This game is licensed for personal, private use only. If you plan to use it for any commercial purpose, public event, business, organization, school, fundraiser, church, promotional activity, paid event, or any use that generates revenue or provides a commercial benefit, you must purchase a Commercial License.
- Type Download
- SKU CARNIVAL
- Age Range 16 to Adult
- Minimum # of Players 6 Suspects
- Max Players (Main Game) 12 Suspects
- Max # Available (Sold Separately) 56: 24 Suspects, Up to 32 Team Roles (1 Team, Expansion Pack Sold Separately)
- Difficulty Rating Moderate, 6.3/10
- Roles Flex-Gender with 2 Optionals M and F (See Host Character List)
- Interactive Extras Event flyer*Carney Slang *Crime Scene diagram
- Game Duration 2 to 4 Hours Average (Flexible Timeline)
- Setting Under the Big Top in Deadwood Valley, a traveling circus celebrates its funfair debut as scandals erupt among its performers.
- Game Format Murder | Guided Clue Mingling | 4 Rounds
- Vibe & Content Notes Dark Carnival Madness * Sordid Pasts, Betrayals, Scandals * Quirky Fun
- Publication Date 2018. Last Revised: 2021
A freaky circus-and-carnival murder mystery party game set beneath the Big Top in the dismal town of Deadwood Valley. This dark carnival mystery is packed with eccentric performers, dangerous stunts, creepy attractions, criminal histories, simmering scandals, hidden motives, bitter rivalries, Big Top drama, and murder at the first funfair in town.
Murder Mystery Party Game Synopsis:
The Greatest Show on Earth is a traveling company of eccentric performers, including clowns, acrobats, musicians, dancers, daredevils, illusionists, and sideshow attractions. The Big Top production is accompanied by a bustling carnival filled with thrilling rides, games of chance, a wax museum, walk-through exhibits, unusual attractions, and awe-inspiring stunts.
Max A. Million, the peculiar ringmaster and master of ceremonies, is preparing to debut the company’s first funfair in the dismal town of Deadwood Valley. Unfortunately, Max is having difficulty bringing this eclectic collection of performers and carnival workers together. Behind the colorful costumes and dazzling attractions, the employees share bitter rivalries, dangerous secrets, criminal histories, wounded pride, and scandals brewing around every corner. Some performers are hiding from the law, while others stand accused of fraud, sabotage, violence, or questionable activities that could bring the entire funfair crashing down.
Max has scheduled a mandatory celebration beneath the Big Top in hopes of uniting the troubled company before opening night. Whether this gathering will create harmony or unleash complete chaos remains to be seen. You are an employee of The Greatest Show on Earth, and Max has made it clear that attendance is mandatory. Dust off your finest party attire and prepare to step beneath the Big Top. This is where your story begins.
Host a Large Group Game:
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Main Game: 12 unique suspect characters
- Designed for 6–12 players.
- 6 characters are required, and 6 are optional.
- Most character roles are gender-flexible.
- The required roles support co-ed, all-female, or all-male groups.
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Expansion Pack #1: 6 additional unique suspect characters
- Sold separately.
- Includes 6 optional, gender-flexible roles.
- Expands the game to 18 unique suspect characters.
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Expansion Pack #2: 6 additional unique suspect characters and an optional expandable team
- Sold separately.
- Designed to be added after Expansion Pack #1.
- Includes 6 optional, gender-flexible suspect roles.
- Expands the game to 24 unique suspect characters.
- The expandable team uses duplicate, non-suspect roles.
All 24 suspect roles are unique characters. The expandable team uses duplicate, non-suspect roles and allows the complete game to accommodate up to 56 players.
This is the instant download version of the game. Simply download, print, and prepare everything you need to play, with no shipping fees or delivery wait.
PDF files included:
- Host Instructions
- Printable Game Materials
- Solution
- Optional Extras, such as the free invitation
For the boxed kit, also called the Party Pack, use the link provided on the product page.
Printing Tips
For the best results, open and print the files using Adobe Acrobat Reader, available free from Adobe.com. Other PDF viewers may alter fonts, spacing, colors, page sizing, or interactive features.
- Download the PDF files to your computer and note where you save them before opening or printing.
- Select Actual Size or 100% Scale unless the instructions specify otherwise.
- Do not select Fit to Page, as this may resize cards, labels, or other game materials.
- Confirm that the paper size is set to US Letter, 8.5 × 11 inches.
- Print one test page before printing the complete game.
- Use standard printer paper for any worksheets or investigation sheets.
- Use heavier paper for invitations, clue cards, and other materials that will be handled during the game.
- Print in color when possible for the intended appearance.
- Do not select double-sided printing.
- Allow ink to dry completely before cutting, folding, or assembling the materials.
Printer settings and results may vary by printer.