DIY investigation at home: how to set up a mystery game
A table, a few pages, and a good story can turn an ordinary evening into an investigation.
A DIY investigation at home does not require turning your house into a crime scene. You need a case to solve, documents to compare, and enough table space to keep them open. The simplest approach is to start with a printable case file and add only what helps the atmosphere.
What to prepare
- The printed case file and a few blank sheets for notes.
- Two pencils or pens and a clear surface.
- One or two uninterrupted hours.
- Warm lighting and a drink, if you want extra atmosphere.
How to organise the game
Print the documents and sort them by phase or type. Read the opening brief, then build a timeline with times, places, and people. Do not jump to the solution: collect the facts first, then test alibis and contradictions.
DIY does not mean doing everything yourself
A DIY game can be completely homemade, but you do not have to write a story or design every clue from scratch. A designed case file leaves you with the best part: reading, discussing, and reaching the solution together.
Where to start
Theft at Venier Palace is designed for 1–6 players and takes about 60–90 minutes. It is set in Venice in 1774, and the full case will be sent by email when it is ready.