What to Do After Someone “Dies” in the Game

When Someone Dramatically Drops Dead, Don’t Panic

You’re halfway through the first round of your murder mystery night. The snacks are flowing, everyone’s accusing everyone else of something weird, and then—gasp! Someone clutches their chest, falls to the floor, and dramatically declares, “I regret nothing!”

Now what?

If you’ve never hosted one of Megan’s Mysteries before, this can feel like the moment where the whole evening could either become legendary or awkward. But don’t worry. The “victim” dying is actually part of the fun — and it sets up the best twist of the night.

Every printable mystery from Megan’s Mysteries includes simple instructions on what happens when that key character “dies.” The host guide and the player’s cards spell it out step by step, so no one is left wondering what to do. But let’s walk through it here so you’re ready for your next game night.

First Things First: How the “Death” Happens

In most mysteries, the “murder” (or other big twist) happens near the end of Round 1 or between Rounds 1 and 2. The goal is to keep players guessing long enough to build up tension — just before chaos (and laughter) ensues.

For example, in The Emerald Expedition, someone (Spoilers!) meets an untimely end in the jungle after ignoring one too many warnings about ancient curses and mysterious blow darts. In Murder at Copper Gulch, someone doesn’t make it to the next round of the Wild West showdown. And aboard The Grand Gilded Express, a something (spoilers again!) seals one passenger’s fate.

It’s all part of the script — so while your players might act shocked, you’ll know it’s all according to plan.

What the “Dead” Player Does Next

Here’s the big secret: the person who “dies” doesn’t actually leave the game. They just swap roles!

Most of our mysteries include a return role — often as a new character, detective, or investigator. That’s why the host guide includes a special envelope just for them. After their dramatic death scene, they quietly leave the group for a minute or two while the host hands them their new materials.

If you’re hosting a mystery without a return role (some smaller games skip this), you can give the “dead” player an assistant job — like tracking clues, taking notes, or helping the host manage the evidence. It keeps them engaged and gives them a front-row seat to the unfolding drama.

Don’t Skip the Big Moment

The moment of “death” is one of the funniest and most memorable parts of the night — so play it up! Encourage the player to go all in.

Here are a few simple tips:

  • Keep it short and dramatic. They can gasp, point accusingly, or say a final clue before collapsing. (Bonus points for fake fainting.)
  • Make sure everyone sees it. A quiet “oh no, I’m dead” in the corner doesn’t exactly sell it.
  • Don’t drag it out. Once they’ve had their big scene, give them a round of applause and move on.

You can even dim the lights or cue a sound effect if you’re feeling extra theatrical. In The Emerald Expedition, the lights go out for a moment when the professor dies, giving everyone time to gasp and whisper wildly before the reveal.

Little touches like that make the story feel immersive — and they’re easy to pull off with a lamp switch or a phone flashlight.

Want to Practice Before Hosting a Big Game?

If you’ve never hosted a mystery before and want to test the waters, we’ve got a mini game that’s quick, easy, and ridiculously fun. You’ll get to see how clues, dialogue, and pacing work before tackling a full-length mystery. It only takes about 15 minutes, and you can play it with just a few friends — no murder, no stress, just laughs.

Click Here

After the “Death”: Round 2 Begins

Once the “victim” exits the stage, it’s time for Round 2. This is where the real detective work starts. Players pull out their Round 2 cards (included in each envelope) and use new information, clues, and evidence to piece together what happened.

The person who “died” will reenter either:

  • As a new character (often a detective or surprise guest)
  • Or after a short time-out, depending on the game format

This keeps everyone active and keeps the pacing tight. The game flows naturally because the “death” transitions right into the next round — no need for awkward pauses or confusion.

Tips for the Host During the “Death Scene”

  • Stay calm and guide the moment. The first time you host, everyone might start laughing or joking when the death happens. That’s part of the fun! Just gently steer them back to the story when it’s time to move on.
  • Follow the Host Guide. Each mystery has clear timing cues — when to turn off the lights, when the “body” is found, and when to begin Round 2. You don’t have to memorize it; just keep your script handy.
  • Use the props and evidence. The “murder weapon” or key clue should appear naturally. Whether it’s a blow dart, a letter, or a teacup, you’ll already know who discovers it and when to reveal it.

If you’re running *The Grand Gilded Express*, for example, the murder weapon is found right after the lights come back on, setting the tone for the investigation. These little moments are what make printable mystery games so satisfying to host — everything’s laid out for you.

Keep the “Dead” Player in Character

Even though they’ve technically “died,” remind them to stay in the spirit of the game. If they’re returning as a new character, they should adjust their attitude and mannerisms a bit — make it clear they’re someone new, but keep it lighthearted.

The audience loves when the “victim” reappears with a totally different personality. If the victim from The Emerald Expedition comes back as the investigator, for instance, have him come back with a dramatic accent and a wild backstory about surviving in the jungle. The more playful, the better.

What If the Player Doesn’t Want to “Die”?

Occasionally, someone might be nervous about being the one who gets killed off. If that happens, simply swap roles before the game begins. Each mystery includes multiple options, so it’s easy to exchange character cards privately before the introductions start.

Remind your players that “dying” doesn’t mean sitting out — it just means getting one of the most fun and attention-grabbing roles in the story!

For Larger Groups or Events

If you’re hosting a public or ticketed mystery dinner, the same principles apply — but you’ll also need a Commercial License for Single Event Use. This allows you to legally perform or host the mystery for fundraisers, schools, or big community events. It’s affordable, easy to add to your cart, and covers you for a single event.

Commercial hosts often assign one helper to handle transitions — turning lights off, cueing sound effects, or announcing the next round. That small detail keeps the show running smoothly and gives your guests an unforgettable experience.

After the Big Reveal

Once the final clues are revealed and the murderer confesses (with flair, of course), the host should read the ending script. This wraps up the story and gives closure to all those wild accusations.

Then it’s time for the awards! Each mystery includes printable voting sheets so players can nominate winners for categories like:

  • Best Dressed
  • Most Suspicious
  • Best Actor or Actress
  • “Shifty in the Shadows” (the innocent person everyone accused)

Hand out simple prizes like candy bars, toy magnifying glasses, or themed props. These lighthearted moments make for perfect photo ops — and a hilarious ending to your night.

Final Tips for a Smooth Transition

  • Give the “dead” player a small break before rejoining.
  • Use a clear cue — such as “Let’s take a moment to examine the evidence!” — to signal the switch to Round 2.
  • Keep the pacing tight so the energy never drops.
  • Encourage applause when the victim “dies” and again when they reappear.

And above all: have fun with it. The laughter, the overacting, the completely wrong guesses — that’s what people will remember most.

Ready to Bring Your Mystery Night to Life?

Now that you know what happens after someone “dies,” you’re officially ready to host like a pro. Pick your setting — the jungle, the Wild West, or a luxury train — and let the adventure begin.

You can explore The Emerald Expedition, step into the saloon with Murder at Copper Gulch, or sip tea aboard The Grand Gilded Express. Each one has the perfect blend of story, humor, and suspense to keep your group hooked from the first clue to the final reveal.

Click Here

So go ahead — cue the lights, pass the clues, and prepare for the most fun “death” scene your friends will ever witness.

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