The Undercover Word Game, Explained

Updated 14 October 2026

The undercover word game is one of the simplest social deduction games you can play: everyone gets a secret word, almost everyone gets the same one, and a hidden few get a word that is close but not quite right. Nobody is told which side they are on. You describe, you listen, you vote. This page covers the format, the roles you will see in different versions, how Undercover mode works in Imposter Game, and some strategy that actually helps.

The Undercover format

Undercover is the English name many people use for the party game known in China as 谁是卧底 ("Who is the Spy", see our Who is the Spy page). The format is the same everywhere:

• Most players are civilians and share one word, for example "Pancake".
• One or more players are undercover and get a related word, for example "Waffle".
• Players take turns describing their word without saying it.
• The group votes on who they think has the different word.

The twist that makes it work is that the undercover player does not know they are undercover. When they look at "Waffle" they assume everyone else has "Waffle" too, right up until someone says "thin and floppy" and they start to sweat.

App versions and their roles

The format has been turned into several apps. One of the best known is Undercover: Word Party Game by Yanstar Studio, available on iOS and Android. It is free to download with ads and in-app purchases, and it supports pass-and-play on one phone as well as rooms where each player uses their own device.

That app uses three roles:

It is a polished app with a lot of content, and if you like long elimination games with several rounds per word, it is a solid choice. Imposter Game is a separate, unaffiliated project that takes a lighter approach: it runs in the browser, needs no install or login, and has no ads.

How Undercover mode works in Imposter Game

Undercover is Imposter Game's default mode. The civilians get one word, the imposter gets the similar word, and the imposter is not told. If you want a "Mr. White" style player instead, switch to Classic mode, where the imposter is told "You are the IMPOSTER" and gets no word (optionally with a short hint).

1. Pick a pack. Food is a great first pick because everyone has opinions about food. You can also multi-select packs or choose "Random mix".
2. Set up players or use Quick Play. The recommended imposter count is 1 for 3 to 7 players, 2 for 8 to 12 and 3 for 13 or more.
3. Pass the phone. Each player taps their name, holds the card to read the word, lets go to hide it and passes it on.
4. Clue round. A random first speaker starts, and each player gives one clue. Turn on the timer if debates run long.
5. Vote and reveal. Use a group vote or secret vote. A wrong vote or a tie doesn’t have to end the round: the host can start another clue round with the imposter still hidden. If the imposter is caught and Last chance is on, they can guess the civilians' word to steal the win.

Scores carry across rounds: civilians +1 each for a catch, imposter +2 for surviving, +1 for a correct last-chance guess. "Play again" deals a new pair to the same players, and pairs do not repeat in a session until the pool runs out.

Play Undercover with the Food pack

Undercover strategy

As a civilian

Your clue has two jobs: prove you know the word, and avoid helping the undercover player. With "Sushi" (the imposter might have "Sashimi"), "rice" is a strong clue because it fits sushi and not sashimi, but it may also tip off the imposter that their word is different. "Japanese" is safe but weak. A good middle ground is something specific that only someone with your word would naturally say, like "rolled".

As a possible undercover

Since you do not know your role, listen before you commit. If you have "Burger" and the first two clues are "slice" and "cheesy", both fit burgers loosely, but "slice" points to pizza. Start thinking: maybe I am the odd one out. Give a clue that fits both words, such as "takeaway", and watch for more evidence. Our guide to winning as the imposter goes deeper.

When voting

• Look for clues that fit the category but not the specific word.
• Watch who changes tone after hearing others; it often means they just realised something.
• Do not pile on the quiet player just for being quiet. Vague clues are not always guilty clues.

Picking good word pairs

The best pairs are close enough that clues overlap, but distinct enough that careful listening can separate them. Some favourites from the built-in packs:

• Food: Pizza / Burger, Pancake / Waffle, Taco / Burrito
• Animals: Frog / Toad, Turtle / Tortoise, Bee / Wasp
• Jobs: Doctor / Nurse, Chef / Baker
• Places: Sydney / Melbourne, Tokyo / Seoul

See all 25 packs on the imposter game words page, or add your own pairs in the "My custom words" pack and share it with friends as a link.

FAQ

Does the undercover player know their role?

Not in Undercover mode. They only see their own word and have to work it out from other players' clues.

Is Imposter Game the same as the Undercover app?

No. It uses the same classic format but is a separate, unaffiliated, browser-based game with no ads, no login and no download.

Can we play Undercover online?

Yes. Create an online room for up to 15 players and share the code, link or QR code. Everyone sees their word and votes on their own phone. See imposter game online.

What happens on a tied vote?

Nobody goes out. With Keep playing on (the default), the host chooses another clue round or a reveal. With it off, the imposter escapes and scores for surviving.