🔎 9 Best Detective Board Games for Fans of Clue

I’ve always loved Clue, so as I got older I started hunting for other games that gave me that same rush of piecing together a mystery. Turns out, there are tons of clever options that pull it off, each with its own style of deception and deduction. These nine are the ones that really hooked me.

1. 221B Baker Street: The Master Detective Game

One of the most iconic mystery board games, this title lets you step into Sherlock Holmes’ shoes as you explore London. Each case is filled with suspects, clues, and red herrings. If you’re a fan of deep deduction games with narrative flair, this is a must-play.

2. Mysterium

Mysterium drops you into a ghost story that plays out around the table. One person becomes the restless spirit, handing out strange illustrated clues to help the others piece together how they died. It’s eerie, creative, and just unpredictable enough to keep everyone talking long after the séance ends.

3. Spy Alley

Spy Alley feels like a mix of Clue and poker. You’re trying to outsmart everyone while keeping your identity secret. It’s easy to pick up but hard to master, and it usually ends with someone shouting, “Wait, you were the spy?” That’s part of what makes it such a fun, chaotic group game.

4. Simply Suspects

Fast-paced and lighthearted, Simply Suspects keeps everyone under suspicion. The fun comes from bluffing your way out of trouble while pointing fingers at your opponents. If you want a mystery game that plays quickly and gets everyone laughing, this one delivers.

5. Kill Doctor Lucky

A witty twist on the murder mystery formula — instead of solving a crime, you’re plotting one. Players sneak through a mansion, each hoping to be the one to finally take out Doctor Lucky without being caught. If you enjoy Clue but want something with dark humor and a reversed goal, this is one of the best alternatives.

6. Awkward Guests

If you like games similar to Clue but crave more complexity, Awkward Guests is your upgrade. Each playthrough offers new possibilities and multiple solutions, so you’ll never solve the same case twice. It’s all about trading information and outthinking your opponents.

7. Secret Hitler

A heavyweight in the world of social deduction games, Secret Hitler has players divided into hidden teams. Liberals try to maintain control while Fascists push their agenda from the shadows. Suspenseful, dramatic, and packed with accusations — it’s a thrilling addition to any mystery game night.

8. Scotland Yard

This classic detective game pits a team of investigators against one elusive criminal: Mister X. The detectives must use teamwork, deduction, and clever strategy to track him across London. If you’re after classic detective board games, Scotland Yard is a proven favorite.

9. Deception: Murder in Hong Kong

A modern party-style mystery game where the murderer sits at the table. The Forensic Scientist gives cryptic clues while players argue, accuse, and defend. It’s a wild mix of mystery and pure chaos, and I’ve found it keeps everyone on their toes no matter how many times you play.

🗝️ Final Thoughts

These nine games show that there’s more to mystery board games than just Clue. From deep-dive investigations like 221B Baker Street to quick, chaotic hits like Deception: Murder in Hong Kong, each one offers its own twist on sleuthing. So next game night, pick one and see which friend can really claim the title of ultimate detective.

What Makes Clue A Great Game?

The board game Clue is a quintessential classic, and I may be a bit biased. I fell in love with it in the mid-‘80s. Even as a kid, I could see why it appealed to adults: the mystery, the strategy, and the colorful cast of characters. At eight years old, I had just as much fun rolling the dice and making guesses as the adults around me.

Cluedo: The Classic Murder Mystery Game That Started It All

LONDON, 1949 — A shocking new pastime has emerged from the quiet mind of British inventor Anthony E. Pratt. His creation, published by Waddingtons, promises intrigue, scandal, and no shortage of suspicion. The name of this game? Cluedo.