Compare
Imposter vs spy vs mafia: which hidden role game to play
All three are hidden role games where most players share information and a few do not. Imposter is the quickest: one shared word, one imposter, one vote. Spy swaps the word for a place and turns clues into questions. Mafia is the longest, with secret roles, a narrator and players knocked out each round.
Side by side
| Compared | Imposter | Spy | Mafia |
|---|---|---|---|
| Players | 4 or more | 4 or more | 6 or more, best with 8 to 15 |
| One round | About 5 minutes | About 8 minutes | 20 to 40 minutes |
| What the hidden player lacks | The secret word (gets only the category) | The secret place | Nothing: the mafia know more than everyone else |
| How you play | One clue word each, then a vote | Players ask each other questions about the place | Night and day phases with secret kills and a vote |
| Needs a narrator | No | No | Yes, one player runs the game |
| Players knocked out | No | No | Yes, every round |
| Best for | Mixed groups and first-timers | Groups who like to bluff in questions | Big groups with an hour to spare |
| Ways to play in the app | Same phone, Own phones, by code | Not in the app | Not in the app |
| Free list on this site | 240 free imposter game words | None | None |
Of the three, only imposter is in the app. Spy and mafia are described here so you can choose; they are not app games.
Which one to pick
Pick imposter if
you want a game everyone understands in a minute, rounds that never leave anyone sitting out, and a quick vote at the end.
Pick spy if
your group likes asking sly questions more than giving one-word clues.
Pick mafia if
you have a big group, a natural narrator and the patience for a long game with eliminations.
Questions people ask
What is the difference between imposter and spy?
In imposter the hidden player does not know a secret word and everyone gives one-word clues. In spy the hidden player does not know a secret place and players ask each other questions.
Which hidden role game is best for a small group?
Imposter. It works from 4 players and nobody is knocked out, while mafia needs 6 or more and a narrator.
Updated November 4, 2026 by the team.