Frequently Asked Questions

HOW DO YOU PLAY UNSOLVED CASE FILES? ARE THERE INSTRUCTIONS?
​Completing an Unsolved Case Files game involves identifying the necessary evidence within the case file to accomplish three objectives. When you open the case you will be given the first objective toward convicting the killer. 

The online answer key tells you if you found the necessary evidence to complete each objective. The answer key includes hints if you get the answer wrong. 

After each objective is completed, players can open the appropriate bonus envelope with additional evidence and their next objective. 

After completing the 3 objectives for the case, you will convict the killer and close the case!
CAN YOU GIVE ME A HINT ON A CASE?
Did you already read the three hints available on the answer key? If you enter the wrong answer there should be a button that allows you to access 3 hints. 

Each hint reveals more of the answer so you can choose how much help you really need without spoiling the answer.

If the three hints still do not help you find the evidence, please use our live chat agents if available and if not, you can send us a message and we should reply within 12 hours. 
HOW DO I ACCESS THE ONLINE ANSWER KEY?
HOW CAN I GET A MISSING ITEM FROM MY CASE?
If your case is missing an item please accept our apologies. We assemble the case by hand in Tampa, FL and we do make mistakes. 

CLICK HERE to use the Missing Document Retrieval Tool to get a digital version of your missing document and order a replacement if you want one. 

Missing document retrieval is limited to one document per email address in order to combat online piracy.
 ARE UNSOLVED CASE FILES AVAILABLE OUTSIDE THE US?
 Yes -  We ship internationally to most of the world.  We use UPS as our carrier and custom and duties may apply.

International orders must be made from our International Purchasing Page otherwise you will get a message that says we don't ship to your region. 

​Please CLICK HERE TO MAKE AN INTERNATIONAL ORDER.

We also have inventory on many Amazon websites across the globe.  Please click here for a list of Amazon we currently sell on.
HOW MUCH DOES SHIPPING OUTSIDE THE US COST?
It depends where you live. Probably between $10-$50. Our shopping cart connects with the United States Postal Service to determine the shipping cost to your location and we just ask that you cover those costs during the checkout process. ​

PLEASE NOTE: There may be additional customs duties and taxes imposed by your receiving country that we cannot predict or pay for you. Unfortunately, we are not responsible for those costs and will not issue any refunds if your package is returned to us because you fail to pay them. 
CAN I USE A PACKAGE FORWARDING SERVICE TO RECEIVE AN INTERNATIONAL ORDER?
If you use a package forwarding service in order to purchase our product with a USA address we will not issue any refunds if the package does not get to you but our tracking shows that it was delivered to the requested USA address. 

We cannot be held responsible for what happens to our packages after they are delivered to your forwarding service. If you use a package forwarding service, please understand the risk. 
​ARE UNSOLVED CASE FILES REAL CASES?
​No. Our cases are fictional. We make them up so you can actually solve 100% of the case.

​Any resemblance to real-life individuals or situations is purely coincidental.
WHAT IS THE MAXIMUM NUMBER OF PLAYERS FOR UNSOLVED CASE FILES?
​There is no limit because when you play this game as a group everyone works together to solve the case. Each game has over 50 documents to examine so it could be played with a large number of individuals.

If you have more than 6-8 people, you may consider splitting into teams and competing against each other with multiple versions of the case. ​
Can you only play unsolved case files once?
Yes. It’s like a murder mystery book or a movie - once you know how it ends you can't really experience it the same.

If you take care of the materials in the case and are sure to reassemble them in the same way, you may be able to pass your Unsolved Case File along to another murder mystery fan. ​
​​HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO PLAY UNSOLVED CASE FILES?
On average about 2-3 hours.

It varies greatly depending on the number of players, observational acuity and pure luck but most teams of 2 or more people can complete our cases in 2-6 hours. ​​
CAN I PLAY UNSOLVED CASE FILES BY MYSELF?​
​Of course. If you’ve ever read a book alone you can play Unsolved Case Files alone.

​As long as you don’t mind a more challenging and engaging experience.  ​
What age is the game appropriate for?
Most of our Unsolved Case Files are created for individuals ages 14 and older. 

We try to keep the content at a level that would easily pass as a PG-13 movie.  Most older teens will be fully capable of solving the cases but some younger ones might need some help from an older friend or adult. 

We also offer a few cases that are kid-friendly and do not include any murder, violence or other adult themes. Those cases are labeled as "Family Cases"
where can I buy unsolved case files in the us?
Unsolved Case Files are available to purchase here on our website and at Amazon.com.

when will the next unsolved case file be available?
​We send email notifications about new cases when they are fully stocked to people who join our email list. There’s a signup form for our email list at the bottom of this page. 

Because we often sell through an intermediary like Amazon, it can be hard to provide an exact date when our cases will become available but if you’d like an email notification as soon as we see a specific case is back in stock and available on Amazon please contact us here.
how long will my order take to deliver?
All orders placed through our website will be picked up by the USPS at our factory in Tampa, FL the business day (M-F) after your order is placed. 

We cannot speculate or promise when the USPS will deliver your package beyond the estimates they provide and there isn't much we can do to effect the delivery after we send the package. 

If you need faster delivery, please consider purchasing from Amazon.com

If you don't think your gift will arrive in time, we have gift cards with instant delivery available to purchase here. ​

Which Case File Should I Buy?