Who Is the Spy? How to Play the Undercover Word Game
If you have searched for "Who is the Spy?", "Undercover", or the imposter game, here is the short answer: they are all the same brilliant social deduction party game. Different apps and regions use different names, but the rules are nearly identical, one player is secretly faking it, and everyone else has to figure out who.
This guide explains what the undercover word game is, why it has so many names, exactly how to play, and where to play it free online in your browser, no download, no sign-up.
"Who Is the Spy?" and "Undercover" Are the Imposter Game
The core idea never changes:
- Everyone gets the same secret word, except one player, the spy (also called the undercover player or the imposter).
- Players take turns giving a one-word clue about the secret word.
- The spy does not know the word, so they have to bluff and blend in.
- After the clues, everyone discusses and votes on who the spy is.
Only the name changes from app to app:
| Name you might know it by | Where it is common |
|---|---|
| Who is the Spy? | Translated from the classic party game, mobile apps |
| Undercover | Party-game apps and some card versions |
| Imposter / Impostor | Among Us-inspired apps and most English sites |
| Find the Imposter | The free browser version at findtheimposter.com |
So if a friend says "let's play Who is the Spy" and another says "you mean Undercover?", you are both right.
How to Play "Who Is the Spy?" Step by Step
- Gather 3–15 players, on one phone or online. Use a familiar category and start with one hidden agent.
- Pick a secret word and secretly assign one player as the spy, everyone else sees the word, the spy does not.
- Give clues. Going around the circle, each player says one word that hints at the secret word without giving it away.
- Discuss. After a full round of clues, talk it out. Who was vague? Who echoed someone else?
- Vote. Everyone points at who they think the spy is.
- Resolve the vote. Follow the selected mode’s result: Classic uses an imposter-only accusation that catches all imposters. Undercover has its own round scoring, and Mr. White has a separate final-guess mechanic. Do not add a final-word-guess win to every role.
A full round takes about 5–10 minutes, which is why it is such a great icebreaker.
Who Is the Spy vs. Spyfall vs. The Chameleon
These games get mixed up constantly because they are cousins. Here is the difference:
| Game | What the "faker" knows |
|---|---|
| Who is the Spy / Undercover / Imposter | Nothing (or a similar decoy word), must deduce the topic from clues |
| Spyfall | Does not know the secret location; asks questions to figure it out |
| The Chameleon | Sees a grid of words but not which one is secret |
If you want the pure word-clue version, Who is the Spy (the imposter game) is the one you are looking for.
Tips to Win as the Spy, and to Catch One
- As the spy: give a clue that could fit many words ("useful", "everyday"), and never go first if you can help it, later clues give you more to work with.
- As a detective: the biggest tell is a vague or copied clue. Read our full guide on how to win the imposter game for 12 proven strategies.
Where to Play "Who Is the Spy?" Free Online
You do not need cards, paper, or an app. Find The Imposter is a free browser version of Who is the Spy / Undercover:
- 3–15 players, locally or online, using the game to choose Pass & Play or Online.
- Hundreds of built-in secret words across dozens of categories.
- No download, no sign-up, works on any device.
Grab your friends, open the page, and see who can bluff their way to victory. Play Who is the Spy free now →
