Online multiplayer games have become one of the biggest forms of entertainment in recent years. One of the most popular titles that took the internet by storm is Among Us. This simple yet highly engaging game became a global sensation in 2020, even though it was first released in 2018. In this article, we will provide a complete beginner’s guide to playing Among Us, explain the rules, share strategies, and cover everything you need to know to enjoy the game to its fullest.
Whether you are playing on mobile or PC, this guide will help you understand how to play, what each role means, and the different ways to win. By the end, you will have a solid understanding of the mechanics and strategies to improve your gameplay.
What is Among Us?
Among Us is an online multiplayer game developed and published by the American game studio InnerSloth. The game was officially released on June 15, 2018, but it didn’t receive much attention at first. In 2020, thanks to popular Twitch streamers and YouTubers, the game suddenly went viral, attracting millions of players across the world.
The main theme of the game is teamwork mixed with deception. Players are placed in space-themed maps, and each participant is randomly assigned one of two roles: Crewmate or Impostor. The Crewmates must complete tasks and figure out who the Impostors are, while the Impostors must sabotage the mission and eliminate Crewmates without getting caught.
Game Modes and Maps
Among Us supports 4 to 15 players, though most games usually have 8–10 participants. Out of these, 1–3 players are randomly chosen as Impostors, and the rest play as Crewmates.
There are several maps available in the game:
- The Skeld – A spaceship map, the most classic and popular.
- Mira HQ – A space station with unique systems such as the Door Log.
- Polus – A research base on a frozen planet.
- The Airship – The largest map, with multiple rooms and ladders.
Each map offers different challenges, layouts, and tasks, which adds variety to the gameplay.
Roles in Among Us
1. Crewmates
The Crewmates are the majority of players in a game. Their primary goals are:
- Complete all assigned tasks across the map.
- Identify and vote out the Impostors before they eliminate everyone.
- Work together during discussions to share suspicions and evidence.
Tasks for Crewmates are usually simple mini-games, such as fixing wiring, swiping a card, fueling engines, or cleaning filters. Finishing all tasks collectively leads to a Crewmate victory.
2. Impostors
The Impostors are the hidden villains of the game. Their objectives are:
- Sabotage systems like oxygen, lights, or reactors.
- Eliminate Crewmates without being caught.
- Blend in with Crewmates by pretending to do tasks.
If Impostors reduce the number of Crewmates until it equals their own numbers, or if a critical sabotage goes unresolved, the Impostors win.
3. Ghosts
When a Crewmate or Impostor is killed or ejected, they become Ghosts. Ghosts can move through walls but are invisible to living players.
- Crewmate Ghosts can still finish their tasks.
- Impostor Ghosts can continue sabotaging.
This ensures that even eliminated players remain part of the game.
How to Play Among Us – Step by Step
Here’s a breakdown of how a typical game works:
- Lobby Setup
Players gather in a lobby where the host chooses game settings such as number of Impostors, emergency meetings, discussion time, vision range, and task difficulty. - Roles Assigned
At the start, players are randomly assigned roles as Crewmates or Impostors. - Gameplay Begins
- Crewmates move around completing tasks.
- Impostors pretend to do tasks while sabotaging and eliminating others.
- Reporting a Body or Calling a Meeting
- If someone finds a dead body, they can report it, which triggers a group discussion.
- Players can also press the emergency button to start a meeting if they suspect someone.
- Voting
After discussion, players vote on who they think the Impostor is. The player with the majority vote is ejected. If the vote is skipped, the game continues. - Winning Conditions
- Crewmates win by completing all tasks or ejecting all Impostors.
- Impostors win by eliminating enough Crewmates or letting sabotage succeed.
Beginner Tips for Crewmates
- Stick Together
Moving in pairs or groups reduces the chances of being killed and makes it easier to confirm alibis. - Pay Attention to Tasks
Some tasks have visible animations, like medbay scans or trash ejections. If you see someone perform these, they are confirmed Crewmates. - Use Security Features
- Cameras (The Skeld, Polus, Airship) let you watch hallways.
- Vitals (Polus, Airship) show who is alive.
- Admin Table shows where players are.
- Report Suspicious Behavior
Players standing near a task without completing it, or teleporting quickly via vents, might be Impostors.
Beginner Tips for Impostors
- Blend In
Pretend to do tasks and follow others naturally. Avoid standing in suspicious places. - Use Sabotage Wisely
- Turn off lights to reduce Crewmates’ vision.
- Trigger oxygen or reactor sabotage to force players away from each other.
- Close doors to trap Crewmates or cover up kills.
- Divide and Conquer
Isolate players before killing them. Avoid killing in crowded areas where you might be seen. - Defend Yourself in Meetings
Stay calm, provide logical explanations, and shift suspicion subtly without being too aggressive.
Communication in Among Us
The heart of Among Us lies in communication and deduction. During meetings, players discuss who they think is guilty. The game supports text chat, but most players use voice chat through Discord or other apps for better coordination.
When discussing:
- Share your location and what task you were doing.
- Ask others for their alibis.
- Point out inconsistencies in stories.
Good communication often decides the outcome of the game.
Customizing Your Game
Among Us allows customization to make each match unique.
- Game Settings: Adjust vision, speed, kill cooldown, and number of tasks.
- Cosmetics: Choose from different colors, hats, skins, and pets. Some are free, while others are paid content.
These customization options make the game fun and engaging for all types of players.
Why Among Us Became So Popular
Although Among Us was released in 2018, it only became famous in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. People were stuck at home, looking for ways to socialize and have fun online. The game’s simple mechanics, combined with suspense and humor, made it perfect for streaming on Twitch and YouTube.
Some reasons for its popularity include:
- Easy to learn but hard to master gameplay.
- Fun social interactions and discussions.
- Compatibility with both PC and mobile devices.
- Endless replay value thanks to random roles and strategies.
Advanced Strategies
For Crewmates:
- Use taskbar progress updates to track who is doing real tasks.
- Watch for players entering rooms but not leaving (vent users).
For Impostors:
- Self-report kills occasionally to gain trust.
- Create alibis by staying near other players after sabotages.
Final Thoughts
Among Us is much more than just a casual party game. It’s about trust, betrayal, quick thinking, and teamwork. The simple graphics and mechanics hide a deep layer of strategy and social interaction that has kept millions entertained for years.
Whether you’re playing with friends or strangers, every game is different, offering endless fun and surprises. By learning the basics, practicing communication, and mastering strategies, you can become a skilled Crewmate or a cunning Impostor.
So gather your friends, join a lobby, and jump into the world of Among Us. Just remember – trust no one completely!