Top 35+ Murder, Mystery, and Horror Board Games
Who doesn't love a good whodunit or a spine-chilling scare that keeps you on the edge of your seat? Murder, mystery, and horror board games bring all the thrills of your favorite crime shows and horror films straight to your game night!
Whether you're solving a murder, unmasking a traitor, or surviving a supernatural nightmare, these games turn up the tension and keep everyone guessing until the end.
This list covers everything from detective board games perfect for a fun game night with friends to deeply immersive horror experiences that will leave you breathless.
So whether you're a casual gamer or a die-hard fan of all things eerie, buckle up! It's time to dive into the best mystery-solving board games that bring suspense, strategy, and scares to every table.
Disclosure
1. This article is not a review. It is a quick overview of these games.
2. The article includes games based on our own opinions. We have played some of the games, but not all of them.
3. The games are not sorted in any particular order. If you want to learn more about a particular game, click on the included links!
4. The article contains affiliate links - when you buy through links on our site, we may earn commission at no cost to you.
Saw a mistake? We are just human, and some errors can happen. If you saw a mistake in the article, let us know in the comments below or send us a message.
Best Murder Mystery Board Games
If you're craving an evening of deduction, suspense, and intrigue, these murder mystery board games deliver in spades. They combine the thrill of piecing together clues with immersive storytelling that pulls you right into the action. Whether you prefer the classic appeal or more modern, tech-enhanced experiences, here are some top picks that will have you hooked.
Clue (Cluedo)
The timeless classic where players race to solve a murder mystery in a mansion. It's simple, fun, and always delivers, but for those looking for more depth, plenty of more immersive options exist.
👉 Buy on Amazon
👉 Buy on Noble Knight
Sherlock Holmes: Consulting Detective
This game takes you to the foggy streets of Victorian London, where you'll solve intricate crimes with a rich storyline. No dice, no luck—just pure deduction.
👉 Buy on Amazon
👉 Buy on Noble Knight
Mysterium
A cooperative twist on murder mystery games, where one player acts as a ghost, giving cryptic clues to help others solve their murder. The stunning artwork and immersive atmosphere make this a must-play for fans of deduction and the supernatural.
👉 Buy on Amazon
👉 Buy on Noble Knight
Deception: Murder in Hong Kong
A fast-paced social deduction game where one player is secretly the murderer. Players must use clues and deduction to uncover the killer while the murderer tries to throw them off the trail.
👉 Buy on Amazon
👉 Buy on Noble Knight
Letters from Whitechapel
Step into the gritty streets of London as either Jack the Ripper or the detectives on his trail. It's a game of strategy, hidden movement, and suspense as you try to stay one step ahead—or catch the infamous killer.
👉 Buy on Amazon
👉 Buy on Noble Knight
Mystery Express
Solve a crime aboard the luxurious Orient Express, uncovering a mystery's who, what, when, and where. It's a race against time, perfect for those who love classic murder mysteries with a twist.
Fast-Paced Mystery Solving Board Games
For those who crave the thrill of solving a mystery but don't have hours to spare, these fast-paced mystery-solving board games are perfect for delivering high-energy, quick rounds without sacrificing excitement. They're perfect for game nights when you want the suspense and deduction but in half the time.
One Night Ultimate Werewolf
A lightning-quick social deduction game where players must determine who among them is the werewolf in just one round. Fast, intense, and full of bluffing—it's a perfect game for players who love deception and quick thinking.
👉 Buy on Amazon
👉 Buy on Noble Knight
Mysterium Park
A faster, carnival-themed version of the popular Mysterium. With simplified rules and shorter rounds, players race to uncover the ghost's murder while still enjoying the eerie atmosphere of a haunted carnival.
👉 Buy on Amazon
👉 Buy on Noble Knight
Codenames: Duet
A cooperative version of the classic word-guessing game, Codenames. You and your partner must work together to find the correct "agents" hidden among the words while avoiding assassins. It's fast, fun, and perfect for two players on the go.
👉 Buy on Amazon
👉 Buy on Noble Knight
Spyfall
In this quick and hilarious game, one player is a spy who doesn't know their location, and everyone else is trying to root them out by asking clever questions. The spy must bluff their way through without getting caught. Rounds are short, making it a fast-paced blast!
👉 Buy on Amazon
👉 Buy on Noble Knight
Bang! The Dice Game
A quick western-themed deduction game where players take on secret roles of sheriff, outlaws, and renegades. Fast turns, rolling dice, and plenty of strategy packed into a game that only takes about 15 minutes per round.
👉 Buy on Amazon
👉 Buy on Noble Knight
Mystery Board Games for 2 Players
Suppose you're looking for some mystery board games for 2 players. In that case, these options are ideal for an intimate, head-to-head experience. Perfect for cozy game nights, these games bring the excitement of mystery-solving without needing a big group. There's something here whether you prefer deduction, strategy, or hidden role games.
Awkward Guests
A compelling whodunit game that works seamlessly with two players. Use deduction and clever questioning to solve a murder mystery with various suspects, weapons, and motives. It's deep, replayable, and perfect for detective fans.
👉 Buy on Amazon
👉 Buy on Noble Knight
The Sherlock Files
A cooperative mystery game designed for two players where you work together to sift through clues and solve intricate cases. The game challenges you to make connections, analyze evidence, and crack the case before time runs out.
Mr. Jack
A tense two-player duel where one player plays as Jack the Ripper, trying to escape the streets of London, and the other is a detective racing against time to catch him. Strategic, fast-paced, and dripping with atmosphere.
👉 Buy on Amazon
👉 Buy on Noble Knight
Fog of Love
Not your typical murder mystery, but an immersive game for two players where you navigate a relationship full of secrets and hidden motives. Perfect for couples who love storytelling and drama with a twist.
👉 Buy on Amazon
👉 Buy on Noble Knight
Fox in the Forest Duet
A beautiful and quick cooperative card game where two players work together to solve mysteries and complete challenges using clever card play and strategic thinking.
Watergate
Dive into the political intrigue of the Watergate scandal, with one player taking the role of the Nixon administration and the other as a journalist trying to uncover the truth. Perfect for two players looking for a historical mystery with strategic depth.
👉 Buy on Amazon
👉 Buy on Noble Knight
Horror-Themed Board Games
For fans of spooky stories, jump scares, and heart-pounding moments, horror-themed board games provide a chillingly fun experience. These games deliver a perfect blend of strategy, narrative, and horror, making every game night a spine-tingling adventure. From haunted mansions to cosmic terrors, here are the best horror board games to have you on the edge of your seat.
Betrayal at House on the Hill
A fan favorite with players exploring a haunted house together—until one turns traitor, leading to a dramatic, unpredictable showdown. Every playthrough feels fresh, thanks to dozens of different scenarios.
👉 Buy on Amazon
👉 Buy on Noble Knight
Arkham Horror: The Card Game
Immerse yourself in a Lovecraftian world of madness and cosmic horror in this cooperative deck-building game. With rich storytelling and immersive campaigns, every game is a nail-biting journey into the unknown.
👉 Buy on Amazon
👉 Buy on Noble Knight
Dead of Winter
A post-apocalyptic survival game where players must work together to survive a harsh winter and fend off zombie hordes. But beware—the traitor in your group may have other plans.
👉 Buy on Amazon
👉 Buy on Noble Knight
Nemesis
Trapped aboard a spaceship filled with terrifying aliens, players must cooperate to survive—though some may have secret agendas. The tension is high in this semi-cooperative game, where every move could mean life or death.
Mansions of Madness
Investigate eerie mansions filled with unspeakable horrors in this app-driven game of Lovecraftian mysteries. Solve puzzles, battle monsters, and stay sane as the story unfolds around you.
👉 Buy on Amazon
👉 Buy on Noble Knight
Mystery Board Games for Adults Players
When you're ready to take game night to the next level, mystery board games for adults deliver deeper narratives, intricate mechanics, and plenty of opportunities for intense deduction and strategy. These games bring a rich layer of suspense, making them ideal for more experienced gamers who crave a mental challenge or thrilling social deception. Whether investigating crimes, unmasking traitors, or surviving haunted locations, these games will keep you hooked from start to finish.
Eldritch Horror
Want to save the world from an imminent doom? In Eldritch Horror you team up with fellow players by becoming one of supernatural detectives to stop the rise of an evil Eldritch monster! It's a complex yet fun co-op mystery solving game with Lovecraftian themes.
👉 Related: Our Eldritch Horror In-depth Review
👉 Buy on Amazon
👉 Buy on Noble Knight
Detective: A Modern Crime Board Game
A heavy, narrative-driven game where players take on the roles of detectives investigating complex cases. With access to real-world databases and clues, you'll need to think like a true detective to crack the case.
👉 Buy on Amazon
👉 Buy on Noble Knight
Blood on the Clocktower
A social deduction game perfect for large groups of adults. Players must work together to discover who among them is the demon and their minions. The game's hidden roles and web of deceit create a thrilling experience of lies and betrayals.
The Resistance: Avalon
Set in the world of Arthurian legend, this hidden role game has players navigating a world of traitors and loyal knights. Deception and deduction are key to determining who's trustworthy and who's working for evil forces.
👉 Buy on Amazon
👉 Buy on Noble Knight
Cthulhu
Cthulhu: Death May Die is an adrenaline-pumping, cooperative board game that throws you straight into the action, with a thrilling twist—you're too late to stop the ritual, but not too late to take down an Elder God.
This game is perfect for teens who love strategy, horror, and fast-paced team play. You and your fellow Investigators have one shot to figure out how to exploit the god’s weakness, all while battling crazed cultists and trying to keep your sanity intact.
👉 Buy on Amazon
👉 Buy on Noble Knight
Detective Board Games Better Than Cluedo
If you're a fan of detective board games but crave something deeper, more strategic, or more thrilling than Clue, you're in luck. These games take the core elements of investigation, deduction, and suspense to new levels, offering more immersive stories, complex gameplay, and strategic depth. If you're ready to step up your detective game, here are the best mystery-solving experiences that outshine Clue:
Scotland Yard
A timeless classic where players work as detectives hunting down the elusive Mr. X. With hidden movement and teamwork, you'll chase him across the streets of London, trying to anticipate his every move before he slips away. It's a race against time with all the thrills of a true detective chase.
👉 Buy on Amazon
👉 Buy on Noble Knight
Detective: City of Angels
This noir detective game transports players to gritty 1940s Los Angeles. Compete to solve crimes as you navigate corruption, interrogate suspects, and outsmart your fellow detectives. With its rich narrative and stunning artwork, Detective: City of Angels delivers an intense, competitive detective experience that's hard to beat.
👉 Buy on Amazon
👉 Buy on Noble Knight
Chronicles of Crime
This game uses an innovative app-based system. Players scan QR codes to investigate crime scenes, question suspects, and uncover hidden clues. The cases are complex, and the immersive gameplay will make you feel like a real detective.
👉 Buy on Amazon
👉 Buy on Noble Knight
Unique and Lesser-Known Murder Mystery and Horror Board Games
For those who love diving into murder mysteries and horror games but crave something off the beaten path, these lesser-known gems deliver fresh, unique gameplay experiences. They're packed with twists, dark humor, and immersive storylines that will surprise even the most seasoned gamers. Whether it's solving puzzling crimes or surviving terrifying scenarios, these hidden treasures will make your next game night unforgettable.
The Exit: The Game Series
Imagine bringing an escape room to your table. This series offers a variety of themes, from mysterious murders to haunted houses, blending intense puzzle-solving with chilling atmospheres. Each box is a one-time experience where you'll race against the clock to unlock clues and escape danger.
👉 Buy on Amazon
👉 Buy on Noble Knight
The Salem Series
Set during the infamous Salem witch trials, this social deduction game challenges players to identify the witches hidden among them. The combination of historical intrigue and tense gameplay makes it a standout choice for fans of deduction games with a dark twist.
The Bloody Inn
In this darkly humorous and morbid game, players manage a quaint inn—with a twist. They secretly murder their guests, stash their bodies, and steal their money, all while trying to avoid getting caught. This game of strategic plotting with a unique theme adds wicked fun to your game night.
Alone
This sci-fi horror game flips the classic dungeon crawler concept. One player is the lone hero trapped in a terrifying space environment. In contrast, the other players control the monsters and sinister events. It's a thrilling, semi-cooperative experience that tests your nerves and strategy.
👉 Buy on Amazon
👉 Buy on Noble Knight
Kingdom Death: Monster
A grim and brutal survival game where players battle terrifying monsters in a world of nightmares. With deep mechanics and a high difficulty level, this game is not for the faint of heart.
👉 Buy on Amazon
👉 Buy on Noble Knight
Horrified
Take on classic movie monsters like Dracula, Frankenstein, and The Mummy in this cooperative game. Work together to stop their reign of terror before it's too late.
👉 Buy on Amazon
👉 Buy on Noble Knight
Last Friday
A hidden movement game where one player becomes a relentless slasher while the others try to survive the night. Perfect for fans of '80s horror films.
👉 Buy on Amazon
👉 Buy on Noble Knight
Bonus Mystery Board Gaming Fun with Spheres of Life
Spheres of Life: Mythical Forest is an exhilarating, fast paced card game with mystery, dark fantasy theme. You'll team up with one of its powerful heroes and venture into the mythical forest to save it from the corrupted forces trying to destroy it!
👉 Buy on Amazon
👉 Buy on Joyful Games
👉 Bundle Offer on Joyful Games
Conclusion
This list highlights the sheer diversity of murder, mystery, and horror board games, offering something for everyone—whether you're a casual gamer looking for light-hearted fun or a hardcore gamer ready for an immersive, spine-chilling experience.
From solving intricate mysteries and unraveling twisted plots to facing terrifying monsters or betraying your friends in social deduction games, these games provide thrilling narratives and edge-of-your-seat suspense.
Ready for your next game night adventure? Whether you're seeking spooky scares, brain-busting mysteries, or intense social deduction challenges, these games will deliver unforgettable moments!
In the meantime, feel free to explore what Joyful Games has to offer - from board game reviews and board game tips to fun board and card games.
FAQ Section:
What are the best murder mystery board games for beginners?
For beginners, games like Clue (Cluedo) or Mysterium are great starting points. Both offer straightforward rules and a fun, immersive murder mystery experience without being overly complex.
Are there any murder mystery board games specifically designed for two players?
Yes, games like Mr. Jack and The Sherlock Files are designed for two players, providing an engaging head-to-head mystery-solving experience.
Which horror board games are suitable for adults looking for more challenging gameplay?
Games like Arkham Horror: The Card Game, Nemesis, and Dead of Winter offer rich, complex gameplay with immersive horror elements, perfect for adults who want a deeper, more strategic experience.
What are some fast-paced mystery-solving games I can play in under an hour?
Try games like One Night Ultimate Werewolf and Bang for a quick burst of suspense and deduction! The Dice Game, or Mysterium Park. These games are easy to learn and can be completed in under an hour.
Are there any detective board games better than Cluedo for more advanced players?
Absolutely! Games like Detective: A Modern Crime Board Game, Chronicles of Crime, and Detective: City of Angels offer more complex mechanics and deeper narratives for players looking for a more sophisticated detective experience.