How to Play Among Us with Friends: A Comprehensive Guide
Among Us, the social deduction game that took the world by storm, is best enjoyed with friends. The thrill of accusing (or defending!) your buddies, the strategic meetings, and the nail-biting moments of discovering the imposter are all amplified when playing with a familiar group. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to play Among Us with friends, ensuring a fun and engaging experience for everyone involved.
## What is Among Us?
For those unfamiliar, Among Us is a multiplayer game set on a spaceship, space station, or planetary base. Players are divided into two roles: Crewmates and Imposters.
* **Crewmates:** Their goal is to complete tasks around the map and identify the Imposters. They win by finishing all tasks or by ejecting all Imposters.
* **Imposters:** Their goal is to sabotage the Crewmates’ tasks, eliminate them, and blend in to avoid detection. They win by killing enough Crewmates so that the number of Imposters equals the number of Crewmates.
The core gameplay loop involves Crewmates wandering the map to complete tasks, while Imposters try to discreetly kill them off. When a body is found, or someone calls an emergency meeting, players discuss who they think the Imposter is and vote to eject a suspect. Successfully identifying and ejecting all Imposters, or completing all the tasks, secures victory for the Crewmates. Failing to do so results in an Imposter win. Suspicion, deduction, and deception are key to success!
## Setting Up a Private Among Us Game with Friends
There are two main ways to play Among Us with friends: locally (over the same Wi-Fi network) or online. Since local play is limited by physical proximity, we’ll focus on setting up online private games, which is the most common and versatile method.
Here’s a step-by-step guide:
1. **Download and Install Among Us:**
* Make sure everyone who wants to play has Among Us installed on their device. The game is available on iOS, Android, Nintendo Switch, and PC (via Steam or the Epic Games Store). The mobile version is free with ads, while the PC and Switch versions are paid.
2. **Launch the Game:**
* Open Among Us on your device. You’ll be greeted with the main menu.
3. **Select “Online”:**
* On the main menu, click the “Online” option. This will take you to the online game selection screen.
4. **Choose “Create Game”:**
* In the online menu, you’ll see three options: “Host,” “Public,” and “Private.” Click on “Host” to create a new private game.
5. **Configure Game Settings:**
* After clicking “Host,” you’ll be presented with game settings to customize the experience. These settings are crucial for tailoring the game to your group’s preferences.
* **Map:** Choose the map you want to play on. Available maps include The Skeld (the original), MIRA HQ, Polus, The Airship, and the newer The Fungle. Each map has its own unique layout, tasks, and vent system, offering different strategic possibilities.
* **Impostors:** Select the number of Impostors. This ranges from 1 to 3, depending on the lobby size. More Impostors increase the difficulty for Crewmates.
* **Confirm Ejects:** This setting determines whether the role of the ejected player is revealed after they are voted out. If set to “On,” everyone will know if the ejected player was an Imposter or a Crewmate. Turning it off adds another layer of uncertainty.
* **Visual Tasks:** When enabled, certain tasks have visual indicators that prove a player is a Crewmate. For example, the “Clear Asteroids” task shows lasers firing, and the “Submit Scan” task displays a body scan. Disabling visual tasks makes it harder for Crewmates to prove their innocence.
* **Anonymous Votes:** If enabled, the voting results will not show who voted for whom. This can encourage more honest voting and prevent players from being targeted based on their vote.
* **Discussion Time:** This setting controls the length of time players have to discuss during emergency meetings or when a body is reported. Adjust this based on how much time your group typically needs to strategize.
* **Voting Time:** This setting determines how long players have to vote. If the voting time runs out, players can choose to skip voting.
* **Player Speed:** Adjust the movement speed of the players. A higher speed can make the game more chaotic, while a slower speed can make it more strategic.
* **Crewmate Vision:** This setting controls how far Crewmates can see. A lower vision range makes it harder for Crewmates to spot Imposters.
* **Impostor Vision:** This setting controls how far Imposters can see. A higher vision range makes it easier for Imposters to find and eliminate Crewmates.
* **Kill Cooldown:** This setting determines how long an Imposter must wait between kills. A longer cooldown gives Crewmates more time to complete tasks and potentially identify the Imposter.
* **Kill Distance:** This setting determines how far an Imposter can be from a Crewmate to perform a kill. “Short” requires the Imposter to be very close, while “Long” allows for kills from a greater distance.
* **Task Bar Updates:**
* **Always:** The task bar constantly updates, showing the progress of the Crewmates completing tasks.
* **Meetings:** The task bar only updates during meetings.
* **Never:** The task bar never updates, making it harder for Imposters to fake tasks.
* **Number of Common Tasks:** These are tasks that all Crewmates have. Increasing the number of common tasks makes it easier for Crewmates to prove their innocence.
* **Number of Long Tasks:** These are tasks that take longer to complete. Increasing the number of long tasks gives Imposters more opportunities to sabotage them.
* **Number of Short Tasks:** These are tasks that are quick to complete. Increasing the number of short tasks allows Crewmates to make faster progress toward completing all tasks.
* **Emergency Meetings:** This setting determines how many emergency meetings each player can call per game. This can prevent players from spamming emergency meetings.
6. **Create the Game:**
* After configuring the game settings to your liking, click the “Confirm” button at the bottom of the screen. This will create the private game lobby.
7. **Share the Game Code:**
* Once the game is created, you’ll see a game code displayed at the top of the screen (e.g., ABCDEF). This is the code your friends will need to join your game. Share this code with them through your preferred communication method (e.g., text message, Discord, voice chat).
8. **Have Your Friends Join:**
* Your friends need to launch Among Us, select “Online,” and then click “Private.” They should then enter the game code you provided and click the arrow button to join.
9. **Start the Game:**
* Once everyone has joined the lobby (up to 15 players), you, as the host, can click the “Start” button to begin the game. Ensure everyone is ready before starting, as once the game begins, there’s no going back!
## Communication is Key
Effective communication is crucial for both Crewmates and Imposters. Here’s how to best communicate during gameplay:
* **Voice Chat:** Using a voice chat platform like Discord, Teamspeak, or even a simple phone call is highly recommended. Typing during meetings can be slow and cumbersome, hindering your ability to quickly share information and formulate strategies. Designate a specific channel or group for your Among Us sessions.
* **Clear and Concise Language:** When discussing during meetings, be clear and concise in your statements. Avoid vague accusations or rambling explanations. Focus on providing specific details about what you saw or heard.
* **Active Listening:** Pay attention to what other players are saying, even if you don’t immediately agree with them. Listen for inconsistencies in their stories or suspicious behavior.
* **Avoid Over-Talking:** While communication is important, avoid dominating the conversation. Give everyone a chance to speak and share their thoughts.
* **Consider Non-Verbal Cues:** Even without video, pay attention to the tone and inflection in people’s voices. Nervousness, hesitation, or defensiveness can be indicators of guilt.
* **Use Specific Room Names:** When describing where you saw something, use the specific names of the rooms in the game. For example, say “I saw them vent in Electrical” instead of just “I saw them vent.”
* **Report Body Location:** When reporting a body, clearly state where you found it. This helps other players narrow down the possible suspects.
* **Use Timestamps:** Mention specific timings in relation to events you witnessed. “I saw red enter MedBay right before the body was reported”
## Strategies for Crewmates
As a Crewmate, your primary goal is to complete tasks and identify the Imposters. Here are some strategies to help you succeed:
* **Stick Together (But Not Too Closely):** Traveling in pairs or small groups can provide safety in numbers and make it harder for Imposters to pick you off undetected. However, avoid sticking too close together, as this can make you an easy target for a double kill.
* **Visually Confirm Others:** If visual tasks are enabled, take advantage of them to visually confirm other players as Crewmates. Watch them complete tasks like “Clear Asteroids” or “Submit Scan” to build trust.
* **Complete Tasks Efficiently:** The faster you complete your tasks, the sooner the Crewmates can win. Focus on completing tasks that are close to each other to minimize travel time.
* **Watch for Suspicious Behavior:** Pay attention to other players’ movements and actions. Look for signs of venting, faking tasks, or lingering near bodies.
* **Use Cameras:** Utilize the security cameras in the Security room to monitor different areas of the map. This can help you catch Imposters in the act.
* **Use Admin Table:** Monitor player locations using the admin table in the Admin room. This can help identify players who are moving suspiciously or who are not where they should be.
* **Be Observant of Venting:** Venting is a dead giveaway that someone is an Imposter. Keep a close eye on vents and report anyone you see emerging from them.
* **Report Bodies Immediately:** Reporting a body immediately is crucial for initiating a discussion and potentially identifying the Imposter.
* **Use Emergency Meetings Wisely:** Don’t call emergency meetings unless you have a good reason to suspect someone. Spamming emergency meetings can waste time and annoy other players.
* **Defend Yourself with Evidence:** Always justify your actions with details. Instead of saying “I think it’s blue”, say “I think it’s blue because I saw them running away from electrical right after the lights went out, and I found a body there.”
## Strategies for Imposters
As an Imposter, your goal is to eliminate Crewmates and sabotage tasks without getting caught. Here are some strategies to help you succeed:
* **Blend In:** Act like a Crewmate. Pretend to do tasks, follow other players around, and participate in discussions. The more convincingly you can blend in, the less likely you are to be suspected.
* **Sabotage Strategically:** Use sabotages to create chaos and divert attention. Sabotaging the lights makes it harder for Crewmates to see, while sabotaging communications prevents them from reporting bodies or calling emergency meetings. Oxygen and Reactor sabotages can kill everyone if they aren’t fixed in time.
* **Vent Carefully:** Venting is a powerful tool for quickly traversing the map and escaping suspicion. However, be careful not to vent in front of other players.
* **Kill Discretely:** Try to kill Crewmates when no one is around to witness it. Avoid killing in high-traffic areas or in front of other players.
* **Frame Others:** Try to frame other players for your kills. For example, you can kill someone and then quickly run away, hoping that another player will stumble upon the body and be accused of the murder.
* **Fake Tasks Convincingly:** Pay attention to the task bar and pretend to complete tasks that are actually being done by Crewmates. Avoid standing in front of empty task locations.
* **Use the Map to Your Advantage:** Learn the layout of the map and use it to your advantage. Use vents to quickly travel between rooms, and use dark corners and corridors to ambush Crewmates.
* **Be a Good Liar:** Be prepared to lie and deceive other players. When accused, have a plausible alibi ready to explain your actions.
* **Exploit Visual Task Fails:** If Visual Tasks are on, deliberately fail visual tasks to create suspicion towards others who might be nearby. For example, pretend to clear asteroids and don’t shoot anything.
* **Target High Suspicion Players First:** If a player is already under suspicion, eliminating them early can create more chaos and divert attention away from you.
## General Tips and Tricks
* **Use Headphones:** Wearing headphones can help you hear sounds that might give away the Imposter, such as vents opening or closing, or footsteps approaching.
* **Adjust Your Settings:** Experiment with different game settings to find what works best for your group. You can adjust settings such as player speed, vision, and kill cooldown to tailor the game to your preferences.
* **Take Breaks:** Playing Among Us can be intense and stressful, especially when you’re trying to deceive your friends. Take breaks regularly to avoid burnout and maintain a healthy level of enjoyment.
* **Don’t Take it Too Seriously:** Remember that Among Us is just a game. Don’t get too upset if you’re accused of being the Imposter or if you lose a game. The most important thing is to have fun and enjoy spending time with your friends.
* **Consider Different Communication Styles:** Some groups enjoy purely logical deduction, while others prefer more role-playing and theatrical accusations. Encourage your group to embrace different communication styles to keep the game fresh and engaging.
* **Be Aware of Time Zones:** If playing with friends from different time zones, be mindful of scheduling and ensure everyone can participate at a convenient time.
* **Use Nicknames:** Use consistent nicknames for players so that everyone can easily identify each other during meetings. Avoid changing nicknames frequently, as this can cause confusion.
## Troubleshooting Common Issues
* **Unable to Connect:** If you’re having trouble connecting to a game, make sure you and your friends are all using the same server region (North America, Europe, Asia). Also, check your internet connection to ensure it’s stable.
* **Game Code Not Working:** Double-check that you’ve entered the game code correctly. Game codes are case-sensitive and must be entered exactly as they appear.
* **Game Freezing or Crashing:** If the game is freezing or crashing, try restarting your device or reinstalling the game. Also, make sure your device meets the minimum system requirements for Among Us.
* **Audio Issues:** If you’re having trouble hearing other players, check your audio settings and make sure your microphone and speakers are properly configured.
## Advanced Game Modes and Customizations
Once you’ve mastered the basics of Among Us, you can experiment with advanced game modes and customizations to add even more variety and excitement to your games.
* **Hide and Seek:** This mode involves the Imposter revealing themself at the start of the round, and then the Crewmates have to try to survive until the task bar is filled. There are variations on the rules for this. The Imposter can be given shorter cooldown times, slower movement, or specific vision settings to make it more balanced.
* **Crazy Roles Mod:** This is a third party mod that adds roles such as Sheriff (can kill the imposter), Doctor (can protect other players), and Jester (wins if voted out). These mods greatly change the gameplay and add layers of complexity and strategy.
* **Custom Task Lists:** Agree upon custom task lists outside of the game’s regular tasks. For example, designate a specific area that players must visit every round or create a set of actions that players must perform. This can add an extra layer of complexity and challenge to the game.
## Maintaining a Positive Gaming Environment
Remember that Among Us is a game meant to be enjoyed with friends. To maintain a positive gaming environment:
* **Avoid Personal Attacks:** Keep the accusations focused on the game and avoid making personal attacks or insults.
* **Respect Other Players’ Opinions:** Even if you disagree with someone’s opinion, respect their right to express it. Listen to their reasoning and try to understand their perspective.
* **Don’t Cheat:** Cheating ruins the game for everyone. Don’t use hacks, exploits, or other unfair methods to gain an advantage.
* **Be a Good Sport:** Whether you win or lose, be a good sport. Congratulate the winners and thank everyone for playing.
* **Establish Group Rules:** Before starting a game, establish some ground rules for your group. This can help prevent arguments and ensure everyone is on the same page.
## Conclusion
Playing Among Us with friends is a fantastic way to bond, strategize, and enjoy some friendly competition. By following these tips and guidelines, you can create a fun, engaging, and memorable gaming experience for everyone involved. So gather your friends, set up a private game, and get ready to deceive, deduce, and accuse your way to victory! Good luck, and may the best Imposter (or Crewmate) win!