Planning a party or event can feel overwhelming—coordinating guests, decorations, food, and entertainment all at once. That’s why when it comes to choosing a mystery game for your gathering, you need something fun, flexible, and easy to run. At Whodunnit Mysteries, we’ve designed our downloadable games to be as stress-free as possible, whether you’re hosting a group of teens, adults, or a full family reunion.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through why our games are so simple to set up, what makes them great for last-minute planners and detail lovers alike, and when you might want to plan a little more time for a full production.
🎯 Instant Downloads, Immediate Access
As soon as you purchase one of our games, you’ll receive immediate access to the full downloadable game packet. This includes:
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A comprehensive host guide
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Character assignments
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Invitations
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Clues
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Solution keys
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Tips for setup and game flow
- Customized Pinterest Board with food, costume, and decoration ideas
There’s no waiting for something to arrive in the mail and no dealing with separate logins or subscriptions. If you’re a planner, you can download and prep early. If you’re more spontaneous, you can literally print the materials the night before the party and still be ready to roll.
🧭 Clear Host Guides = Confident Hosting
Each game comes with a step-by-step host guide that walks you through the process:
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What to print
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How to set the scene
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What to read aloud
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How to assign characters and distribute clues
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How to lead the game and reveal the ending
Even if you’ve never hosted a mystery party before, our guides are written in a casual, friendly voice that makes you feel like you’ve got a co-host by your side. You’ll know exactly what needs to be done and when—so you can relax and enjoy the event with your guests.
🧩 Built-In Flexibility for Real Life
People get sick. Plans change. Cousin Doug brings an extra guest. We get it.
That’s why most of our games are built with smart flexibility:
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🎭 Missing a guest? No problem! Critical clues are often duplicated so the game can still function with one or two people missing.
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🚻 Gender-neutral casting: Several of our games include characters that can be played by any gender, making last-minute role swaps or adjustments a breeze.
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👥 Team formats: We offer a few games designed for large groups or teams where only ten to fourteen people act out a individual characters while the rest of the team participates in clue solving. These games work well for big family gatherings, corporate events, or classroom settings.
We don’t create “filler” characters just to bulk up the guest list. Every character is essential to the plot, making the game experience rich and meaningful. This makes gameplay smoother and more rewarding—without needing a cast of thousands.
🎭 Custom Games, Tailored to You
We know some groups want to go beyond plug-and-play. That’s why we offer fully bespoke customizations for your group’s unique needs.
Here’s what that can include:
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A complete gender shift for your cast
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Changing the location or era of the game (e.g., setting a medieval mystery in a modern hotel)
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Merging two of our games into a brand new story
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Adjusting tone (making it more silly, more intense, more family-friendly, etc.)
These projects take a bit more time and collaboration, but the result is a one-of-a-kind experience made just for your event. If you’re planning a wedding weekend, corporate retreat, or extra-special birthday, our custom services can help create something unforgettable.
Note: Full customizations do require advance planning, and some types of edits (like location and time-period changes) are more involved. But we’re here to help you dream big and make it happen. If you’re interested in a custom game, fill out our Custom Game Questionnaire.
⚠️ Two Notable Exceptions (That Are Worth It!)
While nearly all our games are easy to host with just your printer and a few props from your closet, we do offer two specialty experiences that are more involved:
🧟 Coalition of Monsters
This escape-room-style mystery is a fan-favorite—but it takes some real prep. You’ll need:
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A printed host packet with specific instructions
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Extra props and supplies (a full shopping list is provided)
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Time to set up your space like a series of rooms in an escape room
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A way to manage puzzles and hidden clues
It’s perfect for Halloween, monster-themed birthdays, or any group that loves interactive challenges. But give yourself a few weeks to order, prep, and test everything.
🏛️ Festival of the Gods
This is not your typical whodunnit—it’s a competitive party game inspired by ancient mythology, with multiple mini-games and challenges throughout the night.
What to expect:
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Multiple rounds of gameplay
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Game stations for different challenges
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Printed game booklets for each player
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Space for movement, games, and interaction
It’s ideal for groups who want an energetic, laughter-filled experience—but it does require extra printing, extra space, and a bit more coordination. If you’re hosting outdoors or in a large hall, this one’s a hit!
🧾 The Setup Summary
| Feature | Most Games | Coalition of Monsters | Festival of the Gods |
|---|---|---|---|
| Downloadable instantly? | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Can host same day? | ✅ Yes | ❌ Needs prep | ❌ Needs prep |
| Extra supplies needed? | ❌ No | ✅ Yes (props, puzzles) | ✅ Yes (games, booklets) |
| Space-intensive? | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Easy for new hosts? | ✅ Yes | ⚠️ Moderate difficulty | ⚠️ Moderate difficulty |
🥳 Choose the Game That Fits Your Style
Whether you’re a go-with-the-flow party planner or a detail-loving spreadsheet maker, Whodunnit Mysteries has a game that matches your vibe.
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Want something you can print and go? Choose any of our classic mystery games.
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Hosting a crowd? Try one of our team games.
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Planning something unique? Reach out for a custom game.
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Up for a challenge? Explore Coalition of Monsters or Festival of the Gods.
Whatever you choose, we’re here to make sure setup is never the thing you dread. Let the mystery—and the fun—begin!
For more mystery game ideas, visit our Pinterest Page.