Choosing a murder mystery game

So, you want to throw a murder mystery party but can’t decide? You’re in the right place! This page explains how you can choose a murder mystery game to suit your party.

We’ve got tons of games to choose from, but we know it can be overwhelming. That’s why we’re here to help you find the perfect one for your event.

“I just want to say thank you for your fantastic games! We’ve played at least 16 of them, and every single one has been great fun. We have played a lot of murder mystery games over the past 5 years, and yours are absolutely the best.”

Mary Lantz, USA

Choosing a murder mystery game

These four steps will help you choose a murder mystery game that works best for you.

Step 1: Narrow your options

We’ve got something for everyone, but let’s start by narrowing down your search.

Are you planning a party for kids or adults? Need something for Halloween or Christmas? Check out these categories:

Games for kids: Suitable for ages 8 and up.
Bestsellers: Our most popular murder mystery games.
Games for beginners: Perfect if this is your first murder mystery party.
Halloween games: For a spooky twist on your murder mystery.
Christmas games: Spread some festive fun with a holiday-themed murder mystery.

If you’re not sure where to start, keep reading for more tips on choosing a murder mystery game.

Step 2: How many people are you inviting?

The number of guests can make or break your party, so it’s crucial to get this right.

Our games vary in size, with some designed for small gatherings and others for large groups.

Here’s a tip: Choose a game that matches your guest count as closely as possible. A fuller game often means more fun. (It’s not crucial, though—our games are just as much fun when a few places are empty.)

Just a heads-up: When we say a game is “for 10 guests,” that means 11 people in total, including the host.

When we say a game is “for 10 guests,” that means 11 people in total, including the host.

Three people dressed in wild west outfits for the Way out West murder mystery game

Extra characters for unexpected guests

Ever had a party where more people showed up than you expected? No worries! Most of our murder mystery games come with at least one free extra character, so you can easily accommodate last-minute arrivals. It’s like having a backup plan for your party, ensuring everyone gets to join in on the fun.

But here’s a pro tip: Try to start with a game that’s the right size for your guest list. While the extra characters are handy in a pinch, they aren’t as deeply woven into the story as the main characters. So, for the best experience, choose a game that matches your headcount, and keep the extras as your secret weapon for surprises!

“Your games are the absolute best! I tried half a dozen other murder mystery companies before I found yours and I will never go back. Your games are so much more fun to play, with opposing agendas, secret abilities, and weapons.” Jennifer Ellis, United States

Step 3: Who’s coming to your party?

Next, think about your guests. Are they kids, teens, or adults? Conservative or a bit more adventurous? Our games come with age recommendations—18, 15, or 12—so be sure to choose one that’s appropriate for your group.

(Games for 12+ are just as much fun as those for 18+. It’s just that those with an older age rating include more mature themes.)

If there’s a range of ages, no problem! Some games have multiple versions, including a more family-friendly option.

We explain what the ages mean and our reasons on each game page.

And kids? We see our murder mystery games for kids page.

“I think you folks have put together a fantastic product. Gives opportunity for imagination, using and honing a wide variety of skills.”

KB, California, United States

And if you’re not sure about the gender balance of your murder mystery party, click here for games where all the characters are ungendered.

Someone in garish tie-dye clothing for A Karma Club murder mystery game

Step 4: What’s your party’s theme?

Let’s talk about themes.

Are your guests into pirates, cowboys, spies, or superheroes? Maybe they prefer a Hollywood setting or a historical vibe? We have a variety of themes to suit any crowd.

Themes include:

Step 5: Other considerations

Other aspects you might want to consider:

60 minute games: Games you can play in an hour or less
Games with combat: Some of our murder mystery games include rules for combat.
Games with poison: Some of our games allow guests to try to poison other characters.
Games with neither combat nor poison: And some murder mystery games are (relatively) peaceful.
Games the host can play: These games are designed so the host can play a character and solve the mystery along with everyone else. (In our other games, the host takes an independent role and doesn’t usually play a full character.)
Games for experts: Our more complicated murder mystery games, suitable for more experienced hosts.

Step 6: Our catalog

Click here to download the Freeform Games catalog, which lists all our murder mystery games along with their player numbers, age ratings, key features and a summary.

“You folks are the best. Great customer service and great writing!”

Benjamin S., Illinois, United States