Top 14 Best Murder Mystery Board Games of 2024
Gather your magnifying glasses and detective hats, because we’re about to unravel the mysteries of the best murder mystery board games out there. When we picked the cream of the crop for this list, we focused on gameplay variety, the intrigue of the mystery, how well it handles the theme of deduction, and, of course, the fun factor that keeps us coming back for more. From the eerie halls of haunted mansions to the foggy streets of Victorian London, each game offers a unique twist on solving the ultimate whodunit. Whether you’re new to the genre or a seasoned sleuth, our list has something to intrigue every type of detective.
On this list:
14 Mysterium
Mysterium kicks off our list as a unique take on the best murder mystery board game theme. We love it because it mixes elements of deduction with cooperative play, making it a blast with friends. One player takes on the role of a ghost, giving silent clues to the others to solve their murder. It’s like charades met Clue and had a beautiful board game baby. The artwork? Stunning. Makes us feel like we’re right in a haunted mansion.
13 Sherlock Holmes Consulting Detective
This game is for those who want to deep-dive into a murder mystery without actually becoming detectives. It’s less about dice and more about brains. You and your mates become part of Sherlock’s team, tackling different cases. Each case is a story on its own. What’s cool? It’s a game but feels like you’re solving a real mystery. The freedom to follow leads in any order you like makes every play unique.
12 Deception: Murder in Hong Kong
Talk about a game that gets the heart racing and the accusations flying! In Deception, one of you’s a murderer, another’s a forensic scientist, and the rest are investigators trying to solve the crime. The catch? The murderer’s playing along, trying to throw everyone off. It’s like a game of poker with a detective hat on. The mix of social deduction and murder mystery makes it irresistable for a game night.
11 Chronicles of Crime
Imagine combining a board game with VR and your smartphone. That’s Chronicles of Crime for you. It’s not just any murder mystery game; it’s your chance to immerse yourself fully in crime scenes, looking for clues. What sets it apart? The tech. You actually scan QR codes and use VR to look around scenes. It’s like CSI in a box. Plus, the stories are gripping, making it hard to stop after just one case.
10 Detective: A Modern Crime Board Game
This game turns your dining room into a high-stakes crime lab. Detective is heavy on the narrative, offering a mix of online resources and physical clues to solve five interconnected cases. What grabs us? The realism. You feel like an actual detective, using real databases to research leads. It’s a brain-burner, but in the best way possible, making you feel like you’ve stepped into an episode of your favorite crime show.
9 Obscurio
Obscurio adds a magical twist to the murder mystery genre. Instead of a traditional whodunit, you’re escaping a sorcer’s library with a grimoire in tow. Why do we like it? It’s not just about solving a mystery; it’s about surviving one. While one player betrays the others as the traitor, the rest must interpret visual clues to escape. It’s a game that combines teamwork with treachery, wrapped up in a beautifully illustrated package.
8 Letters from Whitechapel
This one’s a cat-and-mouse game set in Victorian London, with one player as Jack the Ripper and the rest as detectives. It’s a thrilling chase through the streets, trying to catch one of history’s most notorious criminals. What stands out? The tension. Every move feels crucial, and as Jack sneaks around, the detectives’ frustration mounts. It’s a game of wits, and when you finally corner Jack, the victory is sweet.
7 Mr. Jack
Mr. Jack streamlines the chase into a tight, two-player game. One’s Jack, and the other’s the detective. The goal? For Jack to escape before getting caught. It’s like a tense game of hide and seek on a board. The simplicity is its charm, making every decision feel significant. Plus, it’s quick to learn but offers depth, perfect for those murder mystery duels when you’ve only got a short time to play.
6 Fury of Dracula
Not your typical murder mystery, but Fury of Dracula has you hunting the legendary vampire across Europe. It’s a game of cat and mouse, with Dracula leaving traps and minions in his wake. Why it’s on our list? The theme. It’s gothic horror meets detective work. The board and pieces are top-notch, making you feel like you’re really trekking through 19th-century Europe. Plus, playing as Dracula offers a delicious twist.
5 Tragedy Looper
Tragedy Looper is a mind-bending game where players are time travelers trying to prevent a tragedy. Each loop gives you a chance to change events, but beware, the mastermind player is against you. It’s like Groundhog Day with a dark twist. The concept is genius, forcing you to think several moves ahead. Plus, the artwork and storylines are eerily captivating, pulling you into its mystery.
4 Clue: Master Detective
An expanded version of the classic Clue, Clue: Master Detective adds more suspects, rooms, and weapons. It’s the quintessential murder mystery board game but bigger. Why do we keep coming back to it? Nostalgia, mixed with the joy of accusing your friends of murder. The added elements make the game more complex and satisfying. Plus, trying to bluff your way out when you’re the murderer adds to the fun.
3 Betrayal at Baldur’s Gate
Imagine if Betrayal at House on the Hill went on a fantasy adventure, and you’ve got Betrayal at Baldur’s Gate. It blends classic murder mystery with D&D elements. Why’s it a must-try? The variety. With multiple scenarios and roles, no two games are the same. Plus, the moment when the haunt reveals and someone becomes a traitor is always a highlight. It’s spooky, it’s fun, and it’s unpredictable.
2 13 Dead End Drive
A nostalgic ride to childhood for many, 13 Dead End Drive is a game of traps, deceit, and inheritance. It’s like a Saturday morning cartoon turned deadly. The thrill of setting traps for other players and the tension when you’re navigating through the mansion make it endlessly entertaining. It’s not just about figuring out the murderer; it’s about surviving long enough to claim the inheritance. Plus, the 3D board is just cool.
1 Awkward Guests
Awkward Guests is an innovative deduction game that offers a fresh take on the murder mystery genre. Unlike the other listed games, it uses a unique card system for gathering clues, which keeps every game surprising and engaging. Players get to solve the mystery of Mr. Walton’s murder by analyzing the clues available, making it an excellent choice for those who love piecing together puzzles and outsmarting their friends. Its replayability and clever design make it stand out from the crowd, offering a distinctive experience that’s both challenging and rewarding.
