The best Detective board games 🕵️♂️ 2025
We have selected the best detective board games for you 🕵️♂️. The offer ranges from simple variants that can be solved in a few minutes to extra difficult ones that can take several hours. There is something for everyone is Sherlock Holmes among you.
Jump to the list: The best detective games
What are detective or deduction board games?
Detective board games, or "deduction games," are games in which players must draw conclusions based on available premises. These games are quite diverse and include several different types of logical reasoning. Cat-and-mouse games such as Scotland Yard are a type of deduction game in which players use a series of observations and truthful feedback to narrow down the possibilities and catch a constantly moving opponent in the correct position. Elimination games such as Clue expect players to reach the correct conclusion after narrowing down possibilities from a large list. Signal-based games such as Werewolf allow for a series of observations and player-driven feedback (which may not be truthful) to draw the correct conclusion from 2-3 main choices. Finally, this category includes induction games such as Zendo, where players must deduce a general rule from nearly infinite possibilities.
Social Deduction Games
Social deduction games are a related subcategory that is proving increasingly popular and includes games with hidden roles and bluffs such as The Resistance and [Werewolves Full Moon Night](%2Werewolves-Full Moon Night).
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Fantasy | Horror | Sci-Fi | War-games | Murder/Mystery/Deduction | Escape-Room
list of best detective board games 🕵️
In this list you will find the best detective games to buy 2025:
Dixit: Quest
Dive into the world of artistic storytelling with Dixit: Quest, an expansion that elevates the captivating gameplay of Dixit to new heights. In this imaginative game, players use beautifully illustrated cards to spin enchanting tales and embark on a journey of creative discovery.
Nominated for 1 award.
More details for Dixit: Quest- 3 - 6 Players
- 30 Minutes
- 8+ years old
- Immediately playable
MicroMacro: Crime City – Full House
MicroMacro: Crime City – Full House is a captivating detective game that expands upon the original MicroMacro: Crime City. Players become sleuths, examining a giant city map (75 x 110 cm) filled with intricate details to solve various crimes. This edition includes 16 new cases, each offering a unique story and set of challenges that require players to scrutinize the map to uncover hidden information and trace suspects' movements.
Nominated for 5 awards.
More details for MicroMacro: Crime City – Full House- 1 - 4 Players
- 15 - 45 Minutes
- 10+ years old
- Immediately playable
Dixit 3: Journey
More details for Dixit 3: JourneyDixit 3: Journey expands the enchanting world of Dixit with 84 new cards, each adorned with evocative and surreal artwork that stirs the imagination and fuels storytelling. As an expansion to the beloved Dixit game, it enhances the experience by offering a fresh array of visually stunning cards that players can use to inspire their tales, adding depth and variety to the game's creative narrative play.
- 3 - 6 Players
- 30 Minutes
- 8+ years old
- Immediately playable
Deception: Murder in Hong Kong
Deception: Murder in Hong Kong offers a riveting game of deduction and deception designed for 4-12 players, providing an immersive experience in approximately 20 minutes.
Nominated for 1 award.
More details for Deception: Murder in Hong Kong- 4 - 12 Players
- 20 Minutes
- 14+ years old
- Easy to learn
Detective Club
Detective Club is a social deduction and party game that involves both cooperation and deception. Players are drawn into rounds of intrigue, where one player secretly passes clues to their accomplice to reveal a secret word, while others, acting as detectives, try to unveil the conspiracy. Creativity and persuasion play crucial roles as players discuss and defend their choices to avoid suspicion.
Nominated for 6 awards and won 3.
More details for Detective Club- 4 - 8 Players
- 45 Minutes
- 8+ years old
- Immediately playable
Video reviews for Detective Club
Deception: Undercover Allies
More details for Deception: Undercover AlliesA chill of fear spreads through the streets of Hong Kong. Recently, several murders may have been committed by one of the investigators assigned to solve these cases. The police are bringing in additional support, while the murderer discreetly recruits allies.
- 4 - 14 Players
- 14+ years old
- Easy to learn
When I Dream
When I Dream is a whimsical and imaginative board game that delves into the world of dreams, blending elements of storytelling, deduction, and teamwork in a playful setting.
Nominated for 6 awards and won 2.
More details for When I Dream- 4 - 10 Players
- 20 - 40 Minutes
- 8+ years old
- Immediately playable
Video reviews for When I Dream
Chronicles of Crime
Embark on a thrilling cooperative adventure with Chronicles of Crime, a unique blend of crime investigation, board game excitement, and a touch of Virtual Reality. Picture yourself at the heart of criminal investigations, where the seamless integration of an app with physical components creates an immersive experience.
Nominated for 17 awards and won 5.
More details for Chronicles of Crime- 1 - 4 Players
- 60 - 90 Minutes
- 12+ years old
- Easy to learn
Video reviews for Chronicles of Crime
Chronicles of Crime: 1900
More details for Chronicles of Crime: 1900You play as Victor Lavel, an ambitious journalist in 1900 Paris, during the vibrant Belle Époque. While others report on events like the Exposition Universelle and the Olympics, Lavel is drawn to solving crimes, including murders and kidnappings. The standalone game challenges players to gather evidence, interrogate suspects, and solve puzzles reminiscent of escape rooms.
- 1 - 4 Players
- 60 - 90 Minutes
- 12+ years old
- Easy to learn
Chronicles of Crime: 1400
Chronicles of Crime: 1400 invites players into the heart of medieval Paris, where they embody Abelard Lavel, a knight with a prophetic gift for solving crimes. As a standalone game in the Chronicles of Crime series, it combines familiar investigative gameplay with new elements to create a unique, narrative-driven experience. Players utilize Vision Cards to gain insights into crimes, relying on both futuristic and historical scenes to guide their investigation.
Nominated for 2 awards.
More details for Chronicles of Crime: 1400- 1 - 4 Players
- 60 - 90 Minutes
- 12+ years old
- Easy to learn
Witness
More details for WitnessWitness is a unique cooperative board game designed for exactly four players, based on the intriguing universe of the Belgian comic series Blake and Mortimer by Edgar P. Jacobs. The game revolves around solving mysteries through a clever yet challenging communication system where players can only share information in a very restricted manner.
- 4 Players
- 15 Minutes
- 13+ years old
- Immediately playable
Video reviews for Witness
Mysterium
Mysterium is a cooperative mystery-solving game set in the 1920s, where players take on the roles of mediums trying to solve a murder at a Scottish mansion, guided by a ghost who communicates through visions.
Nominated for 14 awards and won 6.
More details for Mysterium- 2 - 7 Players
- 42 Minutes
- 10+ years old
- Easy to learn
Chronicles of Crime: Noir
Noir is an expansion written by the talented author Stephane Anquetil, known for his work on Sherlock Holmes Consulting Detective scenarios and other interactive narratives. Players collaboratively assume the role of a private detective using unconventional methods, wielding four action cards: Spy, Break-In, Bribe, and Intimidate. Limited resources make every decision critical, adding a unique twist to crime-fighting. This expansion requires the base game and an app to play, which currently supports specific operating systems without needing an internet connection once downloaded.
Nominated for 1 award and won 1.
More details for Chronicles of Crime: Noir- 1 - 4 Players
- 60 - 90 Minutes
- 14+ years old
- Easy to learn
Video reviews for Chronicles of Crime: Noir
Mysterium Park
Mysterium Park beckons with its mysterious aura, set against the backdrop of a 1950s US fairground with a dark twist. The disappearance of the park’s director has left behind a haunting presence, prompting a group of psychics to uncover the truth before the carnival disappears. This cooperative game engages players with visions provided by the ghost, requiring interpretation to eliminate suspects and locations, leading to the revelation of the director’s fate.
Nominated for 4 awards and won 2.
More details for Mysterium Park- 2 - 6 Players
- 30 - 45 Minutes
- 10+ years old
- Immediately playable
Sherlock Holmes Consulting Detective: The Baker Street Irregulars
More details for Sherlock Holmes Consulting Detective: The Baker Street IrregularsSherlock Holmes appointed a group of street children as The Baker Street Irregulars, his unofficial "police force." This is their story, filled with challenging and dangerous events.
- 1 - 8 Players
- 90 Minutes
- 14+ years old
- Easy to learn
Video reviews for Sherlock Holmes Consulting Detective: The Baker Street Irregulars
Sherlock Holmes Consulting Detective: Jack the Ripper & West End Adventures
More details for Sherlock Holmes Consulting Detective: Jack the Ripper & West End AdventuresSherlock Holmes Consulting Detective: Jack the Ripper & West End Adventures is a captivating standalone expansion to the renowned detective game Sherlock Holmes Consulting Detective. This expansion brings updated graphics and adds ten new cases set in Victorian-era London for players to solve. It includes essential detective tools such as a "London Directory," a map of London, and newspaper archives to aid in the investigation.
- 1 - 8 Players
- 60 - 120 Minutes
- 10+ years old
- Easy to learn
Video reviews for Sherlock Holmes Consulting Detective: Jack the Ripper & West End Adventures
Sherlock Holmes Consulting Detective: The Thames Murders & Other Cases
Embark on a captivating journey through Victorian London alongside the legendary detective Sherlock Holmes in Sherlock Holmes Consulting Detective: The Thames Murders & Other Cases. This immersive and challenging game allows you to step into the shoes of a detective, matching wits with Holmes himself.
Nominated for 4 awards and won 3.
⭐️ Spiel des Jahres 1985
More details for Sherlock Holmes Consulting Detective: The Thames Murders & Other Cases- 1 - 8 Players
- 60 - 120 Minutes
- 13+ years old
- Medium difficulty
Video reviews for Sherlock Holmes Consulting Detective: The Thames Murders & Other Cases
Crime Zoom: A Deadly Writer
More details for Crime Zoom: A Deadly WriterPlayers are taken into a British mansion in 1929 for the third case in the Crime Zoom series. This investigation game involves exploring a crime scene spread across multiple cards, revealing clues and items that lead players to solve the mystery. By discussing findings with others, players choose the best clues to pursue, ultimately answering questions to conclude the case and determine the outcome.
- 1 - 6 Players
- 60 Minutes
- 14+ years old
- Immediately playable
Ultimate Werewolf: Classic Movie Monsters
More details for Ultimate Werewolf: Classic Movie MonstersPlayers take on new roles in Werwölfe: Klassische Filmmonster, featuring characters like The Blob, Frankenstein's Monster, and Teenage Werewolf. The Blob spreads through the village, winning if it absorbs every player. Frankenstein's Monster gains powers as players die, while Teenage Werewolf's excitement leads him to shout "Werewolf" daily. This expansion is fully compatible with various editions of Ultimate Werewolf.
- 5 - 68 Players
- 30 - 90 Minutes
- 8+ years old
- Immediately playable
Unlock!: Game Adventures
More details for Unlock!: Game AdventuresUnlock! Game Adventures brings the thrill of escape rooms to the tabletop, combining the enigmatic puzzles and cooperative gameplay of the Unlock! series with the universes of three iconic board games. This expansion introduces a trio of scenarios, each immersing players in the worlds of Mysterium, Ticket to Ride, and Pandemic, offering unique challenges that blend the mechanics and themes of these beloved games with the puzzle-solving and teamwork of escape rooms.
- 1 - 6 Players
- 30 - 60 Minutes
- 10+ years old
- Easy to learn
Suspects: Claire Harper Takes the Stage
Players investigate in a series of mystery games with simplified rules, focusing on character psychology akin to Agatha Christie's novels. In the first installment, the brilliant and fearless Claire Harper embarks on adventures across various intriguing settings, from grand manors to shady theaters, and travels from Scotland to Egypt while solving puzzles that challenge her deductive skills and determination.
Nominated for 1 award.
More details for Suspects: Claire Harper Takes the Stage- 1 - 6 Players
- 60 - 90 Minutes
- 10+ years old
- Easy to learn
Chronicles of Crime: Welcome to Redview
More details for Chronicles of Crime: Welcome to RedviewStrange things are happening in the small town of Redview, where animals have been mysteriously disappearing for weeks. When Wookie, the sheriff's dog, goes missing, six friends band together to find him. This family-friendly game takes place in a 1980s Maine town, where players use their strength, agility, and wits to solve the mystery without adult help.
- 1 - 4 Players
- 30 - 90 Minutes
- 12+ years old
- Easy to learn
Video reviews for Chronicles of Crime: Welcome to Redview
Murder Mystery Party: A Taste for Wine and Murder
More details for Murder Mystery Party: A Taste for Wine and MurderTake a tour through the peaceful vineyards and picturesque wineries of California's wine country. During the annual wine tasting festival, the body of local vineyard owner Barry Underwood is discovered hidden in his wine cellar, after being missing for six years. With the finding of his body, new clues emerge to unravel this vintage murder, and you might just be a suspect.
- 6 - 8 Players
- 180 Minutes
- 16+ years old
- Immediately playable
Detective: A Modern Crime Board Game
Detective: A Modern Crime Board Game immerses players in the role of true detectives, blending traditional board game elements with modern technology and storytelling. This game offers a unique and interactive experience, as players solve interconnected cases using both physical game components and an online database.
Nominated for 14 awards and won 4.
⭐️ Nominated for Kennerspiel des Jahres 2019
More details for Detective: A Modern Crime Board Game- 1 - 5 Players
- 120 - 180 Minutes
- 16+ years old
- Medium difficulty
Video reviews for Detective: A Modern Crime Board Game
Decktective: The Will without an Heir
More details for Decktective: The Will without an HeirPlayers must solve a mysterious case in this cooperative investigation game featuring a 3D crime scene. They exchange information by playing cards, discuss findings with each other, and draw conclusions to uncover the truth. Set in the Netherlands in 1698, players will gather clues about the suspicious death of Cornelius Kloos and the sealed will found in his open safe.
- 1 - 6 Players
- 60 Minutes
- 12+ years old
- Immediately playable
Treasure Island
Treasure Island is a thrilling game of bluffing and adventure where players are immersed in a high-stakes treasure hunt. One player takes on the role of Long John Silver, using cunning and misdirection to lead the others astray in their quest to find his hidden treasure. The game builds to an exciting climax as Long John makes his daring escape to reclaim his treasure.
Nominated for 3 awards.
More details for Treasure Island- 2 - 5 Players
- 45 Minutes
- 10+ years old
- Easy to learn
Video reviews for Treasure Island
Crime Zoom: His Last Card
More details for Crime Zoom: His Last CardPlayers are immersed in a murder investigation set in Brooklyn in 1980. Crime Zoom offers a distinct case on multiple cards that form a larger illustration of the crime scene. Players freely explore, discuss clues, and answer questions about the case, trying to identify the culprit while aiming for the best outcome based on cards revealed.
- 1 - 6 Players
- 60 Minutes
- 14+ years old
- Immediately playable
Decktective: Bloody-Red Roses
More details for Decktective: Bloody-Red RosesThe sound of a carriage disrupts the silence surrounding the Tudor mansion. Duke Edward York makes a grim discovery: Count Ferdinand Tudor lies lifeless beside a bush of bloody roses. Players gather clues like a broken pocket watch and an astrology manual to piece together the mystery, determining whether it is an accident or a brutal crime.
- 1 - 6 Players
- 60 Minutes
- 12+ years old
- Immediately playable
Chronicles of Crime: 2400
More details for Chronicles of Crime: 2400You are Kalia Lavel, a dedicated crime fighter disillusioned by the profit-driven motives of your former bosses. After resigning, you now aim to solve crimes and help the vulnerable using the latest technology and a Cyber-Raven companion for evidence analysis. Set in the year 2400, the game immerses players in a technologically advanced Paris where androids and cybernetic implants are commonplace, but danger lurks in distinguishing friend from foe in a world rife with social unrest and inequality.
- 1 - 4 Players
- 60 - 90 Minutes
- 12+ years old
- Easy to learn
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