Impostor · Rules
Imposter Game Rules & Word List
Everyone gets the secret word except one player. Give one-word clues, spot who is bluffing, and vote them out.
- Players
- 3–8
- Rounds
- 3 (host can change)
- Grid
- 16 words
- Clues
- 1 word each
The two roles
Agents
See the secret word highlighted in the grid. Hint at it without giving it away.
Impostor
One random player per round. Sees the theme and the grid, but not which word is secret.
How a round works
- Pick a themeThe host picks one of 3 themes in 20 seconds, or the game picks one.
- See the grid16 words from that theme appear. Agents see the secret one highlighted.
- Give cluesIn a random order, each player types one word. 90 seconds per turn; no clue means you skip.
- Make a CallAny time during clues, the Impostor can guess the secret word on the grid. Right or wrong, the round ends.
- VoteEveryone has 60 seconds to vote for someone else. More than half the votes sends a player out.
- Last chanceIf the Impostor is caught, they get 60 seconds to pick the secret word from the grid.
Scoring
| Impostor | |
|---|---|
| +2 | Calls the secret word correctly |
| +2 | An Agent is voted out |
| +2 | Caught, but guesses the word |
| +1 | Nobody gets a majority |
| Each Agent | |
| +1 | The Impostor calls the wrong word |
| +2 | Impostor caught and misses the last guess |
A tie at the top goes to the host, who picks one of the tied players. Most points after the last round wins.
Quick tips
- Agents: pick a clue that fits the secret word but also two or three others on the grid.
- Agents: going first? You get 15 extra seconds — use them.
- Impostor: listen to the clues before yours and echo their direction.
- Impostor: if the clues point clearly at one word, Make a Call before the vote.
Ready to find the Impostor?
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Word list
Imposter game words by theme
A sample from the game: 6 of the 21 themes, 12 words each. Each round, 16 words are drawn from the chosen theme and one is secret.
Animals
- Lion
- Elephant
- Penguin
- Dolphin
- Kangaroo
- Giraffe
- Octopus
- Eagle
- Tiger
- Panda
- Wolf
- Rabbit
Food & Drink
- Pizza
- Sushi
- Burger
- Taco
- Pasta
- Pancake
- Croissant
- Coffee
- Smoothie
- Cheese
- Chocolate
- Popcorn
Sports
- Soccer
- Basketball
- Tennis
- Golf
- Boxing
- Surfing
- Skiing
- Volleyball
- Baseball
- Hockey
- Rugby
- Cycling
Countries
- Italy
- Japan
- Brazil
- Egypt
- Canada
- Australia
- Mexico
- France
- India
- Iceland
- Greece
- Kenya
Jobs
- Doctor
- Firefighter
- Chef
- Pilot
- Teacher
- Plumber
- Astronaut
- Lawyer
- Barber
- Farmer
- Detective
- Nurse
Household Items
- Toaster
- Pillow
- Mirror
- Scissors
- Umbrella
- Kettle
- Blanket
- Candle
- Vacuum
- Ladder
- Bucket
- Doormat
FAQ
How many players do you need for the imposter game?
3 to 8 players. Each round one player is picked at random to be the Impostor.
Does the Impostor see the words?
Yes. The Impostor sees the theme and all 16 words on the grid, just not which one is the secret word.
What happens if the vote is tied?
If two or more players tie for the most votes, the host picks one of them. If one player leads without a majority, or nobody votes, the Impostor escapes and scores 1 point.
Can I use my own words?
No. Chiby has 21 built-in themes in your room’s language, and the host picks one each round.
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