Among Us

Among Us is a social deduction game about trust, lies and persuasion. A group of players, called crewmates, is on a spaceship doing tasks, but among them are one or more impostors who are secretly sabotaging the mission and eliminating others. When a body is found or an emergency meeting is called, everyone discusses who they think is the impostor and votes someone off the ship.

For crewmates, the goal is to finish all tasks or find the impostors. Tasks are small mini-games, such as wiring a panel, downloading data or fuelling an engine, and they take you across the ship. For impostors, the goal is to eliminate crewmates quietly and avoid suspicion, while using vents and sabotage to create confusion. The tension comes from not knowing whom to believe.

The real game happens in the discussions. Players describe where they were, who they saw and who is behaving oddly, and the impostor has to lie convincingly. A good crewmate pays attention to who vouches for whom, and a good impostor invents believable stories. Because it depends on conversation, the game is at its best with friends, though playing with strangers can also be fun if everyone takes part.

If you are new, try to stay near other players and note where you see them, since alibis are the foundation of good voting. Do not accuse without evidence, as wrong votes help the impostors. When playing as an impostor, avoid rushing, make fake task actions and try to be seen with crewmates. Calm behaviour usually matters more than clever tricks.

Parents should be aware that online games include chat, which can contain inappropriate language, and the game offers settings to restrict chat. Playing in private lobbies with people you know is the safest option. The game is free on mobile with ads, and cosmetics and optional purchases are available.

The game also works well for casual groups because rounds are short, usually ten minutes or less. After each one, players tend to laugh about the funniest accusations and betrayals. You can adjust the number of impostors, the speed of play and the discussion time in private games, so the experience can be tailored to beginners or to experienced groups who want a faster, tougher challenge.

If you like games that depend on discussion and a bit of bluffing, it is a great way to spend an evening with friends, and a single round teaches you how it works in just a few minutes.