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How to Play

A party game of bluff and wordplay — also known as Undercover

Three players looking at their phones. Two have been dealt the same secret word, Frog. The third is the impostor and sees only a vague hint, Jumpy, with no idea what the real word is. Frog Frog Jumpy

The Impostor Word Game (also called the Imposter Word Game or Undercover) is a party game where everyone secretly sees the same word — except one impostor, who only gets a vague hint. Players take turns saying one clue word each; the group tries to expose the impostor while the impostor bluffs and tries to guess the secret word. You can play it free online right here at impostorgames.com/word — no app, no sign-up, 3–20 players, works on any phone browser.

  1. 1

    Get started

    Everyone has a phone? Join the same room and tap “I’m Ready.”

    Only one phone? Enter everyone's names and pass it around.

  2. 2

    Get your word

    Most players get the same word. The Impostor only gets a hint.

  3. 3

    Give clues

    Take turns saying one clue word each. If you're the Impostor, use the hint to blend in.

  4. 4

    Find the Impostor

    Discuss your clues and agree on your suspect. The host taps Reveal to see if you're right.

FAQ

What is the Impostor Word Game?

It's a free online party game for 3–20 players, also known as Undercover or the Imposter Word Game. Everyone secretly sees the same word on their phone — except one impostor, who only sees a vague hint. Players take turns saying one clue word each; the group tries to expose the impostor, and the impostor tries to blend in and guess the secret word.

How do you catch the impostor?

Listen to everyone's clue words. Players who know the secret word give clues that clearly relate to it — the impostor has to bluff from just a hint, so their clues tend to be vague or slightly off. Discuss, accuse, and when the group has decided, the host taps Reveal.

Is there an Imposter Word Game app?

No download needed — the Impostor Word Game runs right in your phone's browser. Just open the page and share a room code. It works on iPhone and Android instantly, with no app to install.

Is it free to play?

Yes, completely free. There's no sign-up, no app to install, and no payment. Just open the page in any phone browser and share a room code with your friends.

How many players do I need?

At least 3 players, up to 20. One person creates the room and becomes the host; everyone else joins with the 4-character room code or by scanning the QR code.

What word categories are there?

Seven categories: Food, Animals, Places, Everyday Objects, Movies & TV, Football and Super Heroes, each with dozens of words. The host picks a category before every round, and each word comes with two vague hints, one of which the impostor is shown at random.

Can the impostor win?

Yes — two ways. Stay undetected until the end of the round, or work out the secret word from everyone's clues and say it out loud before being exposed.

Can I play on one device?

Yes. Pick Pass the Phone in the lobby and one phone goes round the group: each player swipes their card over, sees their word or their impostor hint in private, and hands the phone on. Type everyone's names in once and the list is remembered for next time. The default mode, Everyone has a Phone, still gives each player their own screen. Either way the clue-giving and accusing happen out loud in the same room.

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Room Code

Enter room code to join game

Waiting for the next round

This game is in a round. You'll join as soon as it ends.

Joining as

Assigns secret words and Impostor hints to players. Play rounds and vote outside the game.

Lobby

Game Mode
Impostors
1 Impostor
Players
0 / 0 ready
Waiting for all players to ready up…
You're the Impostor
THE SECRET WORD
Swipe to check your card
Game on
00:00
Take turns saying one clue word each.
Getting ready…
You're the Impostor
THE SECRET WORD
Players 0 Round 1/1
The first clue lands here.
     
    You're the Impostor
    Players
    Take turns saying one clue word each. Tap Reveal when the round is decided.

    Vote for Impostor

    The clues
      And the Impostor is…

      To enable real multiplayer, add a free Firebase project:

      1. Go to console.firebase.google.com
      2. Create a new project
      3. Build → Realtime Database → Create (test mode)
      4. Project settings → Add Web app → copy config
      5. Paste config into FIREBASE_CONFIG at the top of index.html

      See README.md for full instructions and database security rules.

      TheImpostorwas
      The secret word was
      Votes
      Who voted whom
      3
      Time to find the Impostor.