Impostor: the online impostor word game for friends
In Impostor, every round brings a category and a secret word: Footballer, Harry Kane. Everyone at the table sees the word except one player. The impostor only knows the category and has to bluff like they know it. It's the classic impostor word game, played online with your friends.
After you check your cards, you take turns giving a clue, starting from a random player: one word or a short phrase. Too obvious and the impostor works out the word; too vague and you look suspicious. In Written mode the clues are listed on screen by player; if you're in the same room or on a call, pick Voice mode and say your clues out loud.
Then everyone votes for who they think the impostor is. Most votes is out; on a tie nobody is out and the impostor escapes. If the player voted out really is the impostor, they get one last chance: guess the word and they still score. The English word lists lean on things people in the US and UK know: Premier League and MLS, NBA and NFL stars, TV shows, celebrities, food, animals, jobs and everyday objects.
The classic impostor word game: everyone knows the word, the impostor only the category
14 categories in four groups: Football & Sports, Celebs & Screen, Everyday Life, Music & Games; 50+ words each
Written or Voice clues, 1 or 2 clue rounds, 3, 5 or 7 words
A last chance for a caught impostor: guess the word and still score
3-12 players, free, no sign-up, no download
How to play
Goal
Each round brings a category and a secret word, e.g. Footballer: Harry Kane.
Everyone sees the word except the impostor, who only knows the category.
Tap your card to see your role. Don't show anyone.
The crew tries to find the impostor; the impostor tries to blend in.
Clues
Starting from a random player, everyone gives a clue in turn; 1 or 2 rounds, set in the lobby.
Written mode: you have 30 seconds to type one word or a two-word clue.
The word itself is not allowed. Don't be too obvious, the impostor is listening.
Voice mode: say your clue out loud when it's your turn, then tap "Said it".
If you're the impostor, work out the word from the others' clues and fit in.
Voting
You have 60 seconds to vote for the impostor; you can change your vote until time runs out.
Everyone sees who has voted; who voted for whom is shown at the end.
Most votes is out. On a tie nobody is out and the impostor escapes.
If the impostor is voted out, they have 25 seconds to guess the word.
Points
Impostor not caught: impostor +3.
Caught but guesses the word: impostor +2, every crew member who voted for them +1.
Caught and misses: every crew member +1, those who voted for the impostor +1 more.
Most points wins; ties go to whoever caught the impostor more, then escaped more.
FAQ
How do you play Impostor?
Create a room, share the link and pick Impostor. Everyone checks their card: the crew sees the word, the impostor only the category. Take turns giving clues, then everyone votes. Most votes is out.
How does scoring work?
If the impostor isn't caught they get 3 points. Caught but guesses the word: impostor 2, every crew member who voted for them 1. Caught and misses: every crew member 1, and those who voted for the impostor 1 more.
How many players?
3 to 12, and the host plays too. Groups of 5-8 make for the best arguments.
What's the difference between Written and Voice mode?
In Written mode the player whose turn it is has 30 seconds to type one clue, and clues are listed on everyone's screen. In Voice mode you say your clue out loud and tap "Said it"; great for the same room or a video call.