No rulebook. No host. No app.
A Cold Ink Casefile plays itself. Open the folder. Read the case. Solve it with one player or four. Here is the rhythm.
Open the folder.
Inside: a Start Here card, three sealed kraft packets, a sealed Final Report, a Solution Card, and a stack of 4×6 photo prints. Read the Start Here card. It tells you which packet to open first.
Open Packet 1. Investigate.
Spread the evidence across the table. Coroner, witness statements, gate log, crime-scene photos. The packet asks one question, the objective. Argue, theorise, suspect everyone. When you think you have it, write your answer down.
Check yourself. Unlock the next packet.
Two ways. Online: scan the QR on the packet, type your answer at coldinkcasefiles.com. Offline: open the sealed Help & Verdict envelope inside the packet. Three hints, then the verdict. Right answer, you open Packet 2. Wrong answer, the hints walk you back to the file.
Open the sealed Final Report.
It tells you the whole truth. The case ends. We recommend saving it for when you and everyone at the table have given up.
Built for the dinner table.
One to four players. About 2.5 hours including arguments. Recommended for ages 16 and up. No prior mystery-game experience required.