Among Us, the social deduction game that took the world by storm, is all about deception, suspicion, and, most importantly, communication. While typing frantic accusations and desperate pleas in the chatbox can be effective, nothing beats the immediacy and nuance of voice chat. Being able to hear your crewmates’ voices, detect subtle hesitations, and instantly react to unfolding events adds a whole new layer of intensity to the game. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a fresh-faced newbie, mastering voice chat is crucial for surviving (or thriving) in the spaceship.
However, Among Us doesn’t natively include voice chat. This means you’ll need to rely on third-party applications and creative workarounds to get your voice heard. Don’t worry, though – this guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from the simplest solutions to the most advanced setups, ensuring you’re ready to navigate the treacherous waters of Among Us with your voice leading the way.
Why Use Voice Chat in Among Us?
Before we dive into the how-to, let’s quickly recap why voice chat is such a game-changer:
- Enhanced Communication: Voice chat allows for faster and more detailed communication than typing. You can convey complex information, explain situations, and coordinate strategies much more efficiently.
- Real-Time Reactions: Hearing your crewmates’ immediate reactions can provide valuable clues. A sudden gasp, a nervous cough, or a hesitant answer can all point to the impostor.
- Improved Deception (If You’re the Impostor!): Voice chat allows you to manipulate your tone, sow seeds of doubt, and convincingly lie to your crewmates. Master the art of deception, and you’ll be an unstoppable force.
- Increased Immersion: Hearing your friends’ voices adds a whole new level of immersion to the game. You’ll feel more connected to your crewmates and more invested in the outcome.
- Just Plain Fun: Let’s be honest, voice chat makes Among Us even more hilarious. The chaotic discussions, the panicked accusations, and the inevitable betrayals are all amplified when you can hear everyone’s reactions in real-time.
Methods for Using Voice Chat in Among Us
Now, let’s explore the various methods you can use to enable voice chat in Among Us. We’ll cover everything from the simplest options (perfect for casual players) to more advanced solutions (ideal for competitive groups).
1. Discord: The King of Gaming Communication
Discord is the most popular and widely used platform for voice chat in Among Us, and for good reason. It’s free, reliable, and packed with features specifically designed for gamers. Here’s how to set it up:
Step 1: Download and Install Discord
If you don’t already have it, download Discord from the official website (https://discord.com/) and install it on your computer or mobile device. The installation process is straightforward and should only take a few minutes.
Step 2: Create a Server (or Join an Existing One)
To use voice chat with your Among Us group, you’ll need a Discord server. You can either create your own server or join an existing one that your friends are already using.
To create a server:
- Open Discord and click the “+” icon in the left-hand sidebar.
- Select “Create a server.”
- Choose a template or create your own.
- Give your server a name and upload an icon (optional).
- Click “Create.”
Step 3: Create Voice Channels
Within your server, you’ll need to create voice channels where you and your friends can communicate. You can create multiple channels for different games or groups.
- In your server, click the “+” icon next to “Voice Channels” in the left-hand sidebar.
- Give your voice channel a name (e.g., “Among Us Lobby,” “General Chat”).
- Click “Create Channel.”
Step 4: Invite Your Friends
Invite your friends to your Discord server so they can join the voice channels.
- Click on your server name in the top left corner.
- Select “Invite People.”
- Share the invite link with your friends.
Step 5: Connect to Voice Chat
Once your friends have joined the server, they can simply click on the voice channel to connect to voice chat. You’ll see their avatars appear in the channel when they’re connected.
Discord Pro Tips for Among Us:
- Push-to-Talk vs. Voice Activity: Experiment with both push-to-talk and voice activity to see which works best for you. Push-to-talk requires you to hold down a key to speak, which can be useful for minimizing background noise. Voice activity automatically transmits your voice when it detects sound, but it can also pick up unwanted noises.
- Mute and Deafen: Learn to use the mute and deafen functions effectively. Mute allows you to stop transmitting your voice, while deafen blocks all incoming audio. These are essential for private discussions and avoiding spoilers.
- Discord Bots: Explore Discord bots that can enhance your Among Us experience. Some bots can automatically mute players during the game and unmute them during meetings, streamlining the voice chat process.
- Server Permissions: Configure server permissions to control who can create channels, manage users, and access specific voice channels. This can help prevent trolls and ensure a smooth gaming experience.
2. In-Game Proximity Chat Mods: A More Immersive Experience
For a truly immersive Among Us experience, consider using in-game proximity chat mods. These mods add voice chat directly into the game, allowing you to only hear players who are physically close to your character. This creates a more realistic and engaging gameplay experience, as you’ll need to actively seek out other players to communicate.
Note: Using mods can sometimes be tricky, as they may not be compatible with all versions of the game or may require specific installation procedures. Always download mods from trusted sources to avoid malware or other issues.
Popular Proximity Chat Mods:
- CrewLink: CrewLink is one of the most popular and well-regarded proximity chat mods for Among Us. It’s open-source, actively maintained, and relatively easy to install. It offers clear voice quality and customizable settings.
How to Install and Use CrewLink:
Step 1: Download CrewLink
Download the latest version of CrewLink from the official GitHub repository or a trusted modding website. Make sure to download the correct version for your operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux).
Step 2: Install CrewLink
The installation process may vary depending on your operating system. Generally, you’ll need to extract the downloaded files to a folder on your computer and run the CrewLink executable file.
Step 3: Configure CrewLink
Once CrewLink is installed, you’ll need to configure it to work with Among Us. This usually involves specifying the location of your Among Us installation directory and setting your microphone and speaker settings.
Step 4: Run CrewLink and Among Us
Start both CrewLink and Among Us. CrewLink should automatically detect when you launch Among Us and connect to the game.
Step 5: Join a Game
Join a game of Among Us. You should now be able to hear other players who are nearby your character. The range of the proximity chat can usually be adjusted in the CrewLink settings.
CrewLink Pro Tips:
- Troubleshooting: If you’re having trouble getting CrewLink to work, consult the official documentation or online forums for troubleshooting tips. Common issues include incorrect settings, firewall problems, and conflicting mods.
- Volume Levels: Adjust your microphone and speaker volume levels to ensure that you can hear other players clearly and that your voice is being transmitted properly.
- Customization: Explore the CrewLink settings to customize the proximity chat range, voice quality, and other options to your liking.
3. Third-Party Voice Chat Apps: Alternatives to Discord
While Discord is the most popular choice, several other voice chat apps can be used for Among Us. These apps may offer different features, interfaces, or pricing models that may be more suitable for some users.
Popular Alternatives:
- TeamSpeak: TeamSpeak is a classic voice chat application known for its high voice quality and customizable server options. It’s a good choice for serious gamers who want precise control over their voice communication.
- Mumble: Mumble is another popular voice chat application that offers low latency and excellent voice quality. It’s open-source and free to use, making it a great alternative to Discord.
- Ventrilo: Ventrilo is a lightweight voice chat application that’s been around for many years. It’s known for its simplicity and low resource usage.
- In-Game Voice Chat (Limited Availability): Some Among Us mods and private servers may offer built-in voice chat functionality. However, these options are typically less common and may not be as reliable as dedicated voice chat applications.
Using Alternative Voice Chat Apps:
The process for using these alternative voice chat apps is generally similar to Discord. You’ll need to download and install the app, create a server (or join an existing one), create voice channels, and invite your friends. Refer to the app’s documentation for specific instructions.
4. Mobile Voice Chat Options: For On-the-Go Deception
If you’re playing Among Us on your mobile device, you’ll need to use mobile-friendly voice chat options. Fortunately, most of the popular voice chat apps, including Discord, have mobile versions that you can use.
Discord Mobile:
The Discord mobile app is a convenient way to stay connected with your Among Us group while you’re on the go. It offers the same features as the desktop version, including voice chat, text chat, and server management.
Other Mobile Voice Chat Apps:
Several other mobile voice chat apps are available, such as TeamSpeak Mobile, Mumble Mobile, and Ventrilo Mobile. These apps offer similar functionality to their desktop counterparts, allowing you to communicate with your friends while playing Among Us on your mobile device.
Using Mobile Voice Chat:
To use mobile voice chat, simply download and install the app on your mobile device, create a server (or join an existing one), create voice channels, and invite your friends. Make sure to grant the app permission to access your microphone.
Mobile Voice Chat Tips:
- Headphones: Use headphones to improve voice quality and reduce background noise. This is especially important when playing in public places.
- Internet Connection: Ensure that you have a stable internet connection to avoid dropped calls or lag.
- Battery Life: Mobile voice chat can drain your battery quickly, so make sure to charge your device before playing.
Setting Up the Perfect Voice Chat Environment
No matter which voice chat method you choose, there are several things you can do to optimize your voice chat environment and ensure a smooth and enjoyable Among Us experience.
1. Microphone Quality: Be Heard Loud and Clear
A good microphone is essential for clear voice communication. Invest in a decent headset or standalone microphone to ensure that your voice is being transmitted clearly and without distortion.
Microphone Types:
- Headset Microphones: Headset microphones are convenient and affordable. They typically offer decent voice quality and are ideal for casual gamers.
- Standalone Microphones: Standalone microphones offer superior voice quality and are ideal for serious gamers and streamers. They typically require a separate audio interface.
Microphone Settings:
Adjust your microphone settings in your operating system and voice chat app to optimize your voice quality. Common settings include microphone gain, noise suppression, and echo cancellation.
2. Background Noise: Eliminate Distractions
Background noise can be distracting and can interfere with voice communication. Minimize background noise by choosing a quiet location to play and by using noise-canceling headphones or a noise gate on your microphone.
Noise Reduction Techniques:
- Choose a Quiet Location: Play in a room with minimal background noise, such as a bedroom or office.
- Close Doors and Windows: Close doors and windows to block out external noise.
- Use Noise-Canceling Headphones: Noise-canceling headphones can block out ambient noise and improve voice clarity.
- Use a Noise Gate: A noise gate is a software filter that only allows your microphone to transmit audio when it detects a certain level of sound. This can help eliminate background noise when you’re not speaking.
3. Echo Cancellation: Prevent Feedback Loops
Echo can occur when your microphone picks up the audio from your speakers, creating a feedback loop. Enable echo cancellation in your voice chat app to prevent this issue.
Echo Cancellation Settings:
Most voice chat apps have built-in echo cancellation features. Enable these features in the app’s settings to prevent echo.
Alternative Solutions:
If echo cancellation is not working properly, try using headphones or adjusting your speaker volume to reduce the amount of audio that’s being picked up by your microphone.
4. Push-to-Talk vs. Voice Activity: Choose Your Style
As mentioned earlier, you can choose between push-to-talk and voice activity for your voice chat. Push-to-talk requires you to hold down a key to speak, while voice activity automatically transmits your voice when it detects sound.
Push-to-Talk:
Push-to-talk is a good choice if you want to minimize background noise or if you prefer to have more control over when your voice is being transmitted.
Voice Activity:
Voice activity is a good choice if you want a more hands-free experience or if you tend to forget to use push-to-talk.
Choosing the Right Option:
Experiment with both push-to-talk and voice activity to see which works best for you and your playstyle.
Voice Chat Etiquette: Being a Good Crewmate (or Impostor)
Using voice chat in Among Us is not just about technical setup; it’s also about being a good crewmate (or impostor) and following proper etiquette. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Be Respectful: Treat your crewmates with respect, even when you disagree with them. Avoid personal attacks, insults, and offensive language.
- Don’t Spoil the Game: Avoid revealing information that could spoil the game for others, such as who the impostor is or what tasks are left to complete.
- Don’t Talk Over Others: Let everyone have a chance to speak and avoid interrupting or talking over others.
- Mute Yourself When Appropriate: Mute yourself when you’re not speaking to avoid transmitting background noise or private conversations.
- Be Mindful of Volume Levels: Adjust your microphone and speaker volume levels to ensure that you’re not too loud or too quiet.
- Have Fun! Remember that Among Us is a game, so relax, have fun, and enjoy the experience.
Troubleshooting Common Voice Chat Issues
Even with the best setup, you may occasionally encounter voice chat issues. Here are some common problems and their solutions:
- No Sound:
- Check your speaker and microphone settings in your operating system and voice chat app.
- Make sure your speakers are turned on and that the volume is turned up.
- Try restarting your computer or mobile device.
- Microphone Not Working:
- Check your microphone connection and make sure it’s properly plugged in.
- Make sure your microphone is not muted in your operating system or voice chat app.
- Try updating your microphone drivers.
- Echo:
- Enable echo cancellation in your voice chat app.
- Try using headphones or adjusting your speaker volume.
- Lag:
- Check your internet connection and make sure it’s stable.
- Close any unnecessary programs or applications that may be using bandwidth.
- Try restarting your router or modem.
- Distorted Voice:
- Adjust your microphone gain settings.
- Try using a different microphone.
Conclusion: Voice Chat – The Key to Victory (or Hilarious Defeat)
Voice chat is an invaluable tool for playing Among Us, enhancing communication, increasing immersion, and adding a whole new layer of fun to the game. Whether you choose to use Discord, proximity chat mods, or another voice chat app, mastering voice communication will significantly improve your chances of surviving as a crewmate or successfully deceiving your friends as an impostor. So, grab your headset, gather your crew, and get ready to unleash your inner impostor with the power of voice!