The Ultimate Murder Mystery Kit Showdown - Download or Boxed?

DIY Murder Mystery Kits: Download, Print, and Prepare at Home

For hosts who love to be hands-on, our instant download kits offer the perfect balance of structure and creativity. You’ll receive everything you need in PDF downloads, including character descriptions, game materials, host instructions, and other content like menus or bonus game suggestions. Just print, prep, and get ready for an unforgettable night.

Many of our customers enjoy the prep process as part of the fun—cutting out character cards, stuffing envelopes, and setting the stage adds to the anticipation and gives you full control over your party’s pacing and presentation.

Pros:

• Instant Access: Receive your mystery kit immediately after purchase—great for last-minute planners or spontaneous events.

• Flexible Party Sizes: Most games allow for expandable characters to suit your guest list. You can add the expansion pack(s) &/or expandable teams (when applicable) at any time - even at the last minute.

• Budget-Friendly: Print at home, as needed. 

• Hands-On Enjoyment: The printing, cutting, and organizing can feel downright therapeutic.

Considerations:

• Time Investment: You’ll need to print and prepare the materials yourself, which can take 1–3 hours depending on the size of your group.

• Access to a Printer: You’ll need a home printer (or access to one - you can print at any printing service) and basic supplies like paper, envelopes, and scissors.

Best For:

• Hosts who enjoy being involved in every detail of party prep.

• Teachers, parents, and group leaders who are planning events on a budget.

• Last-minute planners who need the game today.

Boxed Murder Mystery Kits: Prepped, Packed, and Delivered to Your Door

Our boxed kits are the way to go if you're looking for a polished, no-fuss experience. Each game is professionally printed, neatly organized, and carefully packaged—so all you have to do is open the box and follow the host's instructions.

Every kit has everything you need: game cards and corresponding envelopes for each character (four rounds), a host character list, a suspect list, a game-specific information sheet, adhesive name tags, investigation cards, guest list worksheet, a forensic report, and victim's sign-in envelopes (when applicable). All prepared (with the spoiler-free version) and ready to hand out. It’s a premium option for hosts who want to skip the printer and dive straight into the fun.

Pros:

• Party ready with the spoiler-free option: No printing, no cutting, no organizing—we’ve done it all for you. If you skip the spoiler-free option, you must slip the rounds 1, 2, and 3 cards into their envelopes.

• High-Quality Materials: Printed on high-quality paper and cardstock with clear formatting and elegant presentation.

• Ideal for Busy Hosts: Focus on food, decor, and guest engagement while we handle the logistics of the kit materials.

Considerations:

• Shipping Time: Kits are shipped via UPS (all speeds) and require 2-3 days for our staff to prepare the kit for you before it ships. If you're in a rush, please contact us before ordering so we can plan how to get it to you quickly.

• Higher Cost: Premium materials, labor, and packaging come at a slightly higher price point—but the convenience and quality are unmatched.

Best For:

• Hosts who want a stress-free setup with beautiful, ready-made materials.

• Events where presentation, polish, and ease are top priorities.