When planning your next game night, consider the timeless appeal of murder mystery board games. While virtual party games have their charm, the tactile experience of a physical board game adds an extra layer of engagement and excitement. Murder mystery games offer a thrilling whodunit experience that keeps everyone on their toes throughout the evening. With a variety of options available, you can choose from classic games like Clue for a family-friendly night or more complex games like One Night Ultimate Werewolf for an engaging session with friends.
TL;DR: These are the Best Murder Mystery Games
### Clue
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### 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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This board game shopping guide highlights some of the best murder mystery games to consider for your next game night. Selected with adults in mind, each game provides a unique experience and can accommodate various player counts, ensuring you find the perfect fit for your group and vibe. Which of these have you tried?
Additional contributions by Hannah Houlihan
Clue
### Clue
0See it at AmazonNumber of players: 2-6
Clue is a timeless classic that's synonymous with murder mystery games. Suitable for 2-6 players, it challenges you to solve the murder of Mr. Boddy at Tudor Mansion by deducing the killer, the location, and the weapon used. It's a perfect choice for family game nights and stands out as one of the best family board games available.
One Night Ultimate Werewolf
### One Night Ultimate Werewolf
0See it at AmazonNumber of players: 3-10
For larger groups, One Night Ultimate Werewolf offers a fast-paced twist on the beloved Werewolf game. With no moderator or elimination, it's ideal for up to 10 players and can be completed in a single night, making it perfect for quick rounds of mystery-solving.
If you're interested in more games suitable for large groups, explore 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 ghost who guides the others, playing as psychics, to uncover their killer. With support for up to 7 players, this game offers a unique and engaging session that typically lasts 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 brings the excitement of an escape room into your home. In Dead Man on The Orient Express, you'll channel your inner Agatha Christie to solve the mystery before the train reaches its destination. Note that this game can only be played once, as you'll need to use and alter the materials provided.
For enthusiasts of escape room-style games, we've curated a list of other exciting options you might 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 detective work with this game, featuring 10 intricate mysteries set in Victorian London. Suitable for solo or group play with up to 8 players, it's a challenging choice for those aged 12 and up, offering a more complex experience than traditional whodunits.
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 aficionados will appreciate Hunt a Killer – Death at The Dive Bar. This immersive puzzle game, playable solo or with others, challenges you to unravel the mysterious death of a 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 those seeking a deeply engaging mystery, Underwood Cellars offers a comprehensive investigation into the disappearance and subsequent death of famed winemaker Cary Underwood. This game can take 2 hours or more to complete, making it ideal for those who enjoy a thorough narrative.
Deception: Murder in Hong Kong
### Deception: Murder in Hong Kong
0See it at AmazonNumber of players: 4-12
Deception: Murder in Hong Kong is a quick 20-minute game that involves players taking on various roles, including Murderer, Accomplice, Forensic Scientist, Witness, and Investigators, to solve a crime. It's a thrilling choice for groups of 4-12 players.
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 the movie Knives Out. In this game, players vie for Aunt Agatha's fortune after her death, setting traps to eliminate competition. It's perfect for up to 4 players and offers a fun, competitive twist.
MicroMacro: Crime City
### MicroMacro: Crime City
0See it at AmazonNumber of players: 1-4
MicroMacro: Crime City combines mystery-solving with a Where's Waldo-style search. With 16 cases to solve and a magnifying glass included, this game challenges players to scrutinize every detail. It's suitable for 1-4 players and can take between 15-45 minutes to complete.
Rear Window
### Rear Window
0See it at AmazonNumber of players: 3-5
Inspired by Hitchcock's classic thriller, Rear Window adds a twist to the cooperative gameplay seen in Mysterium. One player acts as the director, using images to communicate apartment residents' identities to others. Sometimes, a murder adds a competitive element, making each game session suspenseful and unpredictable.
Cryptic Killers: Murder of a Millionaire
### Cryptic Killers: Murder of a Millionaire
0See it at AmazonNumber of players: 1-99
The Cryptic Killers series, starting with Murder of a Millionaire, offers a deep dive into mystery-solving. Whether playing solo or with up to 99 players, you'll tackle visual and text clues, navigate red herrings, and solve logic puzzles to uncover the killer of lottery winner Chloe. The game's props and narrative make it a compelling and immersive experience.
Detective: A Modern Crime Board Game
### Detective: A Modern Crime Board Game
0See it at AmazonNumber of players: 1-5
Detective prides itself on offering a realistic simulation of police work, complete with online case files and complex investigations. As you progress through its long-term campaign, early case details can resurface, creating an intricate and engaging narrative. Whether you're solving cases alone or with up to 4 others, Detective delivers a gripping experience akin to top-tier TV dramas.
