Planning a game night? You can't go wrong with the excitement of a murder mystery game. While virtual party games have their charm, there's something uniquely engaging about gathering around a physical board game. These games offer an immersive whodunit experience that keeps everyone on their toes and thoroughly entertained. From classic family-friendly games like Clue to more intricate options like One Night Ultimate Werewolf for friends, there's a wide variety of murder mystery board games to suit any group.
TL;DR: These are the Best Murder Mystery Games
### Clue
0See it at Amazon### One Night Ultimate Werewolf
0See it at Amazon### Mysterium
0See it at Amazon### Exit: The Game – Dead Man on The Orient Express
0See it at Amazon### Sherlock Holmes Consulting Detective - The Thames Murders & Other Cases
0See it at Amazon### Hunt a Killer – Death at The Dive Bar
0See it at Amazon### University Games Murder Mystery Party Case Files: Underwood Cellars
0See it at Amazon### Deception: Murder in Hong Kong
0See it at Amazon### 13 Dead End Drive
0See it at Amazon### MicroMacro: Crime City
0See it at Amazon### Rear Window
0See it at Amazon### Cryptic Killers: Murder of a Millionaire
0See it at Amazon### Detective: A Modern Crime Board Game
0See it at Amazon
In this board game shopping guide, we've curated a selection of top murder mystery games that are perfect for your next game night. While these games are designed with adults in mind, they offer diverse experiences suitable for various player counts, ensuring you find the ideal match for your group's dynamics and preferences. Which ones have you tried?
Additional contributions by Hannah Houlihan
Clue
### Clue
0See it at AmazonNumber of players: 2-6
Clue is a timeless board game renowned for its engaging murder mystery theme. Ideal for 2-6 players, everyone becomes a suspect in the quest to solve the murder of Mr. Boddy at Tudor Mansion. Identify the killer, the location, and the weapon used in this classic detective game that's perfect for family game nights.
One Night Ultimate Werewolf
### One Night Ultimate Werewolf
0See it at AmazonNumber of players: 3-10
One Night Ultimate Werewolf offers a fast-paced twist on the traditional Werewolf game, perfect for larger groups. With no need for a moderator and no player eliminations, you can enjoy a quick round with up to 10 players, all trying to uncover the Werewolf's identity in just one night. For more options, 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 introducing a ghostly element. One player becomes a restless ghost, guiding the rest, who play as psychics, to identify the killer. With support for up to 7 players, this game offers an intriguing 40-minute session.
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
Transform your home into an escape room with Exit: The Game. This edition, Dead Man on The Orient Express, challenges you to solve a murder before the train reaches its final stop. Designed for one-time play, you'll dive deep into the case, using the materials provided to piece together the mystery. For similar experiences, explore our collection 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 shoes of Sherlock Holmes with this game, which offers 10 detailed mysteries set in Victorian London. Suitable for solo play or groups of up to 8, this challenging game is perfect for players aged 12 and above, keeping your murder mystery nights exciting and varied.
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. This immersive puzzle game can be played alone or with friends, challenging you to solve the mysterious death of bar owner Nick Webster within 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 deep dive into a murder mystery, try the Underwood Cellars Case Files. This game takes about 2 hours or more to solve the disappearance and subsequent discovery of winemaker Cary Underwood, offering a rich, engaging experience.
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 assume roles like Murderer, Accomplice, Forensic Scientist, Witness, and Investigators. Similar to Werewolf, it's a fast-paced, engaging way to solve a crime with a group.
13 Dead End Drive
### 13 Dead End Drive
0See it at AmazonNumber of players: 2-4
Inspired by films like Knives Out, 13 Dead End Drive is a classic murder mystery game. After Aunt Agatha's death, players compete to inherit her fortune by setting traps to eliminate the competition. It's fun and suitable for up to 4 players.
MicroMacro: Crime City
### MicroMacro: Crime City
0See it at AmazonNumber of players: 1-4
With 16 cases to solve, MicroMacro: Crime City adds a 'Where's Waldo' twist to the murder mystery genre. Use the included magnifying glass to examine every detail and crack the cases in 15-45 minutes with up to 4 players.
Rear Window
### Rear Window
0See it at AmazonNumber of players: 3-5
Inspired by Hitchcock's thriller, Rear Window adapts Mysterium's cooperative gameplay with a suspenseful twist. One player acts as the director, using images to communicate who lives in each apartment. Sometimes, a murder adds a competitive edge, making each game thrilling and unpredictable.
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, offering a challenging solo or cooperative mystery. Solve the murder of lottery winner Chloe by piecing together visual and text clues, navigating through red herrings, and immersing yourself in the game's narrative.
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 promises a realistic detective experience, using online case files to simulate police work. With a long-term campaign where early cases can impact later ones, it creates an engaging narrative that rivals top TV dramas.