How to Host and Play a Murder Mystery Game
Foulplay murder mystery games are self-hosted, immersive party experiences that turn your guests into suspects, detectives, and accomplices in one unforgettable night. Think live-action CLUE meets a mix-and-mingle party where everyone plays a role, uncovers secrets, and follows their own motives and objectives.
Each game is designed to keep your guests laughing, scheming, and guessing from start to finish. With flexible character options, no scripts to memorize, and easy-to-follow host guides, you can focus on having fun while the mystery unfolds naturally around you.
Most games last 2–3 hours, making them the perfect centerpiece for a dinner party, holiday gathering, or game night with friends. Whether you’re hosting in-person or online, Foulplay Games make it easy to create an interactive, story-driven experience your guests will be talking about long after the murderer is revealed.
How to Play a Foulplay Murder Mystery Game
Choose Your Game
Pick from our collection of themed murder mysteries. Each one includes everything you need to host a night of intrigue, laughter, and chaos.Gather Your Guests
Invite your friends, family, or coworkers to join the fun. Before the game, the host will send players their murder mystery character profile with a backstory, personality traits, and various goals to accomplish.Read the Host Guide
The host sets the scene, explains the rules, and makes sure the game moves along.Set the Stage
Add costumes, music, and decorations to match your theme.Let the Mystery Begin
Guests mix and mingle and introduce themselves to the other players using their Character Profiles which guides them throughout the party.Spoiler Alert! There’s Been a Murder
At the end of a party toast, the victim will die (and come back as another character), and the Investigator will kick off the investigation. Players now receive their Goals and Objectives, money, and any items they might have.Investigate
Players piece together the evidence, work to keep their secrets a secret, and accomplish their goals and objectives.Reveal the Truth
Unmask the killer! Players fill out a whodunnit form and the solution is revealed.The Party Wraps Up!
Players share the secrets they were keeping from the other guests in the room, awards are given out, and group photos are taken. Congrats, you just hosted a murder mystery party!
“⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐I highly recommend Foulplay Games! This was my first time hosting a Murder Mystery Party and I am so happy I chose them. Everything was so thorough, I really appreciate the detail and organization of the files. The party was a blast, all my friends has a grand time, and are begging for me to throw another!”
“⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐This was amazing! We had a blast! Great kit with everything included and organized for hosting a great murder mystery party!”
“⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐We purchased this game for our 2022 News Years Party. It was such a good time from start to finish. Interesting characters and good twists made the mystery so much fun for everyone. The instructions were easy to follow. We had ages 21 to 80 years old involved. Would definitely do it again!”
Frequently Asked Questions
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Yes! You can absolutely play. We give you a spoiler-free host setup, so you don’t learn the solution unless you want to.
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Not at all. The host guide walks you through every step.
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It can take as little as a couple hours to print and prepare your party and you can do it in the same day if you would like. We format our materials in black and white for easy printing.
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While you only need a couple of hours to print and prepare your party, most hosts prefer at least a week to give their guests time to read over their profile, get excited, and find a costume for their role.
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Very minimally! As host, you will send players their Character Profiles ahead of time, which will prepare them for your party.
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Costumes are optional, but highly encouraged. And there is a Best Costume award at every murder mystery party!
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Yes and they are covering their tracks!
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Because the victim does die during the toast at our murder mystery parties, we have included another suspect for them to come back as after their “death”. They are not out of the game, and that extra suspect is included in the player count.
Every Murder Mystery Party Kit Comes With:
A Host Guide walking you through all the steps you need to host your game!
Character Profiles and Goals and Objectives
Name Tags
Play Money, Item Cards, and Foulplay Cards
Best Costume, Best Performer, Shadiest Player, and Wealthiest Player Award
Evidence and Solution
A Pinterest Board and Spotify Playlist
BONUS: Instructions on how to host your game online if you choose!