“Among Us” has taken the gaming world by storm, becoming a global sensation since its rise in popularity in 2020. Developed by InnerSloth, this multiplayer game, with its simple yet engaging mechanics, has captured the hearts of millions of players worldwide. In “Among Us,” players are divided into Crewmates and Impostors, and the challenge lies in either completing tasks or sabotaging them while avoiding detection. In this article, we will delve deep into the game’s mechanics, offering tips, tricks, and strategies to help you emerge victorious, whether you’re a Crewmate or an Impostor.
Understanding the Basics
Before diving into advanced strategies, it’s essential to understand the basics of “Among Us.” The game can be played with 4 to 15 players, either online or locally. Players are assigned roles at the beginning of each round, with the majority becoming Crewmates and a few becoming Impostors.
- Crewmates: Their primary goal is to complete various tasks around the map. These tasks range from fixing wiring to downloading data. In addition to completing tasks, Crewmates must work together to identify and vote off the Impostors.
- Impostors: The Impostors’ objective is to sabotage the Crewmates’ efforts by killing them and causing chaos through various sabotages, such as turning off the lights or triggering a reactor meltdown. Impostors must do this without getting caught, blending in with the Crewmates and avoiding suspicion.
Maps and Their Importance
“Among Us” features multiple maps, each with its unique layout, tasks, and sabotage options. The most commonly played maps are:
- The Skeld: The original map, featuring a spaceship layout. It’s the most familiar to players and offers a balanced mix of open spaces and narrow corridors.
- MIRA HQ: A smaller, office-like map that requires more strategic planning due to its tight spaces and limited venting options for Impostors.
- Polus: A larger map set on a planet with outdoor areas, adding a layer of complexity to movement and task completion.
- The Airship: The newest and largest map, offering multiple entry and exit points, making it both challenging and exciting for players.
Understanding the map you’re playing on is crucial for both Crewmates and Impostors. Knowing where tasks are located, where vents lead, and common areas of player traffic can significantly improve your gameplay.
Tips for Crewmates
As a Crewmate, your primary goal is to complete tasks and identify the Impostors. Here are some tips to help you succeed:
- Stick Together: Moving in groups makes it harder for Impostors to kill without being seen. However, avoid clustering too much, as this can make it difficult to identify the killer if a murder occurs.
- Use the Admin Table: On maps like The Skeld and Polus, the Admin table provides real-time information about player locations. Use this tool to monitor suspicious movement or locate potential bodies.
- Complete Visual Tasks Early: Some tasks, like “MedBay Scan” or “Submit Scan,” provide visual cues that confirm a player’s innocence. Completing these tasks early can establish trust with other players.
- Report Bodies Wisely: If you find a body, report it immediately, but be prepared with information. Where was the body found? Who was nearby? Use this information to narrow down suspects.
- Communicate: Clear communication during meetings is key. Share your suspicions and observations, but avoid making baseless accusations, as this can lead to innocent players being voted off.
- Watch the Task Bar: The task bar is a visual indicator of the Crewmates’ progress. If someone claims to have completed a task but the bar doesn’t move, they might be lying.
Strategies for Impostors
Playing as an Impostor requires deception, strategy, and quick thinking. Here are some strategies to help you outsmart the Crewmates:
- Blend In: The most effective Impostors are those who blend in with the Crewmates. Perform fake tasks convincingly and avoid drawing attention to yourself.
- Use Sabotages Wisely: Sabotages can create opportunities for kills or disrupt the Crewmates’ progress. For example, sabotaging lights reduces visibility, making it easier to kill without being seen. A reactor meltdown or oxygen depletion forces Crewmates to focus on fixing the problem, giving you a chance to strike.
- Chain Kills: If there are multiple Impostors, coordinate kills to increase your chances of success. For instance, one Impostor can sabotage while the other gets a kill, creating confusion among the Crewmates.
- Venting: Use vents to quickly escape after a kill or move across the map undetected. However, be cautious when using vents, as getting caught can lead to an immediate ejection.
- Create Alibis: Stay near other players and avoid suspicious behavior. If someone vouches for you during a meeting, it can be a powerful tool to deflect suspicion.
- Self-Report: Sometimes, reporting a body you’ve killed can throw off suspicion. If done correctly, you can frame another player or create doubt among the Crewmates.
Advanced Techniques
For those looking to take their “Among Us” gameplay to the next level, here are some advanced techniques:
- Task Timers: Keep track of how long certain tasks should take. If a player takes too long on a simple task, they might be faking it.
- Camera Surveillance: On maps like The Skeld, security cameras provide a live feed of certain areas. As a Crewmate, monitor these cameras for suspicious activity. As an Impostor, be aware of when cameras are on and avoid making kills in view.
- Task Prioritization: Focus on high-risk tasks early, such as those that place you in vulnerable positions (e.g., long tasks like “Download Data”). This reduces the chances of being caught off-guard by an Impostor.
- Voting Patterns: Pay attention to how players vote during meetings. If someone consistently votes against the group or tries to push for hasty decisions, they might be an Impostor.
- Mind Games: Use reverse psychology and misdirection during discussions. As a Crewmate, you might subtly suggest that someone is an Impostor to gauge reactions. As an Impostor, you can sow doubt by questioning even the most trustworthy players.
Conclusion
“Among Us” is a game of strategy, deception, and quick thinking. Whether you’re a Crewmate trying to survive or an Impostor plotting your next move, mastering these tips and strategies will elevate your gameplay and increase your chances of victory. Remember, every game is different, and adaptability is key. So gather your friends, sharpen your wits, and may the best Crewmate—or Impostor—win!