To play Among Us in real life, you adapt the video game's core objective, crewmates complete tasks while imposters secretly eliminate them, into a live-action party game with a critical rule: no talking is allowed during gameplay rounds, with all discussion saved for emergency meetings.
Setting up your real-life Among Us game
Preparation makes the game run smoothly. Follow these steps to get everything ready before anyone knows who the imposters are.
- Gather 6-10 players. This range keeps the game balanced; too few players make it easy to spot the imposter, while too many make tasks and discussions chaotic.
- Assign colors with shirts or hats. Each player picks a distinct color (red, blue, green, etc.) and wears a solid-colored shirt or hat. This mirrors the video game’s character colors and helps everyone identify who is who during meetings.
- Choose a safe game area. Pick a location with enough room to move around, like a backyard, large living room, or park. Ensure it is well-lit and free of tripping hazards.
- Create and scatter physical tasks. Design simple, real-world tasks that crewmates must complete. Examples include solving a small puzzle, finding a hidden object, or stacking cups. Place each task at a different spot in the game area.
- Secretly distribute imposter cards. Print or write role cards, one or two “Imposter” cards and the rest “Crewmate.” Shuffle and hand one to each player face-down. Players check their role privately and keep it hidden.
Gameplay rules: crewmates versus imposters
The game alternates between silent gameplay rounds and structured emergency meetings. Understanding each phase is essential for a fair experience.
Silent gameplay round
When the round begins, crewmates spread out to complete their tasks. Imposters move among them, pretending to do tasks while secretly planning eliminations. To eliminate a crewmate, an imposter gently tags them, no pushing, hitting, or rough contact. The eliminated player must immediately become a silent “ghost”: they cannot speak, point, or interact for the rest of the game. Ghosts may stay in the area but must not reveal the imposter’s identity.
Reporting a body and calling a meeting
If a crewmate finds a fallen teammate (the tagged player lying down or sitting still), they can call an emergency meeting by shouting “Meeting!” or ringing a bell. All players gather in a designated meeting spot. During the meeting, players discuss what they saw, share alibis, and accuse suspects. Each player gets a turn to speak, and no one may interrupt. After discussion, everyone votes by pointing at the player they suspect. The player with the most votes is ejected from the game and reveals their role. If the vote is tied, no one is ejected, and the game continues.
The no-talking rule
Communication is only permitted during emergency meetings. During gameplay rounds, players cannot talk, whisper, or use hand signals to share information. This rule preserves the tension and forces players to rely on observation alone.
How to win the game
The game ends when one side meets its win condition. Crewmates win by completing all tasks on the board or by ejecting all imposters through voting. Imposters win by eliminating enough crewmates so that the number of imposters equals the number of crewmates remaining. For example, with two imposters and four crewmates left, the imposters win because they can force a tie in voting.
Tips for a fun and fair game
Keep these practical pointers in mind to ensure everyone enjoys the experience, especially if you are playing Among Us with friends between different groups or locations.
- Simple tasks like “untie this knot” or “find the red marker” work best.
- Enforce the no-talking rule strictly. Remind players before each round that any talking during gameplay is a penalty. If someone breaks the rule, consider restarting the round or giving the crewmates a warning.
- Make the imposter’s elimination method safe and discreet. A gentle tap on the shoulder or a quiet “you’re out” whispered in the ear works well. Avoid any physical contact that could be misinterpreted or cause injury.
- Keep rounds short. If no one calls a meeting and tasks aren’t finished, the round ends and the game resets with new roles.
