In 2020, Among Us suddenly became one of the most popular games in the world. Friends gathered online to accuse each other of being “sus”, and the little bean-shaped astronauts became a meme everywhere. The hype has faded, but the game has continued to grow with new maps, roles and modes. Is it still worth playing today?
We played with friend groups and public lobbies on mobile and PC to find out.
The basic idea
A group of 4 to 15 players are crewmates on a spaceship or base. Most are innocent Crewmates, but one or more are secret Impostors. Crewmates must complete tasks around the map or find and vote out the Impostors. Impostors must kill Crewmates without getting caught, using sabotage and vents to move around.
When a body is found or someone calls an emergency meeting, everyone discusses what they saw and votes. This is where the game becomes chaotic, funny and occasionally dramatic.
Why it works
Among Us is less about gameplay mechanics and more about people. Lying convincingly as an Impostor, defending yourself when wrongly accused or catching a friend in a lie creates memorable moments. The rules are so simple that anyone can join, including friends who rarely play games.
Maps
There are several maps, including The Skeld, MIRA HQ, Polus, The Airship and The Fungle. Each map has different layouts, tasks and sabotage options. Larger maps like The Airship are more complex, while smaller maps lead to faster and more intense games.
Roles
Newer updates added special roles for both sides. Crewmates can be Engineers who use vents, Scientists who check vitals remotely or Guardian Angels who protect players after dying. Impostors can be Shapeshifters who disguise themselves as other players. Additional roles add more tools for both sides. These roles keep the game fresh and give experienced groups new strategies.
Hide and Seek
Hide and Seek mode changes the formula. One Impostor hunts the Crewmates, who must complete tasks and survive until the timer runs out. It is a fun, fast-paced alternative when your group wants something different.
Playing with friends versus strangers
This is the most important point of our review. With friends, Among Us is fantastic. Voice chat on Discord or sitting together in the same room makes accusations and alibis hilarious.
With strangers, the experience varies a lot. Some lobbies are friendly and fun. Others have players who leave as soon as they are not Impostor, refuse to talk or behave toxically. Quick chat helps on mobile, but it cannot replace real conversation.
Platforms and price
On mobile, Among Us is free with ads, and you can pay to remove them. On PC and consoles, it is a low-priced purchase. Cross-platform play means friends on different devices can play together, which makes it easy to set up a game night.
Cosmetics
Hats, skins, pets and visors can be bought with in-game currency or real money. They are purely cosmetic and do not affect gameplay. The cosmetic store is not pushy, which we appreciate.
Performance
Among Us runs on nearly any device and uses little data. It is ideal for older phones and budget laptops. A stable connection is helpful to avoid disconnects during meetings.
Tips for new players
- As Crewmate, remember where you saw people
- As Impostor, act natural and fake tasks
- Do not accuse without evidence early in the game
- Use security cameras and admin tables wisely
- Play with friends using voice chat for the best experience
Who is it for?
Among Us is perfect for friend groups, classmates, families and online communities who want a social party game. It is less enjoyable for solo players who rely on random lobbies.
Frequently asked questions
How many players do I need? At least 4, but 8 to 10 players is ideal.
Is Among Us free? It is free on mobile with ads, and paid on PC and consoles.
Is it safe for kids? The cartoon violence is mild, but public chat can contain bad language. Use private lobbies with friends for younger players.
Hosting a great game night
To get the most out of Among Us, set clear house rules before starting. Decide whether ghosts can talk, how long discussions last and whether players can use voice chat outside meetings. Adjust settings like kill cooldown and task count to match your group’s experience. Rotating maps every few rounds also keeps things interesting. A well-organised session can easily last two or three hours without anyone getting bored.
Is it still relevant?
Among Us is no longer the biggest game in the world, but it has found a stable place as a go-to party game. Regular updates show that Innersloth still cares about the game, and its simple concept has aged well. It is also a great entry point for people who are curious about social deduction games before trying more complex alternatives.
Tips for Impostors
Playing Impostor well is an art. Fake tasks near other players so they can vouch for you, but avoid being the last person seen with a victim. Use sabotages to split the group, especially lights and communications, then strike when players are isolated. During meetings, stay calm and add useful information rather than accusing too aggressively. The best Impostors blend in by acting exactly like helpful Crewmates.
Tips for Crewmates
As a Crewmate, pay attention to who you see and where. Remember which players completed visual tasks, since those can prove innocence when visual tasks are turned on. Stick with a buddy you trust when the map gets dangerous, and avoid skipping votes if you have strong evidence. Most importantly, explain your reasoning clearly, because convincing others is just as important as being right.
Our routine
We play Among Us every few weeks with the same group, rotating maps and roles so it never feels stale.
Verdict
Among Us remains a brilliant party game with the right group. Its simple rules, new roles and multiple maps keep it fun, and cross-platform play makes it easy to organise. Public lobbies can be frustrating, but with friends, it still delivers some of the funniest moments in gaming.
