About Inkling
Your guide to mastering the social deduction drawing game
What is Inkling?
Inkling is a free online multiplayer drawing game that combines creativity with social deduction. In each round, players are given a secret prompt to draw - but one player, the Faker, doesn't know what the prompt is. The Faker must bluff their way through, creating a drawing that looks convincing enough to avoid detection.
After everyone finishes drawing, players vote on who they think is the Faker. If the group correctly identifies the Faker, they earn points. If the Faker escapes detection, they score instead. It's a game of deception, observation, and quick thinking that's perfect for parties, family game nights, or playing with friends online.
How to Play
Create or Join a Room
One player creates a room and shares the 4-letter code with friends. Everyone joins using the code - no accounts needed.
Get Your Role
Each round, one random player becomes the Faker. Everyone else sees the secret prompt (like "elephant" or "pizza"), but the Faker only sees the category.
Draw the Prompt
Everyone draws at the same time. Real artists draw the prompt while the Faker tries to create something that fits in without knowing what it should be.
Vote for the Faker
After time runs out, everyone sees all the drawings and votes on who they think is faking it. The prompt is revealed so you can compare drawings.
Score Points
Correctly identify the Faker to earn points. If you're the Faker and escape detection, you score for each player you fooled!
Game Modes
Normal Mode
The classic Inkling experience. The host sets a time limit per round (between 30 and 180 seconds). This mode is perfect for relaxed drawing, allowing time for details and careful observation.
Speed Draw
PartyPassA high-intensity mode with a locked 20-second timer. There's no time to second-guess - you have to draw purely on instinct. With barely any time to think, artists struggle to add details while the Faker has to commit immediately. It's harder for everyone!
One-Liner
PartyPassThe ultimate challenge! You can only draw one continuous line. If you lift your pen and try to draw again, the canvas clears and you start over. This mode tests your planning skills and forces creative, connected drawings. The Faker has a tough time blending in when everyone's art style is so constrained!
Sabotage
PartyPassPure mayhem! Spend a point to sabotage a random artist each round - maybe their canvas flips upside down, their colours go haywire, or their screen starts shaking! With tripled rounds (3x player count), there's plenty of time to earn points and unleash chaos. The Faker might find it easier to hide when everyone's drawings are a mess... or they might get sabotaged at the worst possible moment!
Scoring System
Catch the Faker
Vote correctly for the Faker and earn +2 points
Fool Players
As the Faker, earn +1 point for each player you fooled
Escape Detection
Faker escapes without majority vote: +1 bonus point
Speed Bonus
First to submit their drawing: +1 point
Tips for Artists (Non-Fakers)
- Add specific details - Include distinctive features that prove you know the prompt. Drawing a dog? Add a collar, tail wagging, or a bone.
- Don't be too obvious - If you make it too easy, the Faker might figure out the prompt from your drawing. Balance detail with subtlety.
- Watch for copycats - Fakers often wait to see what others draw, then copy. Submit early to earn speed bonuses and avoid giving clues.
- Use the hint wisely - Everyone sees the hint, including the Faker. Your drawing should show you understood more than just the hint.
Tips for Fakers
- Study the category - You see the category (like "Animals" or "Food"). Think about common items and draw something plausible but vague.
- Keep it simple - Complex drawings are risky because you might add wrong details. Simple, clean drawings are easier to defend.
- Watch the clock - Submitting too early or too late can look suspicious. Aim for the middle of the pack.
- Act confident - When voting, participate normally. You can't vote for yourself, so make sure your vote doesn't give you away!
- Use the hint - The hint gives you a clue about the prompt. A hint like "has four legs" for the Animals category narrows it down significantly.
Drawing Tips for Everyone
You don't need to be an artist to enjoy Inkling! Here are some tips for better drawings:
- Start with basic shapes - Break complex objects into circles, squares, and triangles. A cat is just circles for head and body, triangles for ears.
- Focus on key features - What makes a house recognizable? A roof, door, and windows. You don't need perfect proportions.
- Use the whole canvas - Bigger drawings are easier to see and judge. Don't cram everything into one corner.
- Stick figures are fine - For people and animals, simple stick figures with clear poses work great. Add a hat or tool to show actions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many players do I need?
Inkling works best with 3-10 players. More players means more suspects and more fun!
Do I need to create an account?
No! Just pick a username and start playing. No registration, no downloads.
Can I play on my phone?
Yes! Inkling works on any device with a web browser - phones, tablets, and computers.
Is Inkling free?
Yes, Inkling is completely free to play with no ads or in-app purchases.