The Best Games Like Murdle to Play in 2026 (That Go Way Beyond the Daily Puzzle)
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If you've ever finished your daily Murdle and thought "I need more of this", you're not alone. Murdle combines deductive reasoning, tight storytelling and a satisfying answer you can prove.
The catch is the format. One puzzle a day is rarely enough for a mystery fan, so this guide compares games that keep the deduction going, from solo digital investigations to case files you can solve with a partner or small group.
Finished today's Murdle already?
Take on a full-length case with suspect files, hidden evidence and a twist you will have to prove.
What makes Murdle so addictive?
Murdle works because the solution follows from logic. You match suspects, locations and weapons, eliminate impossible combinations and reach an answer without relying on luck. The short story gives the puzzle personality, while the daily format makes it easy to begin.
The strongest alternatives preserve at least one of those qualities. Some keep the logic grid. Others give you a deeper story, physical evidence or a shared investigation.
1. Min(d)gle Games case files
Best for: Solo solvers and small groups that want a longer story
Min(d)gle Games case files put you in the role of an investigator reviewing statements, photographs, messages and timelines. The cases are host-free, so everyone can investigate together.
The Lotus Loop is a useful starting point. You wake with no memory and reconstruct what happened from the evidence. It can be printed or played on a screen and works for one to four investigators.
2. Murdle books
Best for: Players who want more of the original logic-grid format
The Murdle puzzle books are the closest match to the daily puzzle. They keep the suspects, locations, weapons and deduction grids, while giving you a larger set of cases to solve at your own pace.
Choose a book when the grid is the part you enjoy most. If you want evidence files and a longer narrative, choose a case-file game.
3. The Case of the Golden Idol
Best for: Players who like reconstructing events from visual evidence
This digital detective game asks you to inspect crime scenes, identify the people involved and explain what happened. Progress comes from noticing relationships between small details and testing a theory until every part fits.
4. Return of the Obra Dinn
Best for: Patient solo players who want a difficult investigation
You board an abandoned ship and determine the identity and fate of its crew by studying short scenes and cross-referencing a manifest. The game offers little direct guidance, so observation, elimination and careful notes matter.
5. Sherlock Holmes Consulting Detective
Best for: Couples and groups that enjoy reading and discussion
Each case gives you a map, directory, newspapers and possible leads. Your group decides where to investigate and compares its final answer with Sherlock Holmes. The structure is more open than Murdle, but it rewards the same skill of separating useful facts from plausible distractions.
6. Hidden Games crime cases
Best for: Players who want physical evidence
These boxed investigations use documents, photographs and online material to create the feeling of reviewing a real case. They work well for a date night or small game night because everyone can handle and arrange the evidence together.
7. Hunt A Killer
Best for: Groups that want a story-led investigation
Hunt A Killer cases combine physical clues with an unfolding narrative. Some are self-contained, while others continue across several sessions. Choose this format when immersion and character detail matter as much as deduction.
8. Logic-grid mystery books
Best for: Budget-friendly, screen-free solving
A general logic-grid book removes the murder-mystery story but preserves the process of matching people, places, objects and times. It is a practical choice when formal reasoning matters more to you than the characters.
Quick comparison
| Game | Players | Format | Choose it for |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Lotus Loop | 1 to 4 | Printable and digital | A full case you can start tonight |
| Murdle books | 1 | Puzzle book | The familiar deduction grid |
| The Case of the Golden Idol | 1 | Digital | Visual clues and connected cases |
| Return of the Obra Dinn | 1 | Digital | A difficult long-form investigation |
| Sherlock Holmes Consulting Detective | 1 or more | Tabletop | Open-ended group discussion |
| Hidden Games | 1 or more | Physical evidence box | Hands-on documents and clues |
| Hunt A Killer | 1 or more | Physical mystery game | Story-led immersion |
Which Murdle alternative should you choose?
Choose a Murdle book if you mainly want more logic grids. Pick The Case of the Golden Idol or Return of the Obra Dinn for a solo digital challenge. Try Sherlock Holmes Consulting Detective when your group wants to decide where to investigate next.
If you want a complete case for one to four players, start with The Lotus Loop. For several mystery nights in one download, compare the three standalone cases in Sleuth Nights.
Frequently asked questions
What game is most similar to Murdle?
The Murdle books are the closest match because they use the same suspects, weapons, locations and logic-grid deduction.
What should I play if I want a longer Murdle-style mystery?
Choose a case-file investigation such as The Lotus Loop if you want witness statements, evidence and a story that lasts about an evening.
Are there games like Murdle for two people?
Yes. Host-free case files and Sherlock Holmes Consulting Detective work well with two players because both people can investigate together.
Can I play without printing anything?
Digital games require no printing. The Lotus Loop can also be played on a device, although some players prefer to print the evidence and arrange it on a table.
Keep the investigation going
The right next game depends on which part of Murdle you want more of: logic grids, a deeper story, physical evidence or a shared investigation. Start with that preference, then choose a format that fits your available time and player count.
