Quick Answer

Fake Crime is a fast-paced deduction game for 1–6 players. Play clue cards to exonerate suspects by naming an object that appears on both cards. The first player to correctly identify the killer wins.

What Makes Fake Crime Different

Unlike many party games that rely on bluffing or trivia, Fake Crime uses visual clues on double-sided cards. The art isn't just decoration—it's the core mechanic. Each round, players must spot a shared object between two clue cards, then name it aloud. This keeps everyone engaged and prevents players from zoning out between turns.

The game supports 1 to 6 players, so it works for both solo practice and larger groups. Because the art is part of the gameplay, no two rounds feel the same. The simple rule set means you can explain it in under a minute, but the deduction element keeps it challenging for experienced gamers.

How to Play Fake Crime: Step-by-Step

  1. Set Up the Suspects and Clue Cards: Shuffle the suspect cards and place one face-up in the center. Shuffle the clue cards and deal an equal hand to each player. Place the remaining clue cards in a draw pile. Make sure everyone has the same number of clue cards. Uneven hands can cause confusion later.
  2. Reveal the Killer's Identity: One player secretly looks at the bottom of the suspect card to see which suspect is the killer. Do not reveal this to anyone else. If you accidentally show the killer's identity, reshuffle the suspect cards and start over. Honesty is key to the suspense.
  3. Play Clue Cards to Exonerate Suspects: On your turn, play one clue card from your hand face-up. Name an object that appears on both your clue card and the suspect card. If you name a correct match, the suspect is exonerated and removed from the game. If you cannot name a match, discard the clue card and draw a new one. Common mistake: naming an object that only appears on your clue card but not on the suspect card. Always double-check both cards before speaking.
  4. Race to Catch the Killer: After all innocent suspects are removed, only the killer remains. The first player to correctly name the killer (based on the remaining suspect card) wins the round. If you guess wrong, you are eliminated from that round. Don't rush your guess. Wait until you are certain, because a wrong guess ends your chance to win that round.
  5. Score and Start a New Round: The winner of the round scores 1 point. Shuffle all suspect and clue cards, then deal new hands. Play continues until a player reaches the agreed point total (usually 5). Keep score on a piece of paper or a phone. Forgetting the score is the most common oversight in fast-paced rounds.

Product Spotlight

  • Fake Crime: Fake Crime is an intuitive yet innovative game where the art is part of the gameplay. Play clue cards to exonerate suspects by naming an object that appears on both cards. This means you don't need to memorize complex rules—just look at the cards, find the match, and shout it out before your rivals.

    Fake Crime

    Fake Crime