If you’re like most people on the internet these days, you might have already jumped onto the Among Us bandwagon. However you’re probably late to the party-2 years late, to be precise.
The multiplayer gaming sensation, released in 2018 finally found its moment in the spotlight in July 2020. With 143 million hours of total watch-time on Twitch, the once overlooked game now competes with big names like Fortnite and League of Legends in the game streaming charts. So what does it take for an almost-forgotten game to establish utter internet dominance? A pandemic, that’s what!
The addictiveness of Among Us comes from its simple gameplay which requires no prior gaming knowledge or experience. You can play on your choice of platform (PC or mobile) with no mentionable hardware requirements. Most importantly, Among Us brings people together for some classic party-game fun at a time of social distancing.
The game offers its fair share of tasks, deception and sabotage ploys in between the voting and deductions to keep players hooked. With meetings that give an opportunity to throw off suspicion onto unsuspecting players or to establish your innocence- the gameplay aptly fuels its social aspects.
Be it the onslaught of Twitch stars playing the game, the list of celebrities from different corners of the internet coming together for epic collaborations or the sheer meme-ability of Among Us (with ample opportunities for customized memes based on your unique sessions), the Among Us craze is here to stay for a while. Surprising as it is, the pandemic kept the tiny player base for Among Us from dying out and shot it straight up to internet stardom. Here’s how you too can keep yourself alive….or kill others in Among Us (depending on which side you’re on).
- Know the map: Whether you’re a crewmate or an impostor, knowing the map well, especially which tasks are associated with which room might help you finish those tasks swiftly, or sneakily plan your next strike. It all comes down to knowing where you need to be and when.
- Vigilance is key: Being aware of your fellow players is the name of the game, whether you’re a crewmate going about your tasks or an impostor looking to strike. Keeping track of other players helps if a body is reported soon after you notice someone heading that way. Again, vigilance is key for catching unsuspecting players off guard and going in for the kill.
- Cooperation: If you’re a crewmate, during the meetings make sure to vouch for players that you’ve noticed were doing their tasks normally to narrow down the list of suspects. The same goes for impostors. If you’re an impostor remember that your fellow partner in crime is your only ally. Impostors that kill together, thrive together.
- Surveillance: While it’s best for impostors to be wary of surveillance cameras and door logs, crewmates can gain an advantage if there’s cameras or logs nearby. Routinely checking surveillance might not only help you identify fellow allies, but perhaps even catch the enemy in the act.
- Stealth makes a good impostor: Needless to say, if you’re one of the lucky few who get to terrorize the crew and access the ever elusive vents, it’s best to keep a low profile. As the saying goes, a clever cat hides its claws- as should any good impostor.
- Pay attention to sabotages: Sabotages are important for both parties as they can decide an easy win for the impostors or bitter defeat for the crew. In the event of a sabotage the crew should promptly get to fixing the issues and prevent the enemy winning by default. But if you’re an impostor, carefully orchestrated sabotages can help you land some easy kills while the crew scurry about preoccupied with the emergencies. After all, cutting off the lights and locking doors are the oldest tricks in an impostor’s books.
- Visual tasks: Different visual tasks are available on each level and they can be a good way to tell the good eggs from the bad. For example, if a player is in the green after a scan, you can strike them off of the suspicion list.
- Build your alibi: Lastly, for crewmates and impostors alike, it’s important to keep track of your tasks (or fake tasks). When it is time for defending your innocence or shaking off suspicion, having an alibi ready makes all the difference.