The same immersive mystery experience, delivered two different ways. Compare what is included and choose the format that fits your party.
Instant Download
- Access your game materials right away
- Print and assemble everything at home
- Ideal for DIY hosts and last-minute parties
Boxed Kit
- Professionally printed materials
- Pre-labeled envelopes organized by round
- Optional spoiler-free, party-ready assembly
Detailed Comparison
Inclusions may vary slightly by game.
| Feature | Instant Download | Boxed Kit |
|---|---|---|
| Game Experience | ||
| Storyline | Same core storyline; minor format-specific variations may apply. | |
| Overall game format | Same overall game format; minor variations may apply. | |
| Optional pre-game round | Printable digital PDF | Printed cards and envelopes included |
| Clue cards: Rounds 1-3 | Digital clue-card PDFs, as pictured in the sample game. Most games include three interactive rounds. | Printed, double-sided, foldable clue cards with a parchment detective theme. Insert the cards into envelopes yourself, or select spoiler-free assembly. Printed graphics differ from the download version and will be the traditional detective on parchment theme. |
| Host instructions | Digital PDF, usually provided as a separate host-instruction file | Professionally bound booklet plus a game-specific instruction sheet |
| Player instructions | Included in the digital host-instruction file. An optional video may also be available. | Included in the printed host-instruction booklet. An optional video may also be available. |
| Bonus-game instructions | Digital materials; content varies by game | General mystery bonus games in the host booklet. Some games also include additional online content. |
| Printed Materials | ||
| Printed envelopes | Not included. |
Included, pre-labeled, and bundled by round. A 15-character, four-round game includes 60 envelopes. Standard: Fold and insert the Round 1-3 cards yourself. Spoiler-free: For an additional charge, our staff folds and inserts the Round 1-3 cards so the kit arrives party-ready. |
| Name tags | Digital | Adhesive-backed and printed on peel-off sheets |
| Victim sign If applicable | Digital | Printed and placed in a labeled 8 x 8-inch victim envelope. An additional envelope and sign are included when there is a second victim. |
| Backup video transcript If applicable | Digital PDF | Printed and placed in a protective plastic sheath with a cover page when there are spoilers. |
| Mystery investigation sheets or cards | Digital PDF, as seen in the sample game - they are full sheets. | Printed, double-sided 6 x 9-inch detective-themed cards |
| Party host checklist | Separate free download | Printed and included in the host booklet |
| Guest list worksheet | Separate free download | Printed and placed within the host instruction bundle |
| Forensic report If applicable | Digital PDF | Printed and placed in a labeled envelope with both assembly options |
| Answer key If applicable | Digital | Printed and placed in a labeled envelope with both assembly options |
| Extra game materials Scavenger hunts, etc., if applicable | Digital | Printed and placed in labeled envelopes with both assembly options |
| Digital Extras and Hosting Resources | ||
| Video content If applicable | Private streaming or download links through YouTube, Vimeo, and/or a password-protected Your Mystery Party page, plus a backup transcript. | |
| Menu suggestions | Digital suggestions plus a Pinterest board | A general mystery menu in the host booklet plus a Pinterest board. Some games also include a themed website. |
| 2-hour, 45-minute mystery-party soundtrack | Private streaming or download access through YouTube. | |
| Game trailer When applicable | Available through YouTube, the game page, and the free player pre-game website. | |
| Player pre-game website | Free access through the product or expansion-pack page and printable invitation. May include character information, costume suggestions, a trailer, the synopsis, and more. Content varies by game. | |
| Printable invitations | Free access from the product or expansion-pack page. | |
| Pinterest board with DIY hosting tips | Free access from the product or expansion-pack page. | |
| Spoiler-Free Hosting | ||
| Ability to host and play without spoilers | Host instructions are spoiler-free. To remain completely spoiler-free, have someone else prepare the printable file marked as containing spoilers. | Choose spoiler-free assembly at checkout for a party-ready experience. Otherwise, Round 1-3 card assembly is required and Rounds 2-3 contain spoilers. Average preparation time is about 15 minutes. Pre-game cards remain unassembled so the host can add player contact information. |
See what arrives
Take a closer look at a boxed kit.
Watch a quick example to see the printed materials, envelopes, and presentation.