Types of At-Home Detective Games
Detective games ask players to gather clues, compare statements and work out who did it. At home, they come in a few formats:
- Boxed case files with physical documents and evidence
- Tabletop deduction games with rules and a board or cards
- Social deduction party games that need only people
- Video games and apps with detective stories
- DIY mysteries you build yourself
The right pick depends on how many people are playing, how long you have, and whether you want to spend money.
Boxed Case-File Games
These games arrive as a kit of documents, photos and sometimes small physical items, and players read through them to solve a case. Well-known examples include the Hunt A Killer series and Hidden Games, along with various “unsolved case” kits. Many are designed to be played once, since solving the case reveals the answer, and many can be played solo or with a small group. Check each product’s page for the recommended player count and age.
Tabletop Deduction Games
If you prefer something replayable, deduction board and card games let you solve a fresh puzzle each time. Classic examples include Clue (Cluedo), where players narrow down suspect, weapon and room, and Sherlock Holmes Consulting Detective, which is a case-based game. Other mystery-flavored games are Mysterium, a cooperative game where one player gives visions to others, and Deception: Murder in Hong Kong, a social deduction game for larger groups. Player counts and ages vary by title, so check the box.
Social Deduction Party Games
You can play detective with no equipment at all. These games work best with around six or more players. For a lighter version, see spy icebreaker games.
- Mafia (Werewolf): hidden roles with a narrator. Villagers try to find the secret wrongdoers, who “act” each round.
- Wink Murder: a secret killer “eliminates” players by winking at them, while everyone else tries to spot the winker.
- Detective (a variation of Wink Murder): one person leaves the room, a killer is chosen, and the returning detective must work out who it is.
These pair well with the party formats in our guide to indoor games for youth.
Detective Video Games and Apps
If you want a screen-based option, many story-driven detective games exist, some single-player and some playable by passing the controller around the room. Look for titles that suit your group’s age and comfort with mature themes, as some detective games are aimed at adults. Murder mystery party apps also exist for phones and tablets, but quality and pricing vary, so read reviews first.
Build Your Own DIY Mystery
A simple home mystery needs only paper and a bit of planning.
- Pick a crime: a missing cookie jar, a stolen birthday cake or a vanished trophy works well for a family game.
- Create suspects: write a short profile for each, with an alibi and a secret.
- Make clues: a footprint drawing, a note with a smudge, a receipt, or a torn photo. Hide them around the house, as you would in a treasure hunt at home.
- Add a solution sheet: decide who did it and why, and make sure the clues point to one answer.
- Let players investigate: they can question the “suspects” (played by you or other guests) and submit a guess at the end.
Choosing the Right Game
- Two players or a couple: a boxed case or a cooperative deduction game.
- Family with kids: a DIY mystery or a simplified deduction game with age-appropriate themes.
- Large group of friends: a social deduction party game such as Mafia.
- Solo evening: a detective video game or a single-player case file.
For couples, best couple games has more options, and free printable family games can supply paper clues for a family case.
Hosting Tips
- Read content descriptions first, since some mysteries involve mature themes.
- Set a clear time limit so the game does not drag.
- Give a hint system, such as one clue card per team, to keep everyone engaged.
- Do not reveal the answer until everyone has made a guess.
FAQ
Are there multiplayer detective games? Yes. Tabletop games like Clue, boxed cases for small groups and social deduction games such as Mafia all support multiple players.
What are some good detective games to play with friends? Social deduction games and boxed mysteries are common choices, since they work well in groups.
Can you make a mystery game at home? Yes. Write a short case, create suspects and hide a few clues around the house.