How to Play Werewolf Online with Friends
There are a few different ways to play Werewolf online with friends on werewolv.es, and the best one depends mostly on how many people you have and whether you want a fast game right now or a bigger private game with more planning.
This page is the practical overview. If you want the Zoom-specific version, use the Zoom guide. If you want setup ideas before you start, browse the suggested Werewolf setups by player count.
If It Is Just You
If you do not already have your own group, you are usually better off joining games with the existing community rather than waiting for a private group to come together.
We have games running for European timezones. These will start when they get enough players waiting in the lobby, and you will get an email when they do.
If you want a faster route into a live game, use the speed games with the community page.
If You Have 6 or More Friends and Want to Play Now
The simplest current option is to create an open bot game and share the link with your friends. This works well for browser-based play and for groups using Zoom, Skype, or another call alongside the site.
The OpenGameBot handles the setup for you. Once everybody has joined, use the $$check and $$go commands to start the game.
You need at least 6 players for this route. The bot-generated setups are best suited to groups that are newer to the game or just want a straightforward place to start.
Before starting, it is worth reading the how to play Werewolf online guide and checking the setup suggestions by player count.
If You Want a Fast Speed Game with Friends
If your group wants a faster game, the current route is through Discord and the SpeedGameBot. Join the Discord and type $$spud in #speed-games.
If you are not sure how that works in practice, the community speed games guide explains the flow more clearly. If you already have your own group but need six players or more, the speed games with friends page is also useful.
If You Want to Use Zoom or Voice Chat
werewolv.es works reasonably well as the game engine while your group talks over Zoom or another voice platform. In practice this usually means creating an open bot game, sharing the link, and using the site for role handling, votes, and night actions while the actual discussion happens on the call.
The detailed version of that is on the Playing Werewolf Online on Zoom page.
If You Have a Large Private Group
If you have a group of around 12 or more friends and want a longer-form private game, the current route is still to email me directly at [email protected].
That is the better option when you want something more tailored to your group's experience level, timezone, and appetite for a longer day/night structure.
If You Want More Control Over Speed-Game Setup
Patreons of the site can create their own speed games and choose the setup they want. That is the more advanced route if the default beginner-friendly bot setups are not enough for your group.
What Should Most New Groups Do?
If you have six or more players and want the easiest current route, create an open game and start there. If your group already lives on Discord and wants something faster, use the SpeedGameBot route instead.
If you are completely new to Werewolf, read the beginner guide, browse the setup suggestions, and then come back here once you know which route fits your group best.
Where To Go Next
If you want to learn the game before hosting, read the main strategy guide and the setup balance guide. If you want to get playing quickly without your own group, join the community speed games instead.