Spice Up Your Mystery Game: 7 Fun Ways to Settle “Attacks”
In many of our murder mystery kits, players have the opportunity to “attack” one another. Not in a violent way, of course, but in a way that deepens the story and brings a competitive edge to the game.
So why include attacks in a mystery party?
They stir up gameplay by introducing unexpected twists.
They encourage interaction between characters.
They add to the story, fueling rivalries, alliances, and drama.
They act as strategy. In our games, the winner of an attack often gets to steal a clue or item from the victim, which can change the course of the mystery.
While our kits typically default to rock-paper-scissors as the way to settle these playful confrontations, there are plenty of ways to make attacks even more engaging. Below are seven safe, silly, and story-friendly alternatives that hosts can use.
1. Rock-Paper-Scissors
Fast, familiar, and fair. It’s our go-to method for resolving attacks. We love that it works great with players of all ages.
2. Dice Duel
Each player rolls a die. Highest roll wins. You can even assign custom stakes to different roll results if you want to raise the drama.
3. Finger Fencing
This one always gets a laugh. Two players clasp right hands like they’re about to arm wrestle, then extend their index fingers. The first to poke the other wins. It’s surprisingly tricky and a great photo opportunity.
4. Charade-Off
Each player has 30 seconds to act something out. It could be an emotion, a phrase, or something related to the game’s theme. The group votes on who did it best.
5. Rhyme Time
Challenge your opponent to a poetry duel. Go back and forth trading rhymes (silly or serious) until someone stumbles. It's a great option if your group enjoys wordplay and creativity.
6. Balance Challenge
Each player balances something small (like a coin or book) on their head or hand. Last one standing wins. It’s tense, silly, and surprisingly competitive.
7. Mini Game Show
Ask a quick trivia question (bonus points if it ties into the story). First to answer correctly wins the attack. You can even keep a list of go-to questions handy before game night.
Adding fun and flexibility to how attacks are settled keeps the energy high and the players engaged. Whether your group is into physical challenges, quick wit, or old-school games, you can tailor the method to match your crowd and theme.
🕵️ Ready to host your own unforgettable night of mystery, mischief, and mayhem? Check out our immersive party kits at Harvest Moon Mysteries and start your story.
