Death Sketchbook

4.1 / 5

49,912 plays

puzzle

Game Information

Developer: SZ Games

Rating:

4.1/5

Released: April 2024

Last Updated: June 2025

Technology: HTML5 (Unity WebGL)

Platform: Browser

Size: ~15 MB

Plays: 49,912

Mobile Support: No

About Death Sketchbook

Step into the shadowy world of Death Sketchbook—a free online puzzle that merges gritty detective work with mind-bending artistry. As a tormented investigator, you don't just observe crime scenes; you unravel them stroke by stroke. Your only guide is a mystical, cursed sketchbook that reveals hidden truths, but also torments your psyche with every detail you draw. Immerse yourself in the hand-crafted indie aesthetic rendered in crisp HTML5 on itch.io, and prepare for a cerebral experience designed to challenge even veteran puzzle enthusiasts.

Each case is a twisted narrative brought to life through atmospheric visuals and haunting sound design. You'll memorize alibis, sift through conflicting evidence, and sketch the vital clues that will break the mystery—or plunge you deeper into your own inner darkness. The point-and-click, draw-to-reveal mechanic places you at the center of the investigation. Rather than relying on guesswork, each line you draw is an interrogation, a reckoning with the case and your own troubled memories.

The complexity ramps up as you progress, pushing your logical reasoning, memory, and attention to detail to their limits. Mistakes aren't just setbacks; they contribute to the detective's descent, making for a uniquely psychological puzzle experience. Will you conquer your haunted past and bring justice, or will the cursed sketchbook claim another soul?

Perfect for lovers of hard mystery games and indie masterpieces, Death Sketchbook will test your mind and nerve. Every click, every sketch, is a step deeper into the unknown—a game where every detail matters and only the sharpest minds survive. Are you ready to draw your verdict?

Try it now in your PC browser for free, and become the detective you always wanted to be.

How to Play

Begin Death Sketchbook by loading the game in your desktop browser. You play as a detective guided by the cursed sketchbook—your primary tool for solving intricate cases. Start by carefully reading the initial briefing for each crime. Use your mouse to point and click on interactive hotspots in each environment, such as suspicious objects, witness statements, or trace evidence. When a clue requires further insight, pull up your Sketchbook by clicking its icon; use your mouse to draw or highlight details you believe are essential to the case.

Pay close attention to conversation snippets and environmental details—they will be crucial later when recalling alibis or reconstructing the sequence of events. Progress through the story by matching your drawings to case specifics and logically connecting the evidence. Incorrect sketches or missed details will complicate your investigation, causing your detective's psychological condition to deteriorate.

If you’re stuck, revisit previous crime scenes and double-check your memory—the answer is always in the details. Expect your choices and the accuracy of your sketches to shape the unfolding narrative and the ultimate resolution of each case.

Controls:

- Mouse Left Click: interact, select tools, draw

- R/Restart: reset the current puzzle

- Esc/Menu: open options

Beginner Tips:

1. Take your time to absorb details—this is a game of observation.

2. Don't be afraid to experiment with different drawing approaches.

3. If framerate issues arise, use the PC build for optimal performance.

Controls

mouse

keyboard

Tips & Tricks

Keep a notepad handy to jot down key clues and conflicting alibis.
Start sketches with broad strokes before zeroing in on fine details.
Check every clickable area—many clues are subtly hidden.
Pay attention to dialogue; case solutions often hinge on exact wording.
If your detective starts to act erratic, retrace your steps for missed clues.
Double-check your final sketches—they're the key to unlocking the mystery.
Don't rush! The game rewards patience and precision over speed.

Game Features

Unique draw-to-investigate mechanic that blends art and deduction.
Emotionally charged storyline with multiple unsolved cases.
Atmospheric visuals and immersive sound design crafted by indie devs.
Challenging difficulty that tests memory, logic, and observational skills.
No install required—free in-browser play via HTML5 (itch.io).
Choices and sketch accuracy shape the detective’s psychological journey.
Point-and-click exploration paired with creative problem solving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Death Sketchbook free to play?

Yes! Death Sketchbook is 100% free to play in your browser via itch.io—no downloads or purchases required.

Can I play Death Sketchbook on my mobile device?

Currently, the game is optimized for desktop browsers only and may not function correctly on mobile devices.

What should I do if the game runs slowly or lags?

If you experience framerate or rendering issues, try downloading and playing the PC build available on itch.io for smoother performance.

Are there multiple endings or replay value?

Absolutely! Your investigative choices and the accuracy of your sketches influence the story outcome, encouraging replay to discover all narrative paths.

What makes this game different from other detective or puzzle games?

Death Sketchbook uniquely merges drawing mechanics with detective work, requiring you to sketch clues and piece together evidence yourself—a fresh twist on classic mysteries.