricate game like One Night Ultimate Werewolf for a night with friends, there's a wide variety of options to choose from.
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
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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 curated some of our top picks for murder mystery games perfect for your next game night. Although selected with adults in mind, these games offer a unique experience and can accommodate various player counts, ensuring you find the perfect fit for your group's 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 in the world of board games, perfect for up to 6 players. As a suspect, you'll gather clues to solve the mystery of who killed Mr. Boddy at Tudor Mansion, along with the location and weapon used. It's an excellent choice for family game night 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
A favorite for larger groups, One Night Ultimate Werewolf offers a fast-paced twist on the classic Werewolf game. With no moderator or elimination, and no downtime, you can enjoy a quick round with up to 10 players, solving the mystery of who the Werewolf is in one thrilling night. If you enjoy 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 genre by assigning one player the role of a ghost who communicates with the other players, acting as psychics, to solve the mystery of their own murder. It's suitable for up to 7 players and typically takes just over 40 minutes to play.
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. In this scenario, you'll channel your inner Agatha Christie to solve a murder before the train reaches its destination. Note that it's a one-time play as you'll need to write notes, fold, and cut materials from the box. For more like this, explore our selection of escape room board games.
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, you can enjoy ongoing game nights or play solo. These games are more challenging, suitable for ages 12+, and even adults find them tough.
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 this immersive puzzle game. Solve the mystery of Nick Webster's death at his local dive bar. It's designed for 1 or more players and takes about 45-60 minutes to complete.
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 deeper dive into mystery solving, try the Underwood Cellars case. Spend 2 hours or more unraveling the mystery behind the disappearance and death of Napa winemaker Cary Underwood, found 20 years later.
Deception: Murder in Hong Kong
### Deception: Murder in Hong Kong
0See it at AmazonNumber of players: 4-12
In just 20 minutes, Deception: Murder in Hong Kong lets you and a group of friends solve a murder. Players take on various roles such as Murderer, Accomplice, Forensic Scientist, Witness, and Investigators, each contributing uniquely to the mystery.
13 Dead End Drive
### 13 Dead End Drive
0See it at AmazonNumber of players: 2-4
A classic murder mystery game reminiscent of Knives Out, 13 Dead End Drive involves competing for Aunt Agatha's fortune after her death. Set traps and outwit up to three other players to claim the inheritance.
MicroMacro: Crime City
### MicroMacro: Crime City
0See it at AmazonNumber of players: 1-4
MicroMacro: Crime City offers 16 different cases with a Where's Waldo twist. Use the included magnifying glass to investigate and solve mysteries in 15-45 minutes.
Rear Window
### Rear Window
0See it at AmazonNumber of players: 3-5
Inspired by Hitchcock's thriller, Rear Window builds on Mysterium's cooperative gameplay. One player, the director, assigns characters to apartments and uses images to communicate who lives where. Sometimes, there's a murder to solve, turning the game into a suspenseful competition where the director wins if the murder remains 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
The Cryptic Killers series offers engaging murder mystery cases that can be solved solo or with a group. The first case, Murder of a Millionaire, involves solving the death of lottery winner Chloe through logic puzzles and detailed props. It's not just a mystery but a narrative journey into the lives of its characters.
Detective: A Modern Crime Board Game
### Detective: A Modern Crime Board Game
0See it at AmazonNumber of players: 1-5
Detective prides itself on simulating real police work, presenting players with complex cases and an online database of evidence. It also offers a long-term campaign where early clues can impact later cases, weaving a compelling narrative that rivals top-tier TV dramas.
