How to Play
Everything that happens at a Night of Mystery party.
Here’s Exactly How a Night of Mystery Game Works
Want even more info?
Check out our Hosting Guide PDF.
Guests Arrive
Guests walk in already knowing who they are. They get their name tag, their play money, and their character materials and the mingling begins. Suspects start sizing each other up. Alliances form. Accusations are already brewing and no one’s even sat down yet.
No one needs to perform, they just show up as their character and start meeting the other suspects.
Host Reads the Intro
You kick things off with a short introduction that’s written out for you in the host guide, word for word.
Just read it aloud and let it set the scene. It takes about five minutes. Then step back, because your guests can take it from here.
Guests Get Their First Objectives and the Sleuthing Begins
Every guest receives their first round of secret objectives: things to find out, secrets to protect, people to corner.
There’s no script. Everyone just starts talking, digging, and doing their best to look innocent. The room fills up fast with whispered conversations, suspicious glances, and the occasional dramatic gasp. You don’t have to run any of this. It runs itself.
The Murder Happens!
Mid-party, someone turns up dead. The whole room shifts. Suddenly everyone’s a suspect, the stakes are real, and the game kicks into high gear. Your host guide tells you exactly when and how to stage it, no improve required. Just follow the cue and watch the chaos unfold.
New Objectives. More Sleuthing. More Drama.
After the murder, guests get a second round of objectives: fresh clues, new suspicions, and plenty of reasons to point fingers.
Energy spikes back up right when you need it to. The story deepens. Side plots surface. Someone always ends up dramatically accused of something they absolutely did not do.
The Investigator Presents The Evidence
The investigator presents the evidence to the group. Everyone reviews it, compares notes with their fellow suspects, and fills out their accusation form, naming their killer and making their case. The tension in the room at this moment could be cut with a knife.
The Big Reveal!
You read the solution. The killer is exposed. Secrets spill out. The room erupts in gasps, laughter, and a chorus of “I KNEW IT!”
Finally, you hand out the awards: Best Actor, Super Sleuth, Best Costume. Printable certificates included that are included in your kit.
Guests Arrive
Guests walk in already knowing who they are. They get their name tag, their play money, and their character materials and the mingling begins. Suspects start sizing each other up. Alliances form. Accusations are already brewing and no one’s even sat down yet.
No one needs to perform, they just show up as their character and start meeting the other suspects.
Host Reads the Intro
You kick things off with a short introduction that’s written out for you in the host guide, word for word.
Just read it aloud and let it set the scene. It takes about five minutes. Then step back, because your guests can take it from here.
Guests Get Their First Objectives and the Sleuthing Begins
Every guest receives their first round of secret objectives: things to find out, secrets to protect, people to corner.
There’s no script. Everyone just starts talking, digging, and doing their best to look innocent. The room fills up fast with whispered conversations, suspicious glances, and the occasional dramatic gasp. You don’t have to run any of this. It runs itself.
The Murder Happens!
Mid-party, someone turns up dead. The whole room shifts. Suddenly everyone’s a suspect, the stakes are real, and the game kicks into high gear. Your host guide tells you exactly when and how to stage it, no improve required. Just follow the cue and watch the chaos unfold.
New Objectives. More Sleuthing. More Drama.
After the murder, guests get a second round of objectives: fresh clues, new suspicions, and plenty of reasons to point fingers.
Energy spikes back up right when you need it to. The story deepens. Side plots surface. Someone always ends up dramatically accused of something they absolutely did not do.
The Investigator Presents The Evidence
The investigator presents the evidence to the group. Everyone reviews it, compares notes with their fellow suspects, and fills out their accusation form, naming their killer and making their case. The tension in the room at this moment could be cut with a knife.
The Big Reveal!
You read the solution. The killer is exposed. Secrets spill out. The room erupts in gasps, laughter, and a chorus of “I KNEW IT!”
Finally, you hand out the awards: Best Actor, Super Sleuth, Best Costume. Printable certificates included that are included in your kit.
Want even more info?
Check out our Hosting Guide PDF.
Why People Around the World Love Night of Mystery
Jeremy McLaughlin
Verified Customer
"I've had three parties over the years. This year we will be doing it again! Normal parties have their groups. High school over there, church over there, family over there. Well with the murder mystery dinner there is none of that. Plus you're free to not be "you" for the night. Every party has been a success! Last one, we had over 100 people come."
Elyzabeth Wolfe
Verified Customer
"I hosted my first party and I was scared that if anyone could fail such a flawless package it would be myself. But this kit makes it so easy and fun. Lots of room to make it your own and not cookie cutter, but always super straight forward! I can't wait to host another one!!! Thanks Night of Mystery!"
Christine Benoit
Verified Customer
“I purchased the Night Of Mystery packet for a work team building event. All of my co-workers said it was the best team event they've been to. The packet was very straightforward and had so many ideas and tips to help make running the event super simple. Highly recommend!”
What Exactly Comes With the Game?
Our instant-download murder mystery game kits give you everything you need to host an unforgettable, laugh-filled murder mystery party. No experience required!
- Host Guide: Easy, step-by-step instructions to run the show like a pro.
- Schedule of the Night: A step-by-step breakdown of the whole evening so you always know what comes next.
- Character Sheets: Juicy secrets, wild motives, and unique roles for every guest.
- Game Materials: Clues, evidence, and everything to solve the case.
- Party Extras: Printable decor, props, winning certificates, and other materials to really wow your guests.
Worried About Hosting Your First Party?
Your job is easier than you think! Here’s exactly what you do and what the kit does for you.
FAQ
Nope. Night of Mystery parties are designed to be easy to run and are specifically built with first-time hosts in mind. If you can read a guide aloud and hand out some papers then you can host this!
Yes! Our games are crafted so that the host can participate fully without knowing the killer or the victim. Just skip the solution file until after the party. You’ll still be able to set everything up correctly while keeping the mystery alive, even for yourself!
Guests can be as outgoing or reserved as they like. The structure allows everyone to participate in a way that feels comfortable. No one has to perform and the objectives give even quieter guests something to do naturally.
Yes! No acting experience is required, costumes are optional, and we have game options that are workplace-appropriate. The focus is on communication, collaboration, and engagement. Not performance or theatrics. Use a clean version for company groups and choose the business license to get started.
You will want to view your file in Adobe Acrobat Reader on a laptop or desktop computer.
