Top Murder Mystery Games for Thrilling Fun

When it comes to planning a memorable game night, you can't go wrong with a murder mystery game. In an era where virtual party games are readily available online, there's still something special about gathering around a physical board game. These games provide a thrilling whodunit experience that keeps everyone engaged and on their toes throughout the evening. With a wide variety of options within this genre, you can choose from classics like Clue for a family-friendly night or more complex games like One Night Ultimate Werewolf for a fun evening 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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In this board game shopping guide, we've curated a selection of our favorite murder mystery games that are perfect for your next game night. While these games are tailored for adults, each offers a unique experience and can accommodate various numbers of players, ensuring you find the perfect fit for your group and atmosphere. Have you tried any of these games yet?

Additional contributions by Hannah Houlihan

Clue

0See it at Amazon! Number of players: 2-6

Clue is one of the most iconic board games out there, and it's a classic murder mystery that can be enjoyed by up to 6 players. As you gather clues, you'll try to solve the mystery of who killed Mr. Boddy in Tudor Mansion, along with the location and weapon used. It's a timeless detective game that's perfect for family game nights and one of the best family board games you can buy.

One Night Ultimate Werewolf

0See it at Amazon! Number of players: 3-10

Werewolf is a beloved game that thrives in large groups, but One Night Ultimate Werewolf introduces a fast-paced twist, eliminating the need for a moderator and minimizing downtime. You can play a quick round with up to 10 players, solving the mystery of the Werewolf in just one night.

For more games suited for big groups, check out our guide to the best board games for large groups.

Mysterium

0See it at Amazon! Number of players: 2-7

Mysterium elevates the murder mystery genre by casting one player as a restless ghost who assists the other players, acting as psychics, in uncovering the identity of their killer. With up to 7 players, you can expect an engaging experience that lasts just over 40 minutes.

Exit: The Game – Dead Man on The Orient Express

0See it at Amazon! Number of players: 1-4

Exit: The Game brings the excitement of an escape room into your home. In this scenario, you'll channel your inner Agatha Christie to solve a murder before the train reaches its destination. Note that this game is designed for one-time use, as you'll need to interact with the materials in the box, writing notes, folding, and cutting them.

Explore more escape room board games in our comprehensive guide.

Sherlock Holmes Consulting Detective - The Thames Murders & Other Cases

0See it at Amazon! Number of players: 1-8

Step into the world of classic detectives with the Sherlock Holmes Consulting Detective game, featuring 10 intricate mysteries set in Victorian London. This game is perfect for extended game nights or solo play. It's a bit more challenging than your average whodunit, best suited for players aged 12 and up, and can be a tough nut to crack even for adults.

Hunt a Killer – Death at The Dive Bar

0See it at Amazon! Number of players: 1+

True crime enthusiasts will love Hunt a Killer – Death at the Dive Bar, an immersive puzzle game that can be played solo or with friends. You'll spend about 45-60 minutes solving the mysterious death of local bar owner Nick Webster.

University Games Murder Mystery Party Case Files: Underwood Cellars

0See it at Amazon! Number of players: 1+

For an in-depth murder mystery, try the Underwood Cellars Murder Mystery Party Case Files. It could take you 2 hours or more to unravel the fate of Napa winemaker Cary Underwood, whose body was discovered 20 years after his disappearance.

Deception: Murder in Hong Kong

0See it at Amazon! Number of players: 4-12

Deception: Murder in Hong Kong offers a quick 20-minute game where you and a group of players work to identify the murderer. Each player assumes a role such as Murderer, Accomplice, Forensic Scientist, Witness, or Investigator, adding depth to the mystery.

13 Dead End Drive

0See it at Amazon! Number of players: 2-4

13 Dead End Drive is another classic murder mystery game that's fun for all ages. Similar to the movie Knives Out, this game revolves around the inheritance of Aunt Agatha's vast fortune. Compete with up to four players and set traps to outwit your opponents.

MicroMacro: Crime City

0See it at Amazon! Number of players: 1-4

MicroMacro: Crime City offers 16 cases to solve, each with a Where's Waldo-style twist. Use the included magnifying glass to scrutinize every detail as you play with up to four people. Each case can take between 15-45 minutes to complete.

Rear Window

0See it at Amazon! Number of players: 3-5

Inspired by Hitchcock's classic thriller, Rear Window plays similarly to Mysterium but with a suspenseful twist. One player acts as the director, assigning characters to four apartments and using images to convey their identities to the others. Sometimes, a murder is involved, turning the cooperative game into a competitive one where the director can win if the murder remains a secret.

Cryptic Killers: Murder of a Millionaire

0See it at Amazon! Number of players: 1-99

Cryptic Killers is a popular series of murder mystery cases that you can solve alone or with a group. The first in the series, Murder of a Millionaire, presents the case of lottery winner Chloe found dead in a park. You'll need to piece together visual and text clues, navigate red herrings, and solve logic puzzles to determine the guilty party. The detailed props immerse you in the characters' lives, adding depth to the narrative.

Detective: A Modern Crime Board Game

0See it at Amazon! Number of players: 1-5

Detective claims to provide a realistic simulation of police work, casting you as a modern-day detective with access to an extensive online database of evidence. It's also a long-term campaign where information from early cases can become relevant later, creating a rich, interconnected narrative. While the realism claim is subjective, the game certainly blends murder mystery and board game mechanics to offer complex cases, delivering on its promise of an engrossing story akin to top-tier TV dramas.