Everything you need to know to play The Impostor
The Impostor is a social deduction party game where players try to identify the impostor hiding among them. One device is passed around the group — everyone receives a secret word except the impostor, who must bluff their way through the round without being caught. Below you will find the complete rules for all game modes, setup instructions, and tips for the best experience.
The Impostor is a browser-based game that requires no downloads or installations. All you need is a single device (phone, tablet, or computer) with an internet connection and a group of friends in the same room.
Setting up a game takes less than a minute. The host opens theimpostor.app on their device, signs in, and enters the lobby where all game settings are configured.
Enter each player's name in the lobby. You need at least 3 players to start. The maximum is 20 players.
Select from Classic, Mysterious, or Chaotic mode. Each mode changes how roles and information are distributed. Classic mode is recommended for first-time players.
Pick a word category (Animals, Cinema, Sports, Nature, Anime, Tech, Brands, or Travel) or use 'All Themes' for maximum variety. The theme determines which secret words will appear in the game.
Adjust the number of impostors (1 or more for larger groups), the round timer (1-15 minutes, default is 3), and whether impostors receive clue hints during gameplay.
Press 'Start Game' to begin. The device will guide each player through their role reveal one at a time.
Every round of The Impostor follows a structured flow with distinct phases. Understanding each phase helps you play more effectively and keeps the game moving smoothly.
The device shows which player should receive it next. Pass the phone to that player privately. Other players should look away to prevent peeking.
Each player holds a button to see their secret word and role. Citizens see the secret word they need to describe. The Impostor sees a message telling them they are the impostor (and in Mysterious mode, they receive a different but related word). Memorize your word and release the button.
Once all players have seen their roles, the timer starts. Players take turns giving one-word or one-phrase clues that relate to the secret word. The Impostor must bluff — giving clues that seem relevant without knowing the actual word. Listen carefully to what others say.
When the timer runs out or the group decides to vote early, each player selects who they think is the Impostor. Votes are cast privately on the device. The player with the most votes is eliminated.
The eliminated player's role is revealed. If a Citizen was eliminated by mistake, the Impostor wins. If the Impostor was caught, the Citizens win. In games with multiple impostors, play continues until all impostors are found or the citizens make too many mistakes.
The Impostor offers three distinct game modes, each providing a unique twist on the core social deduction experience. Choose the mode that best fits your group's experience level and desired challenge.
The standard experience. All Citizens receive the same secret word. The Impostor receives no word at all — they must figure out the word from the clues other players give. This is the most straightforward mode and recommended for beginners. The Impostor wins by avoiding detection or by correctly guessing the secret word.
A more challenging variant. Citizens still receive the same secret word, but the Impostor receives a different word from the same category. This makes it harder to identify the Impostor because their clues may still seem somewhat relevant. Players need to pay closer attention to subtle differences in clue quality. Roles are hidden, so no one is explicitly told they are the Impostor — you discover it through your word.
Maximum unpredictability. The number of Impostors is randomly assigned each round, so nobody knows how many impostors are hiding in the group. This mode creates intense paranoia and is best suited for experienced players who want a challenge. Every accusation carries more weight because you cannot be sure how many enemies remain.
Victory conditions depend on your role. Understanding how to win as each role will make you a better player.
The clue-giving phase is where the game comes alive. The quality of your clues determines whether the Impostor gets caught or escapes detection.
As a Citizen, your goal is to prove you know the word without making it too obvious for the Impostor to guess. Give clues that are specific enough to confirm your knowledge but vague enough that the Impostor cannot piece together the answer. For example, if the word is 'penguin,' saying 'bird' is too broad, but 'tuxedo pattern' might be perfect.
As the Impostor, your goal is to give clues that sound plausible. Listen carefully to what others say and try to identify the theme or category. Give clues that could apply to many words within that category. Avoid being the first player to give a clue, as you will have less information to work with. Watch for players who react to your clues — their body language might tell you if you are on the right track.
The Impostor works with 3 to 20 players, but the experience changes significantly depending on group size. Here are our recommendations for the best experience.
The round timer controls how long players have for the discussion and clue-giving phase. The default is 3 minutes, which works well for most group sizes.
The timer is set at 1 minute per player by default, with a minimum of 1 minute and maximum of 15 minutes. For smaller groups (3-5 players), 2-3 minutes is usually enough. For larger groups (10+ players), you may want 5-10 minutes to give everyone a chance to speak. If rounds feel rushed, increase the timer. If they drag on, decrease it.
The host can stop the timer early if the group is ready to vote before time runs out. This keeps the game moving at a comfortable pace.
Now that you know the rules, gather your friends and start a game.
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