Virtual Murder Mystery Games for Teams to Throw an Ultimate Sleuthing Party

Looking to inject a dose of fun and intrigue into your next team gathering? Hosting virtual murder mystery games might just be the exhilarating twist you’ve been seeking. This whodunnit game, in which teams don Sherlock Holmes hats to solve the plot, is a whole lot of fun and excitement.

This article covers 15 virtual murder mystery group games to challenge yet entertain your team. Whether your teammates are true crime aficionados or just looking for a fun escape, there’s something for everyone! Let’s dive in. 

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How Virtual Murder Mystery Games Bolster Team Building?

Virtual murder mystery games are a great way to bond with your team by solving fictional crimes.  The shared experience brings the team closer together as they figure out clues, collaborate on ideas, and enjoy lighthearted moments during the game. 

In a classic murder mystery game, participants take on roles like detectives, suspects, or witnesses in a live, on-screen setting. Teams collaborate to solve the case by piecing together clues and uncovering details revealed through the characters. You can question characters, analyze evidence, and ultimately figure out whodunnit, making it a fun and engaging team building activity.

Hosted Virtual Murder Mystery Games for Remote Teams

If you want to maximize the fun and engagement, then consider one of these hosted virtual murder mystery team building games. From planning, organizing, and managing the gameplay with live hosts, these games take all the guesswork out of the process.

1. Murder at the Manor

No of Participants: 10-1000
Time Duration: 60-120 minutes
Pricing: $48 (per person)
Is it Hosted? Yes

Hooray Teams has a range of team-building games, with the gripping Murder at the Manor being one of them. In the game, players take on key roles to solve the mysterious murder of Lord Aubrey Falconer. It’s up to you and your team to put your detective skills to the test and catch the culprit before it’s too late. 

An expert host will help you crack codes, answer questions, and provide extra clues whenever the going gets tough. Prior to the event, you will receive clues such as a newsletter, last will, and leaflet so you can familiarize yourself with the plot and characters. Teams will also get to interact with live professional actors who take on the roles of potential suspects. 

2. Murder on Candy Cane Lane

No of Participants: 10-1000 people
Time Duration: 60 minutes
Pricing: $45 (per person)
Is it Hosted? Yes

Are the sleuths on your team ready to crack a holiday mystery? Then, join them for Hooray Teams’ Virtual Murder on Candy Cane Lane Mystery. A tragedy struck Candy Cane Lane’s festive theme park during the famous winter parade. It’s up to you and your team to look for clues, solve riddles, and ultimately, figure out the dirty hands behind the murder. 

Our team of 15 has played this fun and fast-paced game. We received a dossier of clues from a professional host who was there with us throughout the game. The highlight was meeting the cast of shady suspects portrayed by talented live actors and comedians. We truly put our heads together to grill them, and guess what? We finally caught the murderer red-handed!

3. Murder Mystery Zoom Parties by Detective Ness

No of Participants: 8-12
Time Duration: 120 minutes
Pricing: Customizable
Is it Hosted? Yes

Bring your team together for an evening of suspense, mystery, and mind-bending twists with Detective Ness’s Murder Mystery Zoom Party. Each game has a unique murder mystery theme, such as a 1920s speakeasy or a Hollywood red carpet event. Before the event, Detective Ness, who may be your host, will share everyone’s character background and connection to the crime. 

Participants have to solve clues, decipher puzzles, and question potential suspects who fellow team members play. If you need help, Detective Ness will provide hints to help piece together alibis and motives. You can also dress up in costumes that match the theme or era of the plot to make the experience even more fun and exciting.

4. ‘That Show about Love’

No of Participants: Customizable
Time Duration: Customizable
Pricing: $50 (per person)
Is it Hosted? Yes

Ghost Ship Murder Mysteries has some riveting murder mysteries, and ‘That Show About Love’ stands out for its unique plot. The premise is set during a cocktail hour in a fictional reality dating show, where ten girls are competing for Chad’s rose. However, before heartthrob bachelor Chad can hand out his rose to one lucky lady, he is found murdered. You and your team will roleplay as the girls on the show to find the culprit hiding in plain sight.

Your team will take on different character roles and interact as they would at a typical party while hunting for clues. Will you best enact the nerdy girl Monica, the tomboy Riley, or the sharp-tongued Ophelia? There are many more characters in the game, including a disguised guide who will lead the way. The gaming instructions will be provided beforehand to enhance your sleuthing experience.

5. Night of Mystery

No of Participants: 20+
Time Duration: Customizable
Pricing: $55 (for 6-8 players)
Is it Hosted? No

Night of Mystery offers a wide range of downloadable murder mystery games with exciting and unique themes. You can choose a 1920s speakeasy setting in ‘Murder at the Juice Joint.’, Christmas-themed ‘Ho Ho Homicide’ or retro-style ‘Totally Rad 80s Prom Gone Bad’. They also have a library of other categories like fantasy, historical, modern, and Halloween murder mysteries.

Additionally, they offer all-female games, LGBTQ games, and non-murder murder mystery games to give participants a more inclusive feeling. Before the event, an intro file will be handed out so you know what to expect at the event, except the murderer’s identity. You can also browse their ‘Party Tips’ for pointers on creating the right setting for your murder mystery game. 

6. Outback Virtual Clue Murder Mystery

No of Participants: 4-1000+ 
Time Duration: 60-120 minutes
Pricing: $13-$55 (per person varies based on group size)
Is it Hosted? Yes

If you’re looking for virtual murder mystery games for large groups, Outback should be on your list. Their murder mystery game revolves around the tale of Neil Davidson’s untimely demise. To play this game, your group will be split into teams and sent to breakout rooms to examine clues and review case files together.

You’ll have to race against the clock to solve the mystery of who had the best motive to commit the murder. Your colleagues will have fun as they work together to think critically and solve problems to deduce the culprit. 

7. Zombie Cannibal Asylum

No of Participants: 33 – 100+
Time Duration: 90+ minutes
Pricing: $49.95
Is it Hosted? No

Is your team a fan of ‘Walking Dead’ or ‘The Last of Us’? Then, they will surely enjoy the dramatic world of Zombie Cannibal Asylum. Here is the backstory: Dr Abraham Weiler uses inmates in his post-apocalyptic asylum as research subjects. His intention is to find a cure for the zombie virus that is wreaking havoc across the world.

However, everything turns upside down when one of the unfortunate inmates turns into a zombie. Now, it’s your call to uncover the truth behind the outbreak. You and your team must carefully piece together what really happened and separate reality from the delusions and hallucinations of the affected inmates. 

8. Murder on the Mystery Express

No of Participants: Customizable 
Time Duration: 60 minutes
Pricing: Customizable 
Is it Hosted? Yes

Add Murder on the Mystery Express to your list of virtual murder mystery games for an offbeat team adventure. The game requires teams to play as passengers on a luxurious train where a shocking murder has taken place. You and your team have to assist the host, who is the chief detective, to unravel the culprit behind the heinous murder. 

There are four rounds of challenges that include riddles, secret codes, spot differences, and many other brain-teasing questions. The team must work together to gather evidence, interrogate suspects, and piece together the mystery before the train reaches its final stop. 

9. Black Noir Murder Escape

No of Participants: 3-5
Time Duration: Customizable 
Pricing: $49
Is it Hosted? No

This interactive detective game combines the elements of a murder mystery and escape room adventure. The game transports teams back to the 1920s New York City gangster era, where prohibition, crime syndicates, and smoky jazz clubs set the scene. You will receive an ominous letter that urges you to take on a mysterious murder case. You and your team have to analyze a series of gripping crime scenes, examine clues, and question shady characters. 

One person can share their screen over a video call so the whole team can work together to solve puzzles and gather clues. This team building murder mystery game is also great for large groups. You only need to purchase one access code for every group of five participants. This means that if you have a larger group, you can split everyone into smaller teams of five.

10. Broadway Murder Mysteries

No of Participants: 4-20
Time Duration: 60-120 minutes
Pricing: $39 to $99
Is it Hosted? Yes

Broadway Murder Mysteries offers teams a one-of-a-kind sleuthing adventure that centers around theater and performance. On the opening night of Agnes Kirtsie’s first play, “The Trap,” everything goes wrong when the director, Cameron James, is found dead. Now, it’s up to you and your team to figure out how he got murdered and who is behind this shocking crime. 

Their lead detective will assign your teammates either as potential suspects or junior detectives to solve the crime. You can also self-host the murder party with their Game Kit, which includes a host guide, detective audio files, evidence packs, character booklets, and costume suggestions. 

Free Virtual Murder Mystery Games for Teams

Free virtual mystery games generally include a downloadable murder mystery box or kit with all the necessary materials.  You can guide participants through the storyline, share clues, and manage the flow of the game using the instructions given. Here are some murder mystery games to try out.

11. Sour Grapes of Wrath

No of Participants: 6-80
Time Duration: 60 – 120 minutes
Pricing: Free
Is it Hosted? No

As a role-playing murder mystery game, Sour Grapes of Wrath invites participants to step into the shoes of intriguing characters, each with their secrets and motivations. The premise is set on Killingsworth Farm, where the owner, Robert Killingsworth, is found dead under suspicious circumstances. His death leaves his widow with mounting debts and no clue on how to run the business moving forward. 

Participants have to interrogate six shady suspects (portrayed by their fellow teammates) and figure out the cold-blooded Killer. The game comes with a 69-page PDF, including instructions, costume suggestions, name tags, clues, an accusation sheet, maps and suspect lists. 

12. Murder, She Wrote

No of Participants: 4-6
Time Duration: 60 minutes
Pricing: Free
Is it Hosted? No

Murder, She Wrote is a virtual murder mystery free game inspired by the iconic 80’s TV show. As Jessica Fletcher investigates the case, so do you and your teammates. As the game is based on episodes from the show, ensure everyone has a Netflix subscription. You may have to stream some parts of the show, note the characters, their motivations, and anything else you find suspicious. 

Then, right before the big reveal, pause the show and have a team discussion about who everyone thinks the killer is. Press play once everyone has a consensus, and the killer will be revealed. Also, you only need to download the free printable to play this murder mystery game online with your teammates.

13. The Detective Club Murder

No of Participants: 4-8
Time Duration: 45 minutes
Pricing: Free
Is it Hosted? No

Thriller author Ruth Ware created this murder mystery detective game as a role-playing experience tailored for small groups. Team members assume the roles of seasoned crime writers, celebrating the Detective Club’s 50th anniversary. But, once they reach the old-fashioned country house, renowned crime writer Sir Aubrey St Clair is found murdered. 

You and your team’s goal is to figure out the culprit behind the crime. Before the game, you can download their free mystery kit that features character packs for each player and murder mystery badges. These elements act as clues and interactive tools, helping players piece together the puzzle and reveal the culprit’s identity.

14. The Little Engine That Could Kill

No of Participants: 8
Time Duration: Customizable
Pricing: Free
Is it Hosted? No

The Little Engine That Could Kill is a thrilling murder mystery game that will have you and your team fully engrossed in the plot and its characters. You will assume the role of a businessman traveling with seven passengers on a three-day express train from India to Lisbon. Unfortunately, one of the passengers was found dead, and it’s your turn to deduce the identity of the murderer. 

You can download a PDF from their website that includes detailed profiles of the characters, covering their backgrounds, motives, and alibis. This will help you understand the game better and unravel the murder mystery within the set timeframe. And if you are the culprit, be extra cautious; one misstep could reveal your identity. 

15. Movie Murder Mystery Party

No of Participants: 5-10
Time Duration: Customizable 
Pricing: Free
Is it Hosted? No

The Murder Mystery Party is one of the free murder games that takes place in the glamorous setting of Hollywood. Participants have to take on the roles of cast and crew members celebrating the completion of their film. The lively atmosphere quickly turns grim when the Director is suddenly found dead. To dive into the mystery game, players will need to download a kit that includes character profiles, a death note that contains clues, and essential game materials. 

You and your team have to engage in a scavenger hunt to uncover clues hidden by the Director. These clues provide hints about the possible suspects and the motive behind the crime. Teams will need to communicate effectively and piece together the clues to identify the killer before time runs out.  

Unique Tips to Enjoy an Online Murder Mystery Game

Create themed invitations with clues about the storyline or hidden hints about the roles to create some anticipation around the game.

Mail small props or “evidence” (like a map or a cryptic note) to participants in advance to enhance the experience.

Provide downloadable virtual backgrounds matching each character’s setting. You could use a library for the detective, a kitchen for the chef.

Introduce unexpected twists by having the host send live “breaking news” or “mysterious text messages” during the game.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Are there any virtual murder mystery games?

Yes, there are plenty of virtual murder mystery games you can choose from. Some of our top picks are Murder at the Manor by Hooray Teams, Night of Mystery, and The Little Engine That Could Kill. All of these murder mystery games are sure to give your team an awesome time filled with suspense, fun, and laughter.

What are the best murder mystery games to play on Zoom?

The games listed above can be played on Zoom such as Murder at Candy Lane, Murder Mystery Party Case Files and more. These interactive mystery games online are usually easy to host over other video conferencing platforms as well.

What are the best virtual murder mystery games?

The best virtual murder mystery games can vary based on personal preferences. However, some popular options include Murder at the Manor and Murder on Candy Cane by Hooray Teams, The Murder Mystery by Detective Ness, and Way Out West.

How do you play murder mystery for team building?

To play online mystery games, select or purchase a virtual murder mystery party game kit or hosted game that suits your group’s size and preferences. Then, set a date and time for the game and send invitations to your participants. Distribute character profiles, clues, and any necessary materials to your participants. During the game, ensure everyone follows the plot to solve the murder mystery within the specified time. 

How do you play murder mystery with a group?

The best way to play or solve murder mysteries online as a group is to create breakout rooms using a video conferencing platform like Zoom or Teams. You can then split a group into smaller teams, assign roles and share clear instructions on how to play the game.

What do I need for a virtual murder mystery?

To host online murder mystery games for groups, you’ll need a video platform, a stable internet connection, optional props/costumes, gaming instructions, and character details for participants.

How to find clues in a virtual murder mystery?

Most clues are commonly hidden in everyday items or audio in the game. You could also receive information during conversations with other players and characters. Additionally, you might get puzzles or codes from the murder mystery games online website or host to solve and unlock clues.

How much does online murder mystery team building cost?

A murder mystery party game online can cost anywhere from $30 per person onwards. Platforms like Hooray Teams also provide group pricing that’s customizable based on team size.