Day 17: Game Night Upgrade – Murder Mystery “Side Quests” for Extra Player Engagement

Halloween is creeping closer, and your countdown to the ultimate spooky bash is officially past the halfway point! By now, your décor is hauntingly perfect, your cocktails are chilling, and your costumes are ready to slay. But here’s the real challenge: how do you keep players locked into the game long after they’ve met their first set of objectives?

Tonight’s treat is one of our favorite murder mystery party ideas — side quests! These are mini-missions you can slip into your mystery to give guests extra reasons to mingle, scheme, and stir up trouble. And if you’re playing a Night of Mystery game, side quests pair perfectly with the in-game money we provide — because what’s a little bribery or blackmail between friends on Halloween night?

Why Side Quests Make Parties Legendary

Murder mysteries already come with plenty of secrets, but side quests crank the mischief to maximum.

• 🎭 Adds extra drama – Everyone loves a hidden agenda.
• 🕵️ Encourages mingling – Quests push players to strike deals, trade favors, or get sneaky.
• 💸 Built-in economy – Use Night of Mystery’s play money to bribe, buy, or blackmail your way through missions.
• 🎃 Perfect for Halloween – In a season of tricks and treats, side quests deliver both.

Think of them as the ultimate murder mystery extras — the secret sauce that makes your game unforgettable.

How to Create Murder Mystery Side Quests

1. Write Simple, Punchy Missions

Keep quests short and easy to remember. A single sentence works best:

• “Bribe another guest to reveal their secret clue.”
• “Convince someone to pay you for useless gossip.”
• “Secretly collect a prop candle without being noticed.”

2. Tie Them to the Story

Make side quests feel like they belong in your Halloween mystery. If the victim was poisoned, a quest could be: “Offer three guests ‘poisoned’ candy for $100 each.”

3. Use the Money for Mischief

Night of Mystery kits include play money designed for exactly this. Encourage players to:

• Bribe others for information.
• Blackmail someone into completing a task.
• Buy their way into an alliance.

It’s a playful economy that fuels bargaining and boosts engagement.

4. Mix Difficulty Levels

Give shy players lighthearted icebreakers (“Get two guests to say the word ghost”). Reserve trickier missions (“Earn $200 by selling fake clues”) for the bold personalities.

Sample Side Quest Ideas for Your Halloween Party

• The Whisperer: Deliver a spooky phrase to three different guests. (Bonus if you get paid for it!)
• The Hustler: Make at least $300 in fake money before the end of the night.
• The Collector: Gather three themed items (a napkin, a candle, a garnish) using only trades or bribes.
• The Gossip: Sell a made-up rumor to another guest for $100.
• The Investigator: Successfully complete your quest to earn access to a bonus clue card.

Hosting Tip: How to Deliver Side Quests

DIY mission cards are the simplest way to add these twists. Slip them into player envelopes at the start or hand them out mid-game for a shock reveal. For Halloween flair, design them with cobweb borders, blood splatters, or jack-o’-lantern doodles. Players will feel like they’ve uncovered a cursed contract — complete with money-changing hands in the shadows.

The Final Clue

Side quests plus play money = party perfection. They add intrigue, keep guests scheming, and give everyone new reasons to bribe, bargain, and laugh. By layering these Halloween mystery twists into your game, you’ll keep the tension high until the very last reveal.

Tomorrow, we’re stirring up something delicious — a spooky snack that will vanish faster than a ghost at midnight. You won’t want to miss it!

👉 Want more murder mystery party ideas? Explore our Murder Mystery Party Kits and start planning your ultimate Halloween bash. And don’t forget to share your side quest creations with us using #31DaysOfMystery #NightOfMystery #HalloweenCountdown #MurderMysteryParty ✨