What is the imposter game? The imposter game is a party word game for 3 or more players. Every player secretly sees the same word, except one player, the imposter (here called the spy), who sees only a hint or nothing at all. Players take turns asking each other questions about the word. Then the group votes on who the imposter is, while the imposter tries to blend in and work out the word.
How to play the imposter game
- Add players. Type everyone's name (3 to 8 players). Pick a word pack and the round timer. Leave "Spy gets a hint" on for your first game.
- Pass the phone. Each player holds the card to see their secret, then lets go to hide it and passes the phone on. The spy sees "You are the spy" instead of the word.
- Ask questions. The game picks who asks first. Take turns asking one person one question about the secret, like "Would you go there on a date?" Answer so your friends know you know the word, without giving it away to the spy.
- Vote. When the timer ends, vote in secret by passing the phone, or point together as a group.
- Last chance. If the spy is caught, they pick the secret word from a list. A correct guess steals the win. Points are kept on the scoreboard across rounds.
Game details
| Players | 3 to 8, on one phone |
|---|---|
| Modes | Classic spy (the spy gets no word) and Undercover (one player gets a similar word) |
| Word packs | 14 English packs (Places, Food, Jobs, Animals, Movie scenes, Hong Kong, Countries & cities, Things at home, Sports & hobbies, Holidays & parties, School life, Heroes & characters, Music, Easy for kids) and 12 Cantonese packs |
| Round timer | 3, 5 or 8 minutes |
| Voting | Secret ballot (pass the phone) or point together as a group |
| Languages | English and Traditional Chinese (Hong Kong) |
| Cost | Free. No app, no sign-up, no ads in the game |
Imposter game rules
- Ask one question at a time, to one player. No saying the secret word, part of it or a rhyme of it.
- Answers should be honest but vague. Too precise and the spy learns the word; too vague and you look like the spy.
- The group wins by voting out the spy and the spy fails to guess the word.
- The spy wins by avoiding the vote, or by guessing the word after being caught.
Tips to win
When you know the word
- Ask questions that only make sense if you know the word. If the place is a Bakery, "Do you go there for breakfast?" helps the spy; "Does it smell good at 6 a.m.?" is safer.
- Watch who answers last, who copies other people's answers, and who asks very broad questions.
When you are the spy
- Use the hint and listen hard to the first few questions before you speak.
- Give answers that fit many words: "Depends who I'm with" or "I've been once".
- Act confident. Hesitating is the fastest way to get voted out.
Fun variations
- No hint: turn off "Spy gets a hint" for a much harder game.
- Two spies: with 5 or more players, add a second spy. They don't know who the other one is.
- Speed round: set the timer to 3 minutes.
- Undercover: switch the mode to Undercover, or play Who's the Spy, where the odd player gets a similar word.
- Cantonese: tap 繁 in the game for Hong Kong packs like 港式美食 and 港鐵站.
Playing without a phone, or want to see every word first? Browse all 460 imposter game words by pack.
Imposter game FAQ
How many players do you need for the imposter game?
You need at least 3 players. It's most fun with 5 to 8. This version supports 3 to 8 players on one phone, with 1 spy, or 2 spies when 5 or more people play.
Can you play the imposter game online for free?
Yes. This page is free and needs no app or account. Everyone plays on one phone that you pass around the group.
What does the imposter see?
The imposter, called the spy in this game, sees "You are the spy" instead of the secret word. With the hint turned on they also see the category, for example "It is a place".
How does the imposter win?
The spy wins if the group votes for the wrong person. If the spy is caught, they get one last chance: pick the secret word from a short list. A correct guess steals the win.
What is the difference between the imposter game and Who's the Spy?
In the imposter game (Classic spy mode) the imposter has no word and knows it. In Who's the Spy's Undercover mode the odd player gets a similar word and doesn't know they're the odd one out.
Is the imposter game OK for kids?
Yes. Pick the Easy for kids, Animals or Food pack. Kids from about 7 or 8 can play; younger kids enjoy it with an adult helping them read.
Is this the same as Among Us?
No. The name comes from the same idea of a hidden traitor, but this is a talking and word game for people in the same room, with no tasks or game board.