Murder Mystery Games
Turn any gathering into a fun whodunit with these murder mystery party games — complete with tips, twists, and drinking versions.
✍️ June 20, 2025
- 🕵️‍♂️ Top 6 Murder Mystery Party Games
- 🍸 Murder Mystery Games: Drinking Version
- 📜 Murder Mystery Game Rules
- âť“Â FAQs about Murder Mystery Games
There’s nothing quite like accusing your best friend of cold-blooded murder while sipping a cocktail and wearing a feather boa. Murder mystery party games are the ultimate mash-up of theatre, puzzle-solving, and good old-fashioned chaos.
They turn ordinary evenings into full-blown detective dramas where the only thing more suspicious than the killer is Aunt Linda’s suspiciously good poker face.
Whether you fancy dusting off a magnifying glass or unleashing your inner femme fatale, there’s a murder mystery game out there that will get your guests plotting (and laughing) all night. From gritty detective work to decadent themed soirées, this list of top picks will have you sleuthing, sipping, and side-eyeing your friends in no time.
👉 If you love spooky vibes, these Halloween Board Games are perfect for your next party.
Top 6 Murder Mystery Party Games
Ready to round up your suspects? These murder mystery party games offer intrigue, drama, and more plot twists than a soap opera marathon.
1. Unsolved Case Files
A cold case file lands on your desk: newspaper clippings, police reports, photographs. The killer has walked free for years—until now. You and your friends must comb through every shred of evidence to solve the mystery.
How to Play Unsolved Case Files
Think of it as CSI meets a rainy Sunday afternoon. You’ll be using real-looking evidence and piecing together timelines to catch your culprit.
1. Spread out all the evidence
Lay out every document, photo, and report so the whole group can see it.
2. Tackle one objective at a time
Most cases have several objectives, like disproving an alibi or finding a hidden connection.
3. Cross-reference clues
Match dates, times, and witness statements to catch inconsistencies.
4. Use the hint system wisely
If you’re truly stumped, hints can nudge you in the right direction without spoiling the fun.
5. Confirm your solution online
Each objective has an online check to see if you’re right—only then can you move on to the next stage.
2. Murder Mystery Party: Underwood Cellars
A decades-old crime, a wine cellar sealed in scandal, and a cast of characters with more secrets than bottles of Merlot.
How to Play Underwood Cellars
This one’s all about mingling in character while slyly pumping each other for information.
1. Assign roles in advance
Send out character sheets before the party so guests can prepare costumes.
2. Start with an introduction round
Everyone introduces themselves in character to set the mood.
3. Pass clues mid-game
Distribute clue cards at certain intervals to keep the plot evolving.
4. Keep track of accusations
A central “suspect board” makes it easy to see who’s under fire.
5. Reveal the killer dramatically
Save the final accusation and reveal for the last 10 minutes—it’s all about the suspense.
3. Mardi Gras Dinner Party Edition
Carnival masks, beads, and a murder that’s anything but festive—this game brings Mardi Gras madness to your dining table.
How to Play Mardi Gras Edition
Expect plenty of character-driven chaos and scandal under the glittering lights of New Orleans.
1. Set the scene with décor
Masks, beads, and jazz music are a must.
2. Assign flamboyant characters
Encourage guests to ham it up—this theme thrives on drama.
3. Distribute clues during courses
Each course of the meal comes with a new clue drop.
4. Keep motives secret
Guests must find clever ways to hide or twist their motives until the end.
5. Reveal with flair
The killer should make their confession as over-the-top as possible—preferably with dramatic hand gestures.
4. Murder We Wrote
Think of this as a live-action mystery novel with an ensemble cast of amateur detectives and dodgy suspects.
How to Play Murder We Wrote
It’s big on storytelling and thrives with large groups who love talking their way into (and out of) trouble.
1. Assign a narrator or host
They keep the plot on track and announce twists.
2. Break the game into acts
This keeps momentum and gives everyone a chance to speak.
3. Sprinkle in red herrings
Not every clue should lead somewhere—keep them guessing.
4. Allow for private side chats
Encourage secret deals and whispered exchanges.
5. End with a vote
Everyone casts a vote for who they think did it before the truth is revealed.
5. Alpine Hotel Edition
Snow is falling, the power’s out, and someone’s been murdered at a luxury mountain retreat.
How to Play Alpine Hotel Edition
This one works for any group size and can be replayed thanks to reusable materials.
1. Hand out character cards
Include personality quirks for extra flavor.
2. Give each player secret objectives
Beyond solving the murder, they might need to steal something or protect a secret.
3. Time the events
Announce new developments at set intervals.
4. Encourage alliances
Temporary alliances make for delicious betrayals later.
🤓 Suggested read: Top 7 Detective Board Games for All Ages
5. Reveal the killer with a twist
The ending can change depending on how players act, so no two games are the same.
6. Death by Chocolate
A sweet soirée gone sour—this decadent game mixes elegance with deadly deception.
How to Play Death by Chocolate
Perfect for foodies who like their desserts with a side of danger.
1. Pair with dessert cocktails
Chocolate martinis or espresso martinis keep the theme going.
2. Serve “clue courses”
Each dessert plate hides a physical clue.
3. Encourage false alibis
Guests can mislead others, but be careful—it might backfire.
4. Make chocolate a recurring motif
All clues or motives tie back to cocoa in some way.
5. Deliver a dramatic reveal
Bonus points if the killer “poisons” dessert in the final scene.
Murder Mystery Games: Drinking Version
Want to spice up your sleuthing? Adding drinks to the mix turns your mystery night into a laugh-filled, slightly wobbly caper.
👉 If murder mysteries aren’t scary enough, level up with Horror Movie Drinking Games.
1. 1920s Speakeasy Murder
Gangsters, flappers, and bootleg booze—this is Prohibition with a killer twist.
How to Play 1920s Speakeasy Murder
The rules are lighthearted, but the accusations will fly fast.
1. Sip every time slang is used
Words like “bee’s knees” and “cat’s meow” mean drink time.
2. Down your drink if accused
Hey, even innocent people get blamed.
3. Toast whenever the “speakeasy” is mentioned
Keeps the party atmosphere going.
4. Bonus sip for a bribe
Bribes can be real or in-game currency.
5. Everyone drinks at the final reveal
One last hurrah before the mystery ends.
2. Hidden Games Crime Scene
A modern-day investigation with real-looking police files, but with a tipsy twist.
How to Play Hidden Games Crime Scene
The contrast between serious evidence and not-so-serious detectives is half the fun.
1. Drink for each new clue found
Discovery deserves celebration.
2. Double sip for disproven theories
Keeps wild speculation in check.
3. Group toast for every motive uncovered
Solidarity in sleuthing.
4. Take a shot if you accuse the wrong suspect
Oops.
5. Victory drink for whoever guesses correctly first
Win in style.
3. Death by Chocolate (Drinking Edition)
Desserts meet drinks—dangerously delicious.
How to Play Death by Chocolate (Drinking Edition)
Same sweet setting, but this time with added cocktail chaos.
1. Sip when chocolate is mentioned
That’ll happen a lot.
2. Double sip if you lie successfully
A little deception deserves a reward.
3. Drink when a shocking secret is revealed
Adds suspense and tipsiness.
4. Group shot when the murderer is unmasked
Cheers to justice.
5. Bonus drink for the player with the “best” alibi
The more absurd, the better.
Murder Mystery Game Rules
Murder mystery party games are more fun when everyone’s in on the drama. Keep these tips in mind to make the night run smoothly.
1. Stay in character
It’s more fun when everyone commits to their role.
2. Don’t hog the spotlight
Let quieter guests have their moments.
3. Keep secrets close
The less you spill early, the more tension builds.
4. Embrace the chaos
Plots twist—roll with it.
5. Remember: fun > winning
The point isn’t just to solve it—it’s to enjoy the ride.
FAQs About Murder Mystery Games
1. Can you play murder mystery games with a small group?
Yes—many kits work with 4-6 players.
2. Do you need costumes?
Not required, but they make the night way more fun.
3. How long do these games take?
Most run 2-3 hours, depending on complexity.
4. Can you replay the same game?
Some are reusable, others aren’t—check the box.
5. Are they family-friendly?
Some are, but others have mature themes—choose accordingly.
