Host Controls & Management

The host of an Among Us game holds sificant power, shaping the entire experience for everyone involved. From setting game rules to managing player behavior, effective host controls are essential for ensuring a fair, fun, and engaging match for all participants.

As the host, you are the architect of the game. Your decisions regarding lobby settings, player limits, and even how you handle disruptive behavior can make or break the game. Understanding the available tools and employing them judiciously is key to fostering a positive gaming environment.

Game Settings Overview

When creating a game, hosts have access to several settings that influence gameplay:

Map: Choose from The Skeld, Mira HQ, Polus, or The Airship. Each map has unique layouts, tasks, and sabotage points.
Impostors: Select the number of Impostors (1-3). More Impostors increase the difficulty for Crewmates.
Player Speed: Adjust how fast players move. Faster speeds can lead to quicker games and more chaotic chases.
Kill Cooldown: The time between an Impostor's kills. A shorter cooldown means more frequent eliminations.
Visual Tasks: Enable or disable visual tasks. Disabling them makes it harder for Crewmates to prove innocence.
Confirm Ejects: When enabled, the game reveals if the ejected player was an Impostor. Disabling this adds an element of mystery.
Anonymous Votes: If enabled, player votes are not shown, making it harder to track who voted for whom.
Task Bar Updates: Controls when the task bar updates. 'Always' shows progress constantly, 'Meetings' only during meetings, and 'Never' hides it completely.
Emergency Meetings: Set the number of emergency meetings allowed per player and the cooldown time.
Discussion Time & Voting Time: Adjust how long players have to discuss and vote during meetings.

Managing Players and Lobby

Beyond game settings, hosts have tools to manage the lobby itself:

Kick/Ban: Hosts can remove disruptive players from the lobby. This is crucial for dealing with cheaters, griefers, or players who violate agreed-upon rules.
Starting the Game: The host initiates the game once enough players have joined and are ready.
Setting Lobby Rules: While not an in-game setting, hosts can communicate rules (e.g., no teaming, no sabotaging tasks, specific voice chat etiquette) to players before the game starts.
Private Lobbies: Hosts can create private lobbies and share a code with friends, ensuring a more controlled environment.

Best Practices for Hosts

Communicate Clearly: Before starting, state any house rules. During the game, use the chat to clarify settings or address issues.
Be Fair: Apply rules consistently to all players. Avoid showing favoritism.
Observe Player Behavior: Keep an eye out for suspicious activity, cheating, or players who are not participating.
Adjust Settings for Fun: If a game is too slow, consider increasing player speed. If Impostors are too dominant, increase the kill cooldown. Experiment to find what works best for your group.
Handle Disputes Calmly: If arguments arise, try to mediate and remind players of the game's objective and any established rules.

By mastering host controls and actively managing the lobby, you can create a more enjoyable and competitive experience for everyone, fostering a community where players want to return.