Before the night
Setting up
- Buy the case
One purchase covers the whole group. Checkout is handled by Lemon Squeezy, and your license key arrives by email straight away.
- Open it on your screen
Go to the case page on the device you'll play on, choose "I already have a key", and paste it in. You only do this once per device.
- Turn the sound up
The characters, your guide on the radio and the final verdict are all voiced. A TV or decent speakers make a big difference.
During the night
Playing
- Read the evidence
Letters, photos, logs and recordings arrive in waves as the night goes on. Pin what matters to the case board.
- Question the suspects
Choose what to ask. Present evidence to break an alibi. Listen in on conversations you weren't meant to hear.
- Crack the locks
Every code is hidden in the evidence. Get stuck and you can radio for a hint, at a small cost to your score.
- Make the accusation
Name the culprit, the motive, the method, the opportunity and the proof. The game scores how well you argued it.
Questions
Everything people ask first
What do we need?
One screen everyone can see and a modern browser: Chrome, Safari, Edge or Firefox. Phones are optional.
How do we get it on the TV?
Any of these work: open the case in your TV's own browser, plug a laptop into the TV with an HDMI cable, or cast a Chrome tab or mirror a Mac with AirPlay. Casting a single tab keeps notifications off the big screen.
Can we play over a video call?
Yes. One person opens the case and shares their screen with sound turned on (in Zoom, tick "Share sound"; in Google Meet, share a Chrome tab). Everyone else talks it through and calls out what to click.
How many players?
Two to eight is the sweet spot. Two works well as a date night; with six or more, split the evidence between you and swap what you find.
How long does a case take?
About ninety minutes for most groups. Progress saves in the browser, so you can stop and pick it up another night.
Does anyone have to host or read a script?
No. Nobody plays a part. The whole group is one detective team and the game runs the night.
How many devices can one key unlock?
Up to five, so you can play on the TV and keep a laptop handy.
Is it suitable for kids?
Cases are written for adults, roughly PG-13: a crime at the center, some drinking, no gore.
Are the voices real actors?
No. The characters are voiced with AI and directed line by line. More on how we make cases.
What if it doesn't work for us?
Email us and we'll help you get it running. If we can't, we'll refund you. Our refund promise.
I lost my key.
It's in your receipt email. You can also find it under My Orders at app.lemonsqueezy.com/my-orders with the email you bought with.