Frequently asked questions

MurderXFile makes online murder mystery games. You examine evidence and answer case questions to work out what happened.

Yes. Part 1 of every MurderXFile case is free. Play as a guest, or create a free account to save progress to your account. An account is required to purchase and unlock the rest of a case.

Each case is divided into stages. You examine evidence, compare suspect accounts and solve case checks to unlock the next part of the investigation.

No. You work through a case by examining evidence and answering questions. You don’t need costumes or acting roles.

MurderXFile is designed for 1–4 people, although you can also work through a case with more people if you prefer.

Most players should allow around 2–5 hours to complete a case.

MurderXFile is intended for people aged 13 and over. You must be at least 13 years old to create or use a MurderXFile account. Individual cases may contain themes or material that some players find sensitive, so please check the content information provided for the case before playing.

Cases involve murder and violence and may include crime-scene material and non-sexual medical or anatomical imagery. Content varies by case. Check the content information on the case page before playing.

A laptop or desktop is best for reading the evidence. You can use a tablet or phone, but detailed documents are harder to read on a small screen. Chrome or Edge is recommended. You can also print the evidence and use the website for briefings, questions and saved progress.

MurderXFile requires an internet connection and a modern web browser with JavaScript and cookies or similar essential browser storage enabled. MurderXFile cases can be played on a laptop, desktop, tablet or mobile phone, although a larger screen is recommended for reviewing detailed evidence. Optional printable evidence is supplied as PDF files, so you will need PDF-compatible software or a browser capable of opening PDF files if you choose to use them. A printer is optional and is not required to complete the investigation.

No download is required to play in your web browser. Each case also includes optional printable PDF evidence packs if you prefer to examine the evidence on paper. You’ll still use the website to progress through the investigation.

Yes. Each case includes printable PDF evidence packs. The Case Overview and Part 1 pack, plus the separate People of Interest pack, are free. Full-case access is required for the remaining packs.

You still use the website for briefings, questions, hints and saved progress. Resolution material is presented on the website. You can print available packs in advance after acknowledging the spoiler warning, but keep each part separate and do not read it until the website tells you to continue. Full instructions are on the Investigation Board for your chosen case.

Yes. Signed-in progress is saved to your MurderXFile account. Guest Part 1 progress stays in the same browser for up to 90 days; clearing site data removes it. Sign in or create an account to transfer verified guest progress if that account has not started that case. Existing account progress is kept.

Select Login at the top of the website, choose Sign in and use the email address linked to your MurderXFile account and purchase. Follow the sign-in instructions shown. If you are sent an email verification code, enter it when prompted and check your Junk/Spam folder if it has not arrived. New users can choose Create an account. Once signed in, select My Account to find your investigations.

Yes. You can print the supplied evidence packs and privately share them with friends or family playing the same game with you. They must not pass the materials on or use them for a separate game without their own purchase or our written permission. You must not share your account credentials or give others separate access to your account. See section 5 of our Terms & Conditions for the full personal-use licence.

Choose My Account in the header, then scroll to Delete Account and follow the instructions. Some transaction and contract records may need to be retained, as explained in our Privacy Policy.