Far surpassing the simple structure of Clue, the modern murder mystery game is now a diverse and thriving space. From theatrical costumes to intricate puzzles, there’s something for everyone. The common thread? It’s the irresistible challenge of deduction!
So, if you’re choosing a murder mystery game for game night, find out which type of game will suit your family or friends the best.
The 4 Types of Murder Mystery Party Games
The Immersive Dinner Party Game
This classic format is one of the best murder mystery games! It’s built around social interaction, costuming, and acting.
- Mix-and-mingle kits: These are the most popular modern family games for family night. Everyone receives detailed character packets, including secrets, objectives, and information they can reveal or withhold. The game progresses fluidly, usually without strict turns. The killer must actively lie and deflect suspicion while avoiding capture. Meanwhile, others scheme to achieve non-murder-related goals, like locating a lost will or uncovering a secret dalliance.
- Structured box sets: These kits follow a specific structure, delivering information-revealing rounds or scripts. These clues often correspond to the meal’s progression. They allow the host to manage the game more easily and ensure that they introduce all essential clues.
The Analytical Cold Case
Cold case games strip away the role-playing, focusing completely on the investigation and deduction process. They are often designed for solo play or small, cooperative teams.
- Case file games: The game is contained in a physical box or folder filled with meticulously crafted, realistic evidence. These files are extensive, containing police reports, witness interviews, crime scene photos, newspaper clippings, and personal letters. The goal for the players is to cross-reference, annotate, and use logic to pinpoint the killer’s motive, means, and opportunity. Moreover, such games also integrate online portals for accessing bonus evidence or confirming solutions.
- Consulting detective games: This type of game is epitomized by the Sherlock Holmes Consulting Detective series. It provides players with a casebook, a London map, and a directory. Players choose which leads to follow and locations to visit. They also need to read corresponding passages of text, trying to solve the case in the fewest steps.
The Social Deduction Game
While often categorized separately, social deduction games are direct descendants of the murder mystery. They focus on hidden identities, bluffing, and group psychology.
- Hidden role games: Games like Mafia or Blood on the Clocktower involve a town council trying to identify a small group of “bad guys. And they must do this before the bag guys eliminate all of them! There’s no plot of physical evidence. The game relies solely on player persuasion, misdirection, and psychological manipulation.
- Clue interpretation games: Games like Mysterium offer a cooperative twist where one player is the ghost of the victim who can only communicate by giving abstract “vision cards”. The other players must interpret the cards to correctly guess the killer, weapon, and location.
The Digital and Hybrid Experience
The need for remote play and technological advancement has created entirely new formats.
- Virtual hosted parties: These parties often feature downloadable materials. One person hosts the event and guides the players through the rounds.
- Automated murder mystery games: An automated murder mystery game is a tabletop or online role-playing game where players assume characters. They gather clues and interrogate others to solve a fictional murder. The automated aspect can refer to an online platform with virtual guides or a system with a designated host who provides pre-scripted guidance. Many creators, like Mystery Enterprises, offer virtual versions and kits to play at home.
- App-integrated board games: These games blend physical boards, cards, and character components with a digital app. The app manages the story, introduces new suspects, and scans QR codes to interview or visit crime scenes in 3D
- Daily digital puzzles: Reflecting the popularity of puzzle games, simple, logic-based murder puzzles are available daily on websites or apps. MURDLE is one such example of a daily digital puzzle.
The sheer variety of mystery games available means everyone can find the type they want!
Does your teen child enjoy full-immersion costume drama? Does your partner enjoy a rigorous intellectual challenge? Do you prefer the quick hit of psychological mind-games? There’s a perfect murder mystery game waiting to be solved!