The Best Murder Mystery Board Games
If you've ever been addicted to a good murder mystery novel, TV series, or documentary, believe us when we say you're not alone. There's something extremely satisfying about seeing the resolution to a good mystery play out and it keeps us coming back for more. And with so many awesome murder mystery board games out there, it's never been easier to be your very own detective. Check out our list of the best murder mystery board games, and put your sleuthing skills to the test.
Unsolved Case Files: Ashcroft, Harmony
A Work In Harmony
When a local resident of Riverdale, Indiana is murdered on the night before her wedding and an innocent man is wrongfully convicted of the crime, the city turns to you to solve the mystery. With over 50 pieces of evidence, you can solve three critical parts of the case and catch the evasive culprit. Grab a few friends, piece together the clues, and enter your findings into the game’s website to verify that your team’s on the right track, preventing any spoilers if you happen to veer slightly off course. With solid group coordination, you’ll enjoy hours of fun solving this thrilling murder mystery.
Pros:
- Extremely detailed and well-designed pieces of evidence
- Quality storylines and challenges to captivate your squad for hours
- Includes an online answer key
Cons:
- Perfect for groups of up to six; any more than that may not be ideal
- Can only be played through one time
Clue
Absolutely Timeless
The premier murder mystery board game, there’s a reason Clue has lasted over 70 years and continues to be played today. A perfect blend of the classic board game and murder mystery theater, Clue seamlessly incorporates luck, strategy, and deduction to provide you with a thoroughly engaging experience. Divvy up the cards, roll the dice, and move your pieces. Soon you’ll be declaring, “I suspect Professor Plum of committing the crime in the library with the wrench,” in no time.
Pros:
- Great for fans of the conventional board game format, with dice playing a factor in who correctly solves the crime
- Perfect for adults and children ages 8 and older
- Extremely affordable
Cons:
- Requires some setup each time you play
- Includes small game pieces, necessitating careful storage so nothing gets lost
Hunt A Killer: The Moon Summit Mystery
Howling Good Fun
Originally released on their subscription platform one episode at a time, Hunt A Killer now offers The Moon Summit Mystery game to players in its entirety. Not only does this limited edition box set include pictures, papers, and pamphlets for evidence, but it also contains actual handcrafted pieces for you and your friends to inspect. With six detailed episodes that build upon one another, The Moon Summit Mystery boasts 10 to 15+ hours of gameplay and is perfect for up to four detectives ready for a challenge.
Pros:
- Handcrafted items included in the box help create a truly immersive experience
- The limited-edition box set includes all six parts of The Moon Summit Mystery, allowing you to complete it at your own convenience
- Filled with hours of detailed clues, puzzles, and challenges
Con:
- The steep cost may be prohibitive to some buyers, though it’s well worth the expense
Deception: Murder in Hong Kong
Deception Is The Name of the Game
Deception: Murder in Hong Kong is as versatile as they come, supporting gameplay with as many as 12 players at one time. This fast-paced murder mystery game pits a Murderer against a Forensic Scientist and their team of Investigators in a contest of wits, interrogation, and deception. Only the Murderer knows the means of murder and key pieces of evidence, while the Investigators rely on clues provided by the Forensic Scientist to identify who among the group is hiding their nefarious identity. With 200 Clue cards and 90 Means cards, the game offers unlimited unique game experiences to share among your friends.
Pros:
- Great for large groups, allowing up to 12 players
- Unlimited replayability, with tons of different Clues and Means card combinations to keep the game fresh
- Suitable for children ages 12 and up
Con:
- Not recommended for less than four players, though some have found creative ways to make it work
Cold Case Crackers: Addenberg Train Bomber
Go it Solo or Squad Up
With a thorough collection of photographs, diagrams, Cold Case Crackers: Addenberg Train Bomber includes everything you need to solve this murder mystery. Whether you choose to do so on your own or with your investigative team, it’s a guaranteed thrill ride. With its online integration, enter in codes at various points of the game to ensure you’re headed down the right track and ask for hints if you find you’ve run into a dead end. As you navigate through the four phases of the game, challenge your sleuthing skills and see if you have what it takes to crack the case.
Pros:
- No limit to the number of participants that can play, but groups larger than 8 might consider splitting up into teams
- The game is divided into phases, providing great opportunities to pause and pick up later if necessary
Con:
- Requires a cell phone or a computer with internet access to play, which may be a hindrance if you want to play in more remote locations
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the average live-action murder mystery game last?
Average playtime for live-action murder mystery games varies considerably. Their duration depends on the number of objectives needed to be solved and the overall strength of your team. One of the best aspects of these games is that they can be played at your own pace, allowing you to choose whether to take your time and calmly examine each piece of evidence, or challenge yourself to solve the mystery as quickly as you can.
Why should I choose a live-action murder mystery game when it can only be played once?
Some of these games are replayable, while others aren’t. Live-action murder mystery games are perfect for groups or individuals who enjoy a more immersive experience, allowing them to put themselves in the shoes of a detective and handle physical pieces of evidence. This added opportunity for roleplay can help heighten the thrill of the mystery, as well as the excitement of finally cracking the case. And after you’ve solved the crime, feel free to swap games with others for another brand new, murder mystery experience.
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