A Complete Guide to Play Werewolf Game for Virtual Teams

From its origin as a cozy gathering pastime among friends to its modern-day digital version, the Werewolf game has a timeless charm and a sense of nostalgia attached to it. The virtual version also lends itself well as a teambuilding game. Even if you are all separated by distance, you can easily play it together. 

How? Well, that is what we are going to be talking about today. Right from the rules to a step-by-step guide of how to play this game, we have covered it all. So, get ready with your social deduction skills and learn the ins and outs of Werewolf (the virtual version) below.

What is a Werewolf Game?

Werewolf is a strategy game that’s all about the art of deception and deduction. It’s usually played with a group of 7-12 players but can also be played with bigger groups of 50+ players. Roles are assigned to players who either take on the role of a Villager or a Werewolf. The Villagers are meant to catch the Werewolf, while the Werewolf is supposed to attack all the Villagers to win.

There are alternating day and night phases. During the night, the Werewolves choose a victim to eliminate, the Doctor selects someone to heal, and the Seer picks a player to investigate. Then, the Moderator reveals any deaths, and the game transitions to the day phase. During the day, all players engage in open discussion, trying to identify the Werewolves among them.

How to Play a Werewolf Game Online?

If you’re already thinking of organizing a Werewolf game session for your virtual team, here’s a step-by-step tutorial.

1. Select a Video Conferencing Platform

Choose a video conferencing platform like Zoom. It’s user-friendly, supports breakout rooms for large groups, and offers screen sharing for game elements. 

2. Decide on a Moderator

Choose a moderator to explain the guidelines and rules of a Werewolf game while also keeping players engaged. You can even hire a professional team building company such as Hooray Teams to host the entire game from start to finish. 

3. Lock in the Game Session

Select an appropriate day and time slot for your Werewolf game. Then, send out the meeting invitations via email, messaging apps, or any other communication channel. Remember to include the date, time, duration, and joining link of the game.

4. Assign Roles

Players will each have a role assigned to them, which can either be the Villager or the Werewolf. The Moderator could randomly assign it to them by privately messaging them or sending them an email beforehand. Here are some of the roles that players could be given: 

Werewolf 

The Werewolf is the main villain of the game who kills the villagers in the night round and feigns innocence in the day round. For every 7 players, there should be at least 1 Werewolf.

Villager 

The majority of players who are not a Werewolf, seer or doctor are normal villagers. They have no special abilities and keep their eyes closed throughout the night phase.

Doctor 

Also a villager, The Doctor can choose one player or themselves each night to protect from the werewolves’ attack. If they successfully protect a player targeted by the Werewolves, that player survives the night.

Seer 

The Seer is a villager who gets to see who the Werewolf is in the night phase. The Seer can choose to keep this information a secret or reveal it during the day round.

5. Explain the Gameplay and Rules of a Werewolf Game

The game begins with everyone’s cameras on. The Moderator should ensure everyone except themselves has clicked the hand icon to “raise their hand.” As the players get eliminated, they should remove it while being discreet. Make sure everyone is familiar with Zoom’s functionality before starting the game.

Night Round

In this round, all players have to keep their cameras off and mute their microphones. This prevents giving away information through facial expressions or body language. The Moderator will then ask questions to the Werewolf, the Seer and the Doctor for all to hear. They cannot answer out loud and must reply over private messaging with the Moderator. If there is more than one Werewolf, they should privately discuss who they want to kill before answering the moderator.

Day Round

All players turn on their cameras and microphones. The Moderator reveals the victims of the Werewolves’ attack. Players then engage in discussions, aiming to identify the Werewolves among them. Speech is not restricted in any way except a set time limit. Players can say anything they choose, including outright lies or the truth to influence the votes. Following the discussion, players cast their votes to oust a suspected Werewolf. The player with the highest number of votes is eliminated, revealing their role. The game transitions to the next night phase.

This cycle of alternating night and day phases continues until the Villagers eliminate all the Werewolves or the Werewolves eliminate all the Villagers.

Best Platforms to Play Werewolf Game Online

There are several platforms where you can play Werewolf online. It can either be self-hosted, on an online platform, or through a team building company. Here are some platforms where you can enjoy a good game of Werewolf with your virtual team. 

1. Hooray Teams

Hooray Teams is a team building platform that hosts various games and activities for team building. They have energetic and professional hosts who would become excellent moderators for a Werewolf game. Hooray Teams also has similar games and activities for uniting your virtual team.

2. Wolvesville 

Wolvesville is one of the classic online platforms to play Werewolf game online. Roles are automatically assigned, and the gameplay is automatic, reducing the need for a moderator. There are also additional roles, which can be referred to anytime during the game.

3. Wolfy

Wolfy allows up to 20 players to play in one game. There are 21 additional roles that keep gameplay interesting, such as the Necromancer, Heir, Talkative Wolf, and more. Teams can create a custom room to play a game instead of sharing it with strangers online. 

4. Werewolf Party Game by Gidd.io

This platform can accommodate up to 20 players playing 15 roles. You can also control whether or not to reveal the roles of the dead and the voting time limit. Additional interesting roles include the black raven, the protector, and the huntsman.

Best Tips to Win a Werewolf Game 

1. Pay Attention to Other Players

Take note of the things that other players say during discussions. Look for inconsistencies, slip-ups, or suspicious behavior that could expose them. After all, Werewolves have to lie and feign innocence to win the game. 

2. Disclose Information Carefully

Use your skills carefully if you have a special skill, especially of a Doctor or Seer. Providing too much information too early on could make you vulnerable to getting attacked by the Werewolves or vice versa.

3. Lie Strategically 

You will need to trick the other players if you are a Werewolf in order to stay out of trouble. Werewolf game rules are not strictly enforced in the day phase. In order to divert attention or influence the conversation in their favor, Werewolves can falsely accuse others to defend themselves. They can easily lie about being the Seer, Doctor or Villager, but it’s up to the Villagers to catch this lie.

4. Observe Non Verbal Cues

Body language, facial expressions, and tone of voice during discussions can reveal more than meets the eye. Someone who’s lying might display signs of nervousness, hesitation, or discomfort. 

5. Keep Calm and Composed

Whether you’re guilty or not, you can influence opinions by standing your ground with confidence. When faced with accusations, keep calm and try not to become agitated. Other players may find you more trustworthy if you display confidence.

6. Monitor Voting Trends

Observe who votes for who during each voting process. Examine these voting trends to spot alliances and shady activity. Most players follow the crowd so if you find solid evidence, you can influence them to follow your vote.

7. Trust Your Intuition

Sometimes, your instincts never lie. It’s okay to speak up and provide the group your reasoning if you have strong suspicions about a player. Following your gut can lead to important eliminations.

8. Enjoy Yourself 

The game is meant to be enjoyed with your team. Try not to take it too seriously and play along with the mystery, drama and thrill of it. Whether you win or lose, the experience of playing Werewolf with your team is what truly matters.

Frequently Asked Questions about Werewolf Game

Is Werewolf an easy game to play?

Werewolf is generally considered easy to learn and play, as its simple rules and lack of equipment make it accessible to players of all experience levels. Players can quickly grasp the basics and engage in the social interaction that drives the game. A Werewolf game online also simplifies gameplay as there are automated roles assigned and strictly timed gameplay.

How do you play Werewolf with a big group?

To play Werewolf with a big group, certain tweaks need to be made to the original game. The addition of more roles in a Werewolf card game, especially the Ultimate Werewolf game, includes roles like the Witch, Hunter, Cupid, Alpha Werewolf and more to add extra fun to the gameplay. It’s also important to choose an experienced moderator who can guide discussions with time limits. 

Is Werewolf good for team building?

Werewolf is a good team building game as it requires players to engage in discussions and present arguments. This encourages effective verbal communication and conflict resolution. It also challenges players to use their critical thinking, decision-making, and problem-solving skills, all while building a sense of belonging in the team.