You’ve made an excellent decision: you’re about to trade boring board games and awkward small talk for an evening of laughter, secrets, scandalous accusations, and maybe a dramatic confession or two.
Hosting a mystery game for the first time might feel intimidating — but don’t worry! It’s way easier (and way more fun) than people expect. With the right plan and a few clever touches, you’ll look like a seasoned host who’s been solving pretend crimes for years.
Consider this your ultimate beginner’s checklist: everything you need (and a few insider tips) to throw a mystery game night your guests will talk about forever.
It all starts here. A great mystery game does most of the heavy lifting for you. At Whodunnit Mysteries, all our games come with clear instructions, printable character packets, clues, and plenty of plot twists to keep your crew entertained.
When picking your first game, consider:
Your group size: Make sure the game supports your expected number of guests. Some mysteries are flexible with optional characters; others need a specific minimum to work properly.
Your vibe: Do you want something spooky, silly, historical, or high-stakes? We have everything from Regency tea parties (Tea is for Terror) to supernatural councils (The Coalition of Monsters) to teen drama (Shampoo High at Camp Run-A-Muk).
Age appropriateness: Hosting family and kids? At Whodunnit Mysteries, you don’t need to worry about that. All of our games are clean, family-friendly mysteries with no adult content. At other sites, make sure you double-check to make sure inappropriate themes aren’t part of the party.
Once you’ve picked your plot, download it, read the host guide, and get excited!
This is one of the secrets to a smooth mystery night: give your guests enough time to get into character.
How to do it:
Read through the character list.
Match guests to roles based on their comfort level. Your drama-loving friend might love the villain. Your shy cousin might prefer a smaller, quieter role.
Send each guest their character sheet at least a week ahead. Whodunnit Mystery Packets usually include costume suggestions on a Pinterest Board if they want to dress up (trust us — they’ll thank you).
Pro tip: Add a line to your invite like, “Costumes encouraged, accents optional, suspicious behavior mandatory!”
Most Whodunnit Mysteries come with:
A host guide (your bible for the night)
Character packets (individual backstories and secrets)
Extra fun like prop suggestions or bonus puzzles (some games have escape room elements, like Coalition of Monsters or additional games Festival of the Gods).
Print everything in advance. You’ll look like the most organized detective on the block.
You don’t need to redecorate your whole house to impress your guests, but a few atmospheric touches go a long way.
Ideas for setting the mood:
Dim the lights or use candles (real or battery-operated) for a dramatic feel.
Play background music to match the theme — classical for a Victorian mystery, spooky strings for a haunted manor, or jazzy tunes for a 1920s speakeasy vibe.
Scatter props — a fake candlestick, old books, or a “Top Secret” folder. They’re great conversation starters and photo-worthy too.
If you’re hosting outdoors, fairy lights and a few blankets add instant charm. If you’re online, set a themed virtual background and encourage guests to do the same. Decoration suggestions can be found on our Pinterest Board.
Hungry detectives lose focus — so feed your suspects! The best mystery party snacks are:
Easy to eat with one hand.
Not too messy (finger foods = less clue-smudging).
On-theme if possible (tea sandwiches for a Regency plot, Halloween candy for a monster summit).
Some hosts serve a full dinner before starting the mystery; others set up a grazing table guests can visit during the game.
Don’t forget drinks! Whether it’s mocktails, themed cocktails, or good old juice boxes for younger players — a toast before the big reveal is always fun. Food and drink suggestions can be found on our Pinterest Board.
Your main job as host? Keep the game moving and everyone having fun. You don’t need to memorize every detail — your host guide has your back — but read through it once or twice so you know:
Question suggestions to help prompt discussion.
Timing for when to gather everyone for big announcements.
How to steer wandering conversations back on track if people get lost.
Pro tip: Some players (looking at you, Uncle Kenny) might go wildly off-script or invent outrageous fake clues. Embrace it! The chaos is half the fun.
A typical mystery game from Whodunnit Mysteries works like this:
Guests arrive & mingle: People get into character, show off costumes, and catch up.
Introduction: You read or play the opening scene to set the stage.
Mingling & clue hunting: Guests question each other, share secrets, and gather clues.
Two rounds of additional clues revealed: At set times, you prompt guests to move onto the next set of clues in their parts.
Accusations: When everyone’s ready, gather the group to share theories and vote.
Dramatic reveal: You read the solution or let the culprit confess with flair.
Each game guide includes approximate timings — but feel free to go at your group’s pace.
Nothing gets guests into the spirit like a silly hat or dramatic cape. You don’t need full cosplay — even a fake mustache or feather boa helps break the ice.
Set up a “costume corner” with extra props:
Scarves, hats, costume jewelry, or old sunglasses.
A few cheap detective or villain masks for people who forgot to bring anything.
When everyone’s dressed up, the photos are chef’s kiss.
This is a night you’ll want to remember:
Take candid photos of guests whispering secrets.
Snap posed group shots once everyone’s in costume.
Record the dramatic reveal if you can — nothing beats rewatching Aunt Doris confess to fictional blackmail.
Some hosts even hand out silly “Best Detective” or “Best Actor” awards at the end — small prizes make people feel special. You could even get a t-shirt for the criminal!
Here’s your cheat sheet:
✔️ Downloaded mystery game
✔️ Character packets, clue cards, host guide (parts emailed or given to guests)
✔️ Basic props & decorations
✔️ Background music playlist
✔️ Simple themed snacks & drinks
✔️ A camera or phone for photos
✔️ A playful attitude & willingness to roll with the chaos
That’s it! No professional acting skills or giant budget needed. A good mystery game practically runs itself once your guests start playing.
Test your printer: Sounds silly, but nothing kills the vibe like realizing you’re out of ink on party day. This is important if you want to print out certificates or your Player or Host Packet.
Have a “quiet character” for shy guests: Pick someone with fewer secrets and more observing.
Expect the unexpected: Someone will forget their motive. Someone will spill a drink. Someone will dramatically accuse the cat. It’s all part of the fun.
If you follow this guide, you’ll be well on your way to hosting a legendary night full of secrets, laughter, and plot twists worthy of a Netflix series (but better, because your friends are the stars).
Whether you want to plan a spooky haunted house, a tropical Hawaiian Whodunnit, a staid museum murder, or fairy tale gone wrong — Whodunnit Mysteries has a game for every group and every mood.
Browse our hand-crafted mysteries here, download your favorite, and get ready to shout, “Aha! I knew it was you!” at your best friend.
Now go forth, Super-Host. May your suspects be shady, your clues be clever, and your snacks be plentiful.
Happy sleuthing! 🕵️♀️✨🔍
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