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Imposter

Everyone knows the word. Except one.

The room shares a secret word — one or two players don't. Give clues, talk it out, and vote the faker out before they slip away.

Create a roomJoin a roomNo sign-up

How to play

  1. 1Everyone but the imposter secretly sees the same word. The imposter sees nothing.
  2. 2In turn order, each player types one short clue — real if you know the word, fake if you don't.
  3. 3Talk it over out loud, then everyone votes at once.
  4. 4Eject an imposter and they get one guess at the word — right, they still win.
  5. 5Crew win only if every imposter is caught and none guesses the word.

How to play Imposter online

Imposter is a social deduction game for four to ten people. Everyone but the imposter secretly sees the same word. Each player gives a one-word clue, the group argues about who's bluffing, and then everyone votes.

It works well on a video call or in person with everyone on their own phone. The game handles the secret: the word is never sent to an imposter's device at all, not merely hidden on screen, so there's nothing to peek at. The talking happens out loud, on your call or across the room, because the app only shows the clues, a countdown and the vote.

With four to seven players there's one imposter, and with eight to ten there are two. It needs at least four people, so it's a party game rather than a one-on-one.

Imposter rules in full

  • Everyone except the imposter privately sees the secret word. The imposter sees only that they're the imposter, with no word and no category.
  • In turn order, each player types one short clue. Real players hint at the word; the imposter has to bluff.
  • After the clues there's a discussion timer, about 75 seconds by default. Talk out loud.
  • Then everyone votes at once. Votes stay private until everyone's in or the 30-second vote timer ends.
  • If an imposter is voted out, they get one guess at the secret word. A right guess still wins it for the imposters.
  • The crew wins only if every imposter is caught and the caught imposter's guess at the word is wrong. If nobody is caught, or there's no clear accusation, the imposters win.

Tips for winning at Imposter

  • Crew: be specific enough that real players recognise the word, but vague enough that a bluffer can't copy you.
  • Imposter: listen to the first clues, then say something that fits without committing to a meaning.
  • Watch for the clue that's too safe. It's often the bluff.
  • Discuss the clues, not just the people. 'Why did you say that?' catches more bluffers than 'I don't trust you'.

Imposter questions

How many people do you need to play Imposter?
At least four, and up to ten. It gets better with a bigger group.
Can I play Imposter online with friends?
Yes. Create a room, share the code or link and everyone joins from their own device. It works well on a voice or video call.
Is there voice or text chat in the game?
No. Only the clues are typed in the app. Discussion is out loud, on your own call or in the room.
Can the imposter see the word by cheating?
No. The word is never sent to an imposter's device.
Start a Imposter roomJoin with a code

At a glance

Players
4–10
Length
5–15 min · Medium
Ages
10+
Difficulty
Medium
Online play
Yes — join strangers

Imposter guides and articles

If you like Imposter