Top Murder Mystery Games for Thrilling Fun

When it comes to organizing a memorable game night, opting for a murder mystery game is a surefire way to keep everyone entertained. While virtual party games have their place in the digital age, the tactile experience of a physical board game adds an extra layer of excitement. Murder mystery board games offer a thrilling whodunit experience that keeps guests engaged and on the edge of their seats throughout the night. With a wide variety of games available, you can choose from classics like Clue, perfect for family fun, to more intricate options like One Night Ultimate Werewolf, ideal for a lively 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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In this board game shopping guide, we’ve curated a selection of top-rated murder mystery games that are perfect for your next game night. Although these games are geared towards adults, they offer diverse experiences suitable for various group sizes, ensuring you find the ideal fit for your gathering. Which of these games have you tried?

Additional contributions by Hannah Houlihan

Clue

Clue

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Number of players: 2-6

Clue is a timeless board game that's synonymous with murder mysteries. It accommodates up to six players, each taking on the role of a suspect as they unravel the mystery of Mr. Boddy's murder at Tudor Mansion. Players must deduce who committed the crime, where it happened, and with which weapon. This classic detective game is perfect for family game nights and stands as one of the best family board games available.

One Night Ultimate Werewolf

One Night Ultimate Werewolf

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Number of players: 3-10

One Night Ultimate Werewolf is a fast-paced twist on the beloved Werewolf game, ideal for larger groups. With no need for a moderator or elimination, it allows up to ten players to engage in a quick, thrilling round to uncover the Werewolf's identity over the course of one night. For more group-friendly options, explore our guide to the best board games for large groups.

Mysterium

Mysterium

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Number of players: 2-7

Mysterium elevates the murder mystery genre by casting one player as a ghost who must guide the others, playing as psychics, to identify their killer. This cooperative game can accommodate up to seven players and typically lasts just over 40 minutes.

Exit: The Game – Dead Man on The Orient Express

Exit: The Game – Dead Man on The Orient Express

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Number of players: 1-4

Exit: The Game brings the excitement of an escape room into your living room. In this scenario, players must channel their inner Agatha Christie to solve a murder before the train reaches its destination. Note that this game is designed for one-time use, as solving the mystery involves physically altering the game components. If you enjoy this style, check out our list of other escape room board games.

Sherlock Holmes Consulting Detective - The Thames Murders & Other Cases

Sherlock Holmes Consulting Detective - The Thames Murders & Other Cases

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Number of players: 1-8

Step into the shoes of a classic detective with this game, which features ten intricate mysteries set in Victorian London. The Sherlock Holmes Consulting Detective series offers a challenging experience suitable for ages 12 and up, making it a great choice for adult game nights.

Hunt a Killer – Death at The Dive Bar

Hunt a Killer – Death at The Dive Bar

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Number of players: 1+

True crime enthusiasts will appreciate Hunt a Killer – Death at the Dive Bar, an immersive puzzle game that can be enjoyed solo or with friends. Players work to solve the murder 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

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Number of players: 1+

For those craving a deeper dive into a murder mystery, the Underwood Cellars Murder Mystery Party Case Files offers an engaging two-hour (or longer) experience. Players must unravel the mystery surrounding the disappearance and subsequent death of Napa winemaker Cary Underwood.

Deception: Murder in Hong Kong

Deception: Murder in Hong Kong

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Number of players: 4-12

Deception: Murder in Hong Kong is a quick 20-minute game reminiscent of Werewolf, where players take on various roles such as Murderer, Accomplice, Forensic Scientist, Witness, and Investigators to solve the crime.

13 Dead End Drive

13 Dead End Drive

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Number of players: 2-4

13 Dead End Drive is a fun and classic murder mystery game that's easy for everyone to enjoy. In this game, players vie for Aunt Agatha's vast fortune, setting traps to eliminate their competition. It's like a board game version of Knives Out.

MicroMacro: Crime City

MicroMacro: Crime City

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Number of players: 1-4

MicroMacro: Crime City offers 16 different cases to solve, each with a Where's Waldo twist. Players use a magnifying glass to investigate every detail, making it a great choice for up to four players and lasting between 15-45 minutes per case.

Rear Window

Rear Window

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Number of players: 3-5

Inspired by Hitchcock's thriller, Rear Window adds a unique twist to the Mysterium formula. One player acts as the director, assigning characters to apartments and using images to communicate their identities to the other players. Sometimes, a murder adds a thrilling element, turning the game into a suspenseful challenge.

Cryptic Killers: Murder of a Millionaire

Cryptic Killers: Murder of a Millionaire

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Number of players: 1-99

Cryptic Killers is a popular series that offers both solo and cooperative gameplay. The first game, Murder of a Millionaire, challenges players to solve the murder of lottery winner Chloe using a mix of visual and text clues, as well as logic puzzles. The immersive narrative and detailed props create a compelling experience.

Detective: A Modern Crime Board Game

Detective: A Modern Crime Board Game

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Number of players: 1-5

Detective promises a realistic simulation of police work, with players acting as modern-day detectives solving complex cases using online case files. The game features a long-term campaign where early case information can impact later ones, creating an engaging narrative akin to a top-tier TV drama.