How to Run a Murder Mystery Party Online—No Matter the Platform

Bring the mystery and the mayhem wherever your guests are.

Virtual murder mystery parties became a lifeline for fun during the height of social distancing, but even now, they’re still going strong. Whether you’re planning a team-building event for a remote office, connecting with long-distance friends, or simply want a night of fun without anyone changing out of their pajama pants, a virtual murder mystery is the perfect way to gather… apart.

Here’s how to host one seamlessly, along with expert tips, platform recommendations, and creative workarounds for both digital and physical mystery games.

Step 1: Choose Your Format

There are two main ways to host a virtual mystery:

Digital Mystery Games

These are designed to be played entirely online, with downloadable character files, scripted dialogue, and minimal physical prep. Great for remote teams, online classrooms, or long-distance friend groups.

Skills Tip: Many digital kits include editable PDFs or Google Docs for easy distribution. Look for ones labeled “virtual-ready” or “Zoom-friendly.”

Hybrid with a Physical Game

Want to play a game you already own (or just prefer something tangible)? No problem! You can still host using physical materials—just scan or photograph pages, or mail character packets in advance.

Skills Tip: Use screen-sharing, email, or Google Drive folders to send clues or visuals. For family parties, consider mailing prop kits or printables ahead of time.

Step 2: Pick Your Platform

Here’s a quick comparison of the top tools for virtual sleuthing:

Platform	Best For	Pros	Cons
Zoom	Most virtual parties	Breakout rooms, screen sharing, easy to use	Time limits on the free plan, requires tech familiarity
Microsoft Teams	Corporate groups	Built-in for many workplaces, secure	Less casual, not ideal for large social groups
Google Meet	School & casual get-togethers	No downloads, user-friendly	Fewer interactive features
Gather	Gamified virtual spaces	Characters walk around & talk—great for immersion	Learning curve, may require payment for larger groups
Discord	Gamers or tech-savvy groups	Text + voice + video in one, highly customizable	Setup can be confusing for new users

Skills Tip: Zoom is still the gold standard for most casual parties and works especially well for mystery games that include timed reveals or character phases and is the most accessible for the less computer savvy.

Skills Advanced Tip: We love Gather.Town for mystery parties because it feels like stepping into a real RPG map. You can plant digital evidence on desks, leave secret notes, use whiteboards to track suspects, and create private audio zones for hush-hush conversations. The layered environment adds immersion and makes the mystery feel like an actual scavenger hunt, perfect for games where exploration, secrecy, and side conversations drive the drama.

Step 3: Send Your Invitations (and Instructions!)

Virtual parties still need structure. Your invite should include:

• The platform link (Zoom, Teams, etc.)

• The time and time zone

• Character assignments or costume suggestions

• Any PDFs or materials they should read in advance

• Whether to stay in character, bring snacks, or dress up

Skills Tip: Encourage guests to log in 10–15 minutes early for tech checks and small talk.

Step 4: Set the Stage

Even if you’re online, you can still create a great atmosphere:

• Encourage costumes or themed backgrounds (Many of these platforms let you upload virtual ones!) Encourage guests to use custom-themed virtual backgrounds, whether it’s a haunted manor, a 1920s speakeasy, or a backyard BBQ, to set the scene and enhance the immersion. You can create your own or check out our website for ideas and inspiration. We’re always cooking up something new!

• Play background music during breaks or when players are in breakout rooms

• Send a digital clue board (Google Slides works great) where everyone can view evidence

Skills Tip: Make use of Zoom’s screen share, chat, and breakout room features to simulate phases like private interviews or secret alliances.

Step 5: Run the Game

Whether your game is scripted or improvisational, here’s how to run things smoothly:

1. Intro the Setting and Rules – Stay in character if your host persona allows!

2. Give Players Time to Mingle – Use breakout rooms or encourage in-character introductions

3. Reveal Clues in Phases – Just like an in-person mystery

4. Allow Deliberation – Let guests accuse, defend, and vote on the killer

5. Read the Solution – End with a dramatic flourish or post-mortem Q&A

   
   

Skills Tip: If your virtual room size allows, have a co-host or assistant to manage the tech (muting, spotlighting, moving players to breakout rooms, etc.) so you can focus on storytelling.

Bonus: Hybrid Hosting Tips

Want to mix in-person and remote guests?

• Position a laptop or tablet in the party space so virtual players can interact with those physically present

• Use a group chat, slideshow, or shared screen to keep clues visible to everyone

• Consider assigning “spectator roles” to remote guests if the in-person group is large, or flip the script and let virtual players take on key roles like detective or narrator

• Guests attending in person can still take a larger part in the virtual fun by logging into the platform on their phones, letting them interact in breakout rooms, receive private clues, or engage directly with remote players

Skills Tip: Hybrid parties work best when you treat both sides, remote and in-person, as equally important to the mystery. Keep the experience inclusive and interactive for all!

Final Thoughts

Hosting a virtual murder mystery may sound tricky, but with the right tools and a little planning, it can be just as thrilling as any in-person whodunnit.

From office icebreakers to birthday reunions to long-distance family fun, mystery games bring people together, no matter how far apart they really are.