Introduction
Ever found yourself in the spaceship, a labyrinth of wires, vents, and frantic crewmates, desperate to survive or secretly sabotage? Welcome to the electrifying world of Among Us, a game of deception, deduction, and undeniable social pressure. Whether you’re the valiant crewmate or the cunning impostor, mastering the art of play is key. But forget about the chaotic button mashing and blind accusations. We’re not just playing Among Us here; we’re becoming a Pelican.
What’s a Pelican, you ask? A Pelican in Among Us isn’t just a character; it’s a *playstyle*. It’s about observation, calculated moves, and the power of subtle influence. The Pelican strategically navigates the chaotic world of Among Us, patiently gathering intelligence, manipulating the flow of information, and making the right moves at the right moments. It’s about winning not through brute force, but through sharp thinking and a masterful understanding of human behavior. We’re not just aiming to *play* the game; we’re aiming to *win* the game, consistently, with a Pelican approach.
This article is your comprehensive guide to becoming that Pelican. Prepare to transform your gameplay, enhance your deduction skills, and significantly boost your winning percentage. We’ll dive deep into the core strategies, techniques, and mindset needed to not just survive, but *thrive* in the intense environment of Among Us. Get ready to become a master of your domain.
Understanding the Pelican Playstyle
Let’s be clear: the Pelican playstyle isn’t about luck. It’s about precision and deliberate action. It’s about viewing every game as a puzzle waiting to be solved, where observation is your most powerful tool.
At its heart, the Pelican is about *observation*. You’re not just a player; you’re a detective, a strategist, and a subtle puppeteer, all rolled into one. Think of it like this: the other players are your specimens, the map is your lab, and the information you gather is the key to unlocking victory. You’ll be watching player movements, noting task completion, and, crucially, *paying attention to the reactions of others*. The goal is to build a profile for each player, understanding their tendencies and patterns of behavior.
Now, there’s a fundamental distinction here, depending on your role, Crewmate or Impostor. As a *Crewmate*, the Pelican aims to expose the Impostors. As an *Impostor*, the Pelican’s goal is to eliminate the Crewmates without raising suspicion. Both roles require the same core skills: observation, deception (for the Impostor), and strategic timing.
As a Crewmate, your aim should be to build trust, provide alibis, and quickly identify those who act suspiciously. As an Impostor, you must do the opposite: spread suspicion, sabotage, and eliminate Crewmates while blending into the crowd.
But the common thread, the core of the Pelican mindset, is *patience*. Impatience is the enemy. Instead of rushing to accusations or making hasty decisions, take your time. Observe. Gather information. Let the other players reveal their own weaknesses. Think of yourself as a hunter, carefully setting the traps before the kill.
The Pelican also thrives on adaptability. Each game is different. The players, the map, the tasks – everything varies. You must constantly reassess the situation and modify your strategy accordingly. The best players in Among Us are the ones who can quickly analyze the board and make intelligent, informed choices.
Essential Strategies for the Pelican
Now that you understand the core philosophy, let’s equip the Pelican with the essential strategies for success. These tactics will form the backbone of your gameplay.
Task Verification and Alibi Building for Crewmates
As a Crewmate, your credibility is everything. The ability to verify your actions, and more importantly, build a solid alibi, is key to avoiding being ejected.
***Master the Task List:*** Familiarize yourself with the tasks for each map. Know where each task is located and what it involves. This knowledge allows you to convincingly claim you were in a specific area doing a specific task.
***Use Visible Tasks:*** Choose tasks that are *visibly* completed. These offer immediate confirmation of your presence and can strengthen your alibi. For instance, witnessing the navigation task being completed can give you instant credibility. If you were in the navigation room, the other crewmates may believe you.
***The Power of Witnessing:*** Report task completion and report suspicious behaviour when needed. Don’t be afraid to offer your observations. A simple “I saw Yellow in Electrical,” backed up by your actions, can go a long way in establishing trust.
***Task Grouping:*** If possible, travel in groups to complete tasks, providing mutual confirmation. However, be wary of getting too close to others. Grouping can be good but be aware.
***Timing is Key:*** Be mindful of the flow of tasks. Are you always lagging behind? Are you always the last one doing tasks? Try to time your task completion to coincide with the general flow, keeping your role credible.
Masterful Deception and Manipulation for Impostors
The Impostor’s role is a dangerous game of smoke and mirrors. As an Impostor Pelican, you’ll use the skills of observation and deception to lead your crewmates towards their doom.
***Fake Tasks:*** Learn the task animations and mimic them convincingly. Pretend to do tasks that align with your alibi, like standing in Electrical for a moment. Don’t get caught in a loop or overstay your welcome. Practice the rhythm of each animation, and master the art of looking busy, not just being busy.
***Set Up “Accidental” Kills:*** Never reveal the timing of your attacks. Plan your kills strategically. Make it look like an unfortunate event. The key is to exploit the environment and the other players’ behavior.
***Framing is the Best Strategy:*** This is where the Pelican really shines. Use your observation skills to identify suspicious players. Plant seeds of doubt. Spread rumours based on partial truths. For instance, if you see someone venting, subtly mention it in the next meeting without being accusatory, but let others draw their own conclusions.
***Act and React Appropriately:*** Respond to accusations with controlled anger, confusion, or, if necessary, a quick and well-constructed alibi. Always keep a calm demeanor. Never show panic.
Strategic Use of Reports and Meetings
The Emergency Meeting and reported body offer critical opportunities for the Pelican.
***Gathering Information:*** Never miss an opportunity to learn something. Ask pointed questions. Listen attentively to what others are saying. Note how they react to accusations.
***Strategic Voting:*** Learn when to vote, when to abstain, and when to actively sway the vote. Early in the game, observe and abstain unless you have solid evidence. As a Crewmate, vote out anyone acting suspiciously. As an Impostor, focus on eliminating those who pose the greatest threat.
***The Power of Silence:*** You don’t always have to speak. If you’re not sure what to say, stay silent and observe. Sometimes, the best move is to let others expose themselves.
***Influencing the Room:*** Make it clear that you’re attempting to gather clues and the others will want to follow your lead. Keep an open mind but don’t be afraid to make your own decisions if you have to.
Using the Game Map and Environment
The map isn’t just a backdrop; it’s a tool. Know every nook, every cranny, and every blind spot.
***Vent Knowledge:*** As an Impostor, master the vent layouts of each map. Use them strategically for quick getaways and silent kills. Know where you can travel unseen and learn the best vent routes.
***Blind Spots:*** Utilize areas with limited visibility to make kills and escape unnoticed. Pay attention to where players are likely to be looking and use that to your advantage.
***Strategic Venting:*** Vent only when necessary. Over-venting is a sign of an amateur Impostor. Vent to escape, to set up a kill, or to move across the map quickly.
***Sabotage:*** Use sabotage strategically to herd players, create distractions, and isolate targets. Close doors, shut down lights, or disable communications to create chaos.
Advanced Pelican Tactics
As you get more comfortable, the Pelican playstyle can be further refined with some advanced tactics.
***Reading Player Behaviour:*** Observe how players react to accusations, how they walk, how they complete tasks. Notice who sticks to others and who moves alone. These tells can reveal a great deal about their roles.
***Psychological Manipulation:*** Subtle cues, such as changing your tone of voice, feigning concern, or subtly agreeing with another player, can influence how others perceive you.
***Building Alliances:***
***Crewmate:*** Identifying like-minded crewmates is a powerful technique for survival. Stick to the people you trust.
***Impostor:*** Coordinate with your fellow Impostors. Plan your kills, share information, and cover for each other. However, trust is a tricky thing; always keep a certain amount of skepticism with all the players, even your allies.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even the best Pelicans make mistakes. Knowing what to avoid is critical to success.
***Panicking and Acting Rashly:*** This is the number one killer. Avoid rash actions. Always think before you act.
***Revealing Your Strategy Too Early:*** Don’t overshare your insights. Let the game unfold and allow others to underestimate you.
***Trusting Others Too Easily:*** As a Crewmate, be wary of blind trust. Rely on evidence, not gut feelings.
***Getting Caught in Obvious Lies:*** An Impostor’s greatest weakness is getting caught lying. Think through your alibis and be prepared for unexpected questions.
Conclusion
Becoming the Pelican in Among Us isn’t an overnight process. It’s a journey of observation, refinement, and strategic thinking. By embracing the core principles of the Pelican playstyle, you’ll transform your gameplay and massively increase your chances of winning. Remember:
- Observe everything and everyone.
- Always act with calculated precision.
- Adapt your strategy to each game.
- Never panic.
Among Us is a game best enjoyed with a strategic outlook. It’s about outsmarting your opponents, and outplaying them. Go forth, practice these strategies, and become the master of your domain.
Call to Action
What are your favorite Pelican strategies? Share your thoughts in the comments below! Let’s create a collaborative community of clever players.
