5 MINUTE DETECTIVE5 MINUTE DETECTIVE

Follow the evidence.

Every case has four suspects and one answer. To solve it, you need to explain what happened as well as name the person responsible.

Want a short example first? Try a quick mystery. Read the clues, try a hint if needed, then open the answer. These use different stories from the seven main cases.

1. Watch the opening and read the brief. The story sets the scene. You can pause it, turn on sound or skip it at any time.
2. Choose your pace. Begin investigation starts the five-minute clock. Untimed practice gives you as long as you need.
3. Search the scene. Tap a glowing object to look at it, or use the object list. Useful clues go into your notebook. Some objects will not help solve the case.
4. Question the suspects. Read their first statements and ask follow-up questions. Their answers are saved in your notebook.
5. Build your theory. This is your answer about what happened. Choose who did it, how and when. Then pick something a suspect said and a clue that proves it wrong.
6. Review and submit. You can submit once per attempt. All four parts must be right to solve the case.

Use the case file

The Case file button shows the case summary and rules again. Close it to return to the same place. The clock keeps running while it is open.

If you leave the game

The game saves your progress in that browser. In timed mode, the clock keeps running if you leave or watch the opening again. Practice has no deadline. To return to a saved case, use the same browser and device.

After the investigation

Your result shows which parts of your answer were right. You can then read the full answer or replay without a time limit. The mystery stays the same, so a replay lets you look for details you missed.

A correct answer earns 1,000 points. Finding useful clues and finishing with time left can earn extra points. An incorrect answer earns no points. Practice has no extra points for time.

When you are not sure what a clue means

Ask what the clue shows for sure. A mark on a glass might show that someone touched it. It might not tell you when. Compare it with another clue, a time or something a suspect said.

Our guide to facts and guesses has a separate example to try. You can also learn to build a timeline or spot a false statement.

Choose how much help you want

Read the detective guides for help with following clues. They keep the seven game answers a secret. The case introductions help you choose a story and meet its people.