Social Deduction Games Explained: Mafia, Impostor and Fake Artist

Social deduction games are party games where some players hold a secret and the rest have to work out who they are. They are loud, funny and a little bit sneaky, and they work very well online. Here is a comparison of three of the best.

What makes a game social deduction

All social deduction games share the same core: hidden roles, discussion and a vote. The players with the secret try to blend in, and the others try to find them. The skill is in watching how people behave, not in knowing facts.

They also share a pleasing pattern: the best moments come from a convincing lie or a lucky accusation, so even a loss is a good story.

Mafia: roles and nights

Mafia is the classic. Players are secretly Villagers, Mafia, a Doctor or a Detective. At night the Mafia remove a player; by day the town votes someone out. It needs at least four players and gets better with more.

Choose Mafia when you have a group of six or more who like talking and arguing, and when you have time for a longer game.

Impostor: one word, one faker

In Impostor everyone is given the same secret word, except the impostor. Players take turns giving one-word clues, then vote. A caught impostor gets one last guess at the word, which can win them the game.

It needs three players and takes about ten minutes, so it is a good choice for a quick, tense game. Decoy mode, where the impostor gets a similar word and does not know it, makes it even trickier.

Fake Artist: one drawing, one faker

Fake Artist combines deduction with drawing. Everyone sees the secret word except the faker. Players take turns adding one line to the same picture, and then vote on who was faking.

It is a good choice for groups that like drawing games but want something a little more tricky, and it works with three or more players.

Who Am I? as a gentle alternative

Who Am I? is not strictly social deduction, but it shares the same fun of asking questions and working out an answer. Everyone can see your card but you, and you work out what it is by asking yes or no questions.

It is a friendly choice for groups that do not want anyone to lie, and it works well with mixed ages.

Which one should you play?

For a large, talkative group with plenty of time, choose Mafia. For a quick game with a few people, choose Impostor. For a creative group, choose Fake Artist. If you want something relaxed, choose Who Am I?

If you cannot decide, Party Shuffle will pick for you.