Among Us, the social deduction game that took the world by storm, is beloved for its simple yet engaging gameplay. One of the keys to its popularity is its accessibility: it’s available on a wide range of devices. This article dives into all the platforms where you can gather your crewmates (or impostors!) and embark on a mission to space. We’ll cover the devices themselves, system requirements where applicable, and discuss any platform-specific features or considerations.
Mobile Devices: The Original Launchpad
Among Us first gained traction on mobile devices, and it remains a popular platform for playing. Its intuitive touch controls and free-to-play nature (ad-supported) make it a readily accessible option.
Android Devices
Among Us is available on virtually any Android smartphone or tablet running a relatively recent version of the Android operating system. The minimum requirements are generally quite low, making it playable even on older or lower-end devices. You can download it directly from the Google Play Store. Most Android devices released in the last few years will easily run the game smoothly.
To check if your device is compatible, visit the Google Play Store on your Android device and search for Among Us. If it’s compatible, you’ll see the option to install it.
iOS Devices (iPhone and iPad)
Similar to Android, Among Us is available on iPhones and iPads via the Apple App Store. The game is optimized for the iOS platform, offering smooth performance and a user-friendly experience. The system requirements are also relatively modest, allowing it to run on a wide range of devices.
To verify compatibility, simply search for Among Us in the App Store on your iPhone or iPad. If your device meets the requirements, you’ll be able to download and install the game. The game is regularly updated on iOS, ensuring compatibility with the latest devices and operating system versions.
PC: A Classic Gaming Experience
For those who prefer the precision of a mouse and keyboard (or a gamepad), Among Us is readily available on PC. The PC version offers several advantages, including a larger screen, potentially better graphics (depending on your PC’s specifications), and the option to use voice chat more easily.
Steam
The most common way to purchase and play Among Us on PC is through Steam. Steam is a popular digital distribution platform that offers a vast library of games, including Among Us.
To play on Steam, you’ll need a Steam account and the Steam client installed on your computer. Then you can purchase and download Among Us directly from the Steam store. The Steam version typically receives updates and new features simultaneously with other platforms. The Steam version offers controller support and allows for easy modding of the game, enhancing the experience.
Microsoft Store
Another avenue for playing Among Us on PC is through the Microsoft Store, especially if you’re using a Windows operating system. The Microsoft Store is the official app store for Windows, and it offers a curated selection of games and applications.
The advantage of purchasing through the Microsoft Store is that it integrates seamlessly with your Windows account.
PC System Requirements
To ensure a smooth gaming experience on PC, it’s crucial to check the system requirements. While Among Us isn’t a graphically demanding game, meeting the minimum requirements is essential. Below are the typical minimum system requirements:
- Operating System: Windows 7 SP1+
- Processor: Intel Pentium J4205
- Memory: 1 GB RAM
- Graphics: DirectX 10 capable video card
- DirectX: Version 10
- Network: Broadband Internet connection
- Storage: 250 MB available space
It’s generally recommended to exceed the minimum requirements for the best possible performance. Having a slightly better processor, more RAM, and a more capable graphics card will result in smoother gameplay and fewer performance issues.
Consoles: Bringing Deception to the Big Screen
Among Us has expanded its reach beyond mobile and PC, making its way onto popular gaming consoles. This brings the game to a larger screen and allows players to enjoy the experience with console-specific controllers.
Nintendo Switch
The Nintendo Switch is a popular hybrid console that can be played both in handheld mode and docked to a TV. Among Us is available on the Nintendo Switch eShop, offering a unique way to experience the game. The Switch version utilizes the console’s Joy-Con controllers, allowing for intuitive movement and interaction. The Nintendo Switch version also supports cross-platform play with other platforms. The Switch version includes console-specific features and optimizations.
PlayStation (PS4 and PS5)
Among Us is available on both PlayStation 4 (PS4) and PlayStation 5 (PS5) consoles. The PlayStation versions can be purchased and downloaded from the PlayStation Store.
The console versions leverage the DualShock 4 (PS4) and DualSense (PS5) controllers for gameplay. The PlayStation versions also support online multiplayer, allowing you to play with friends and other players around the world.
Xbox (Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S)
Among Us can also be played on Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S consoles. The Xbox versions are available for purchase and download from the Microsoft Store on your console.
The Xbox versions utilize the Xbox Wireless Controller for gameplay. Xbox also supports cross-platform play with other consoles and PC platforms.
VR: An Immersive Experience
For those seeking a truly immersive Among Us experience, there is a VR version of the game available. This version takes the social deduction gameplay to a whole new level, allowing you to interact with the environment and other players in a virtual reality setting.
Among Us VR
Among Us VR is a standalone VR game developed by Schell Games and published by Innersloth. It’s designed specifically for virtual reality headsets.
To play Among Us VR, you’ll need a compatible VR headset, such as an Oculus Rift, HTC Vive, or Valve Index. You’ll also need a VR-ready PC that meets the game’s system requirements. The VR version offers a unique perspective on the gameplay, with first-person interactions and a heightened sense of immersion.
VR System Requirements
Playing Among Us VR requires a more powerful PC than the standard version of the game. Here are the typical system requirements:
- Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system
- OS: Windows 10
- Processor: Intel i5-4590 / AMD Ryzen 5 1500X or greater
- Memory: 8 GB RAM
- Graphics: NVIDIA GTX 970 / AMD Radeon R9 290 or greater
- Network: Broadband Internet connection
- Storage: 3 GB available space
Meeting these requirements is crucial for ensuring a smooth and enjoyable VR experience. A more powerful graphics card and processor will help to minimize lag and improve the visual quality of the game.
ChromeOS: Accessible Gaming on Chromebooks
ChromeOS, the operating system used by Chromebooks, is becoming an increasingly viable platform for gaming. Among Us is readily available for Chromebooks through the Google Play Store.
Availability and Performance
Since Chromebooks can run Android apps, accessing Among Us is straightforward. Simply open the Google Play Store on your Chromebook, search for Among Us, and install it.
Performance on Chromebooks can vary depending on the specific model and its hardware specifications. However, since Among Us isn’t a particularly demanding game, it should run smoothly on most modern Chromebooks. The touchscreen controls of Chromebooks make it easy to play in a similar way to mobile devices.
Cross-Platform Play: Connecting Players Across Devices
One of the significant advantages of Among Us is its cross-platform play capability. This means that players on different devices can all play together in the same game.
How Cross-Platform Play Works
Cross-platform play allows you to connect with friends regardless of whether they’re playing on a PC, mobile device, or console. This greatly expands the player base and makes it easier to find games and play with your friends.
To enable cross-platform play, simply ensure that the game is updated to the latest version on all devices. The game will automatically connect players from different platforms. There is no need for specific settings or configurations to enable cross-platform play.
Future Platforms and Possibilities
While Among Us is currently available on a wide range of devices, the developers may explore new platforms in the future. As gaming technology evolves, there may be opportunities to bring the game to even more devices and platforms.
Cloud Gaming Services
Cloud gaming services like GeForce Now and Xbox Cloud Gaming could potentially offer another way to play Among Us on devices that might not otherwise meet the system requirements. These services allow you to stream games from remote servers, eliminating the need for powerful hardware on your local device.
Potential Future Consoles
As new gaming consoles are released, it’s possible that Among Us could be ported to those platforms as well. The game’s popularity and accessibility make it a strong candidate for future console releases.
What platforms is Among Us available on?
Among Us is available on a diverse range of platforms, catering to a wide audience. You can find it on PC (Windows via Steam and the Microsoft Store), Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and mobile devices (both iOS and Android). This widespread availability makes it easy for friends to connect and play together, regardless of their preferred gaming device.
The game’s cross-platform functionality also enhances its accessibility. Players on different devices can all join the same game, meaning a group can include players using their phones, tablets, or even gaming consoles. This feature is a significant advantage for Among Us, contributing to its popularity and allowing players to stay connected across various ecosystems.
Is Among Us free to play on any devices?
Yes, Among Us is free to play on mobile devices running iOS and Android. The free version is supported by advertisements. This allows anyone with a smartphone or tablet to easily download and start playing the game without any upfront cost, making it incredibly accessible to a global audience.
However, the PC and console versions of Among Us require a purchase. While you need to pay to download the game on platforms like Steam, the Microsoft Store, Nintendo eShop, PlayStation Store, and Xbox Store, this version is generally ad-free and might include exclusive content or features not available on the mobile version.
Does Among Us support cross-platform play?
Absolutely, Among Us fully supports cross-platform play. This means that players on PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation consoles, Xbox consoles, and mobile devices (iOS and Android) can all play together in the same game. This feature significantly enhances the game’s accessibility and appeal.
Cross-platform support eliminates the need for everyone in your group to own the same type of device. You can easily join games with friends who are playing on their phones, tablets, computers, or consoles, making it simple to coordinate game nights and enjoy the social deduction experience regardless of your chosen platform.
Can I play Among Us on my Chromebook?
Yes, you can play Among Us on a Chromebook, but the method depends on whether your Chromebook supports the Google Play Store. If your Chromebook has access to the Google Play Store, you can simply download the Android version of Among Us from the store and play it like you would on any other Android device.
For Chromebooks without Google Play Store support, playing Among Us becomes more challenging, but it might be possible through workarounds like using a Linux container and installing the Android version through that. However, this method is more technical and might not offer the same level of performance or compatibility as playing directly through the Google Play Store.
Are there any differences between the mobile and PC/console versions of Among Us?
While the core gameplay remains consistent across all platforms, there are some notable differences between the mobile and PC/console versions of Among Us. The mobile version is free-to-play but contains advertisements, while the PC and console versions require a purchase but are typically ad-free. In terms of controls, the mobile version relies on touch controls, while the PC version uses a mouse and keyboard, and consoles use game controllers.
Visually, the games are very similar, although performance might vary depending on the device’s hardware. The paid versions on PC and consoles may also offer exclusive cosmetic items or bundles that are not available on the mobile version. Ultimately, the choice between the mobile and PC/console versions often comes down to personal preference regarding controls, monetization models, and access to exclusive content.
Do I need a Nintendo Switch Online subscription to play Among Us on the Switch?
Yes, to play Among Us online on the Nintendo Switch, you will need a Nintendo Switch Online subscription. This subscription service is required to access the online multiplayer features of most games on the Nintendo Switch, including Among Us. Without a subscription, you will be limited to local multiplayer or single-player modes if available.
A Nintendo Switch Online subscription provides access to online play, cloud saves for compatible games, a library of classic NES and Super NES games, and exclusive offers. The cost of the subscription varies depending on the duration and type of membership (individual or family), so you’ll need to consider your gaming habits and household needs when choosing a plan.
Does Among Us require high-end hardware to run smoothly?
No, Among Us does not require high-end hardware to run smoothly. It’s a relatively simple game graphically, making it playable on a wide range of devices, including older smartphones and lower-end PCs. This is one of the reasons for its widespread popularity, as it’s accessible to players even without the latest and greatest technology.
On PC, even systems with integrated graphics cards can typically run Among Us without any issues. Similarly, most modern smartphones and tablets can handle the game effortlessly. While higher-end hardware might offer slightly better performance, the difference is often negligible, and the core gameplay experience remains enjoyable even on less powerful devices.