9 Top Murder Mystery Team Building Games to Uncover Thrills, Laughter and Fun
Your next team building activity doesn’t have to be another mundane potluck lunch or karaoke night. Instead, why not turn it into a thrilling experience by playing murder mystery party games that can transform your office into an intriguing place filled with laughter, suspense, and fun? These games are like the OG classics of team entertainment, where you don detective hats and immerse yourself in some good old-fashioned mystery-solving.
In this article, we’ve curated a list of some of the best murder mystery team building games that are not only entertaining but also designed to strengthen bonds among coworkers
For more exciting, immersive experiences, check out our articles on thrilling virtual murder mystery games, escape room team building activities, virtual escape room, and free virtual escape room games that improve team communication and engagement while providing an entertaining escape from the daily work routine.
We also have diversity and inclusion games to help you improve the office culture.
1. Hosted Murder Mystery Team Building Games
1.1. Murder Mystery Manor by Hooray Teams
Hooray Teams is an online platform dedicated to fun and exciting team building activities. Dive into a treasure trove of immersive murder mystery games online, where mysteries know no boundaries. With a diverse range of mystery themes, from classic whodunits to spine-tingling suspense and quirky adventures, you’re guaranteed to find the perfect match for your corporate culture and preferences.
In Murder Mystery Manor, you’ll dive into breakout rooms, crack the case and uncover the secrets behind the mysterious demise of Lord Aubrey Falconer. And guess what? Your trusty game host stays in character, offering hints, and allowing you to channel your inner Sherlock Holmes.
- Number of Participants: 1 to 300
- Time Duration: 60-120 min
- Price per session: Available upon request
1.2. Murder in the Naughty Nineties by Maple Mystery Games
Time travel to the 90s with “Murder in the Naughty Nineties” by Maple Mystery. You’ll be at Worthalot Manor, where Lord William Worthalot-Worthy has met a mysterious end. But who’s the culprit? The manor is teeming with intriguing characters, from Lord William’s devoted wife and his mistress to a hotel business partner keen on defending their reputation, and members of the Save Our Sinners Foundation, determined to avert the 1999 apocalypse.
You can opt for a ’90s theme, a classic Manor House setting, or a mix of both. The murder mystery game kit includes everything you need, from host instructions to character booklets, and even an audio introduction, making it a hassle-free, nostalgic experience.
- Number of Participants: 6 to14
- Time Duration: 90 to 150 minutes
- Price per session: £13.60 – £23.20 per person
1.3. Murder on Disoriented Express by Red Herring Games
Murder on Disoriented Express is an immersive Orient Express-themed murder mystery party game set against the backdrop of 1938. The story unfolds as one of the world’s most luxurious trains is filled with rich and famous travelers. But, wait for it…a renowned rocket designer, Werner Von Black, turns up dead in his sleeping compartment, throwing everyone into a frenzy. Your task? Crack the case and find out who’s behind the dastardly deed!
You can access it for virtual play or download it instantly as a print-at-home kit from Red Herring Games, which is a virtual gaming platform with an extensive array of online mystery games. This game isn’t just about finding clues: It’s all about getting everyone on board, strengthening bonds, and infusing some much-needed excitement into your virtual team building escapades.
- Number of Participants: 6 to 20 players
- Time Duration: 120-240 minutes
- Price per session: £22.99 per person
1.4. Ho-Ho Homicide by Night of Mystery
Ho Ho Homicide is a murder mystery game set at the North Pole during Christmas preparations. With productivity dropping, someone commits a murder, adding to the existing tensions. Players get involved in the story, meeting characters like an ambitious elf, a secretive reindeer, and a protective wife.
The goal is to figure out who the murderer is among the various magical beings during this festival, but it’s a challenging adventure. You can instantly download this game and become the host of your own murder mystery party. If you’re interested in exploring more mystery murder party games, Night of Mystery is the ultimate platform, with immersive mystery games and fun activities for a suspenseful evening.
- Number of Participants: 6 to 80+
- Time Duration: 2-4 hours.
- Price per session: $55 to $85 per person
1.5. Murder in the Red Room By Murder Mystery Games
Whoa, you’ve gotta check out murder occurs in Red room – it’s this super cool murder mystery game where there’s this fancy modern art piece up for grabs at an auction. You can be an art enthusiast bidding your heart out, a key character in the whole drama, or just someone trying to solve the mystery. But wait – things turn upside down when a murder happens right in the middle of the auction.
The game is like a play script, with dialogue and speeches to read out, but there’s room for improvisation too. With unexpected twists and an engaging mystery to unravel, this game guarantees a lot of suspense and entertainment that you can enjoy in the office, or online. You can play this game virtually or download instantly from Murder Mystery Games, an online platform with puzzles and tales filled with a lot of twists and turns.
- Number of Participants: 8- to 20
- Timing: 90 Minutes
- Pricing: £19.99 per person
1.6. Murder in Ancient Egypt by Team Building
Is your team prepared to step into the shoes of Ancient Egyptian detectives and unearth the truth? The stage is set, the mystery awaits, and the adventure begins with Murder in Ancient Egypt. Under the guidance of our experienced facilitator, your team will be divided into groups, joining forces to put their combined brainpower to the test, taking on clever murder mystery puzzles and decoding mysterious clues.
The host navigates you through the story in an exciting way, and it’s all done online. This activity helps you get better at solving problems, talking to your team, and working together. It’s like going on an adventure as an ancient Egyptian detective. They offer additional add-ons like cocktail kits and custom games.
- Number of Participants: 10 to 1000 guests
- Timing: 90 Minutes
- Pricing: $40 per person
2. In-Office Murder Mystery Team Building Games
2.1. Jazz Age Jeopardy
It’s all fun and games at a New York jazz club until things take a dark turn – a mystery murder happens in the back room. Instead of dialing 911, Jazz Age Jeopardy suggests folks at the club solve the mystery and avoid scandal and legal trouble. From the staff to the guests, everyone’s a potential perp, so your team must find the cat who’s got the canary.
As everyone is a suspect, your team members learn to trust one another’s judgement and to rely on each other’s insights. This ambiance serves as a great ice-breaker, helping your team members immerse themselves in the mystery solving game and setting aside any workplace hierarchies or preconceived notions about their colleagues.
- Number of Participants: 5-20
- Timing: 60 minutes
- Pricing: Free
2.2. The Pungent Pumpkin Poisoner
Get ready for a suspicious night at the Pungent Pumpkin Processing Company’s grand first-year celebration! While the air is filled with pumpkin aroma, there’s a dark secret hiding in the celebration. You see, the Pungent Pumpkin Rat Poison has a deadly secret, and it’s up to you to unravel the mystery of The Pungent Pumpkin Poisoner.
Will you assume the role of Sir Hamish Hogwash, the pumpkin supply chief, or perhaps Lady Beauty Fading, the enigmatic chairwoman? This game includes invitations, character booklets, investigation questions, and clue objects to guide the experience. Your mission is clear: discover the would-be murderer before they make their sinister move!
- Number of Participants:8-10
- Timing: 120 minutes
- Pricing: Free
2.3. The Malachai Stout’s Family Reunion
How about attending a problematic family reunion at Malachai Stout’s ancestral home? They’re all gathering with high hopes of inheriting a fortune from the elderly Malachai. Chaos was expected, but nobody predicted a murder!
But there’s more to this puzzle – the family’s precious jewels are missing from the safe. With phone lines down from a storm and the road to town washed out, the family must figure out who committed the murder and stole the jewels. Your teams must discuss and share observations, clues, and suspicions.
- Number of Participants: 6-20 players
- Timing: 60-120 minutes
- Pricing: Free
3. Murder Mystery Team Building Ideas To Explore
3.1. Host a Murder Mystery Dinner Party
You definitely won’t go wrong with a murder mystery dinner party where participants take on roles in a fictional murder case and collaborate to solve the mystery. Attendees play detective, interrogate one another, and follow clues to unveil the “killer’s” identity in an event that may include props, costumes, and a meal.
The fun and excitement of the dinner detective murder mystery show can be enjoyed virtually too. Participants can communicate while enjoying the game from the comfort of their homes, using video calls, chat functions, and shared documents.
3.2. Watch A Murder Mystery Movie With The Team
Murder mystery movies are inherently intriguing, and watching them with teammates can make them even more fun. It’s thrilling to unravel the enigmatic plot’s narrative together, as you discuss, digress and speculate on the clues, “whodunnits” and “what if’s” during the movie.
This shared experience is a great way to strengthen team bonds, hone critical thinking skills, and fosters lively discussions . So, grab your popcorn, your colleagues, and your detective hats to enjoy a lively night of team building.
3.3. Play Murder Mystery Riddles With Team
Solving murder mystery riddles is another entertaining team building activity that nudges you to don your thinking caps in a fun and casual setting. Participants work together to decipher a series of cryptic riddles and puzzles, just like in a real-life detective adventure. Whether you’re in person or in a virtual environment, collaboration is key to solving the case.
These riddles can be customised to cater to various skill levels, ensuring that everyone can get involved and enjoy the experience.
4. FAQs
4.1. What are murder mystery team building games?
Murder mystery solving games are run-of-the-mill team-building activities where participants work together to solve a fictional murder case. Participants assume character roles, interrogate suspects, and ultimately identify the “murderer” in a fun and entertaining way.
This fosters improved teamwork, trust, and camaraderie, making them not only fun but also a potent tool for building stronger, more cohesive teams.
4.2. Why should you consider murder mystery team building games?
By working together to solve a mystery murder case, your team members will talk, brainstorm, and strategize, boosting their collaborative skills. These games also stimulate critical thinking as players must solve puzzles and decipher clues, improving problem-solving and communication.
Additionally, they break down communication barriers by creating a relaxed and fun atmosphere, encouraging team members to open up and be themselves while solving a thrilling game.