Playing Among Us in Real Life: A Guide to Deduction and Deception

The digital sensation Among Us has captured the hearts (and suspicious minds) of millions. But did you know you can bring the thrilling world of crewmates and impostors to life? Playing Among Us in real life transforms the screen-based game into an interactive, social experience that tests your observation skills, deduction abilities, and maybe even your acting chops! The core of the game remains the same: crewmates must complete tasks while identifying the impostor (or impostors) before they are eliminated. However, adapting the game to a real-world setting requires some creative thinking and rule adjustments.

The key is to replicate the core mechanics of tasks, emergency meetings, voting, and of course, the chilling suspense of the imposter’s lurking presence. Here’s a breakdown of how to play Among Us in real life, focusing on the essential rules and variations:

1. Roles and Setup:

• Crewmates: The majority of players are crewmates. Their goal is to complete all assigned tasks or successfully identify and vote out all impostors.
• Impostors: A smaller number of players are designated as impostors. Their objective is to eliminate crewmates without being detected.
• Designating Roles: This can be done through drawing cards, colored wristbands, or even using a smartphone app to randomly assign roles. The important thing is that only the individual knows their role.

2. Tasks:

• Physical Tasks: These should be simple, age-appropriate activities scattered throughout the playing area. Examples include:
  • Solving a simple puzzle
  • Moving objects from one place to another
  • Writing a message on a whiteboard
  • Completing a specific number of jumping jacks
• Task List: Each crewmate should receive a list of tasks to complete. This keeps them occupied and provides alibis.
• Task Completion: A designated “task board” can be used to track task completion. Crewmates can mark their tasks as completed upon finishing them. Be careful though, impostors can also fake the completion of tasks.

3. Movement and Elimination:

• Designated Safe Areas: Certain areas can be designated as “safe zones” where no eliminations can occur (e.g., a meeting room).
• Impostor Eliminations: Impostors “eliminate” crewmates by tagging them (a gentle tap is sufficient). A visual cue, like handing the eliminated crewmate a colored band or piece of paper, can signal their status.
• Eliminated Players: Once eliminated, crewmates become “ghosts.” They cannot speak or interact with living players, but may be allowed to continue completing tasks without being seen. They also may be allowed to speak to other ghosts.

4. Reporting and Meetings:

• Reporting a Body: When a crewmate finds an eliminated player, they report the “body” by calling an emergency meeting. This can be done by shouting “Emergency Meeting!” or using a designated signal (e.g., ringing a bell).
• Emergency Meetings: Players gather in a designated “meeting room” to discuss what they saw, share suspicions, and vote on who they believe is the impostor.
• Voting: Players vote for who they suspect is the impostor. Votes can be cast by writing names on slips of paper, raising hands, or using a simple voting app.
• Ejection: The player with the most votes is “ejected” and revealed to be either a crewmate or an impostor. Eliminated players cannot speak after they are eliminated.
• Skipping: Players can also choose to skip voting if they are unsure or don’t have enough information.

5. Winning the Game:

• Crewmate Victory: Crewmates win if they complete all tasks or successfully eject all impostors.
• Impostor Victory: Impostors win if they eliminate enough crewmates so that the number of impostors equals the number of crewmates, or if they trigger a critical sabotage (more on that below) that isn’t resolved in time.

6. Optional Rules and Variations:

• Sabotage: Impostors can introduce “sabotages” to disrupt the game. Examples include:
  • “Lights Out”: Dimming the lights in the playing area, making it harder for crewmates to see.
  • “Oxygen Depletion”: Announcing that oxygen is depleting and requiring crewmates to solve a specific task within a time limit.
  • “Communications Breakdown”: Forbidding verbal communication for a short period, forcing players to rely on gestures.
• Visual Tasks: Consider modifying certain tasks to be “visual” tasks that are visible for all players to see when the task is being performed. However, be aware that this may influence voting more.
• Character Customization: Encourage players to dress up or create unique character personas to enhance the role-playing aspect.
• Audio Cues: Play suspenseful music in the background to create a more immersive atmosphere.

7. Considerations for Different Age Groups:

• Younger Children: Simplify the tasks, reduce the number of impostors, and emphasize fun over strict adherence to the rules.
• Older Children and Adults: Increase the complexity of the tasks, introduce more strategic sabotages, and encourage more in-depth role-playing.

Playing Among Us in real life is a fantastic way to foster teamwork, communication, and critical thinking skills. By adapting the digital game to a physical setting, you create a dynamic and engaging experience that’s sure to be a hit with players of all ages. Remember to adapt the rules to fit your group, prioritize safety, and most importantly, have fun! Consider referencing educational resources about the benefits of incorporating play into learning, such as those provided by the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do you designate who the impostor is without anyone else knowing?

You can use playing cards (e.g., a red card signifies impostor), write roles on slips of paper, or utilize a phone app that secretly assigns roles. The key is discretion!

What are some easy task ideas for younger kids?

Simple tasks include sorting colored objects, drawing a picture, or reciting a short poem. Focus on activities that are quick and easily understood.

How do you handle voting in real life?

Voting can be done using paper ballots, raising hands, or even a simple online poll through a phone or tablet.

What happens if there’s a tie during the voting process?

If there’s a tie, you can either revote or skip the ejection entirely.

Can impostors “vent” in real life?

Simulate “venting” by allowing impostors to move between designated areas without being seen (e.g., using a hidden path or a pre-agreed signal).

How do you make the “lights out” sabotage effective?

Dim the lights in the playing area as much as safely possible. Flashlights can add to the drama!

What are some alternative sabotage ideas?

Other sabotage ideas include “comms sabotage” (forcing players to communicate only through gestures) or “door sabotage” (blocking off a certain area for a short period).

How do you adapt Among Us for a large group (e.g., a classroom)?

For large groups, consider dividing players into smaller teams, each with its own set of tasks and impostors.

How do you incorporate educational elements into the game?

Integrate educational tasks, such as solving math problems or answering history questions, into the task list.

Can eliminated players still perform tasks?

Yes, eliminated players can continue completing tasks as “ghosts,” but they cannot communicate with living players or vote.

Is Among Us in real life safe for kids?

With proper supervision and age-appropriate rules, Among Us in real life can be a safe and enjoyable activity for kids. Adapt the tasks and rules to ensure safety.

How do you prevent cheating?

Establish clear rules and enforce them fairly. Emphasize the importance of honesty and sportsmanship.

What if someone reveals who the impostor is outside of a meeting?

This is considered cheating. Establish a penalty for revealing the impostor’s identity outside of designated meeting times.

How long should a game of Among Us in real life last?

A game can last anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the number of players, the complexity of the tasks, and the skill of the impostors.

How can I make the game more engaging and immersive?

Encourage role-playing, use background music, and create a visually appealing environment to enhance the overall experience.