Werewolf (also known as Mafia) is the most popular social-deduction party game in the world — and its depth comes from its roles. Each player wakes up at night with a secret ability that can swing the game. Whether you're new to the game or wondering what "the Witch" actually does, this guide walks through every classic role you'll meet in modern Werewolf, including the AI-driven version you can play free online here.
Village wins when every werewolf is eliminated. They have no idea who each other are — coordination only happens during the day.
Ability: None. Win: Vote out every wolf.
Villagers are the heart of the team. With no special power they rely purely on logic, body language, and voting. A good villager asks questions, watches who defends whom, and never lets the wolves quietly steer the day.
Ability: Each night, check one player — the moderator reveals their alignment (wolf or not).
Pro tip: The Seer is the wolves' #1 target. Don't reveal too early — but if a wolf is openly accused, claim Seer on day 2 with two clean checks to flip the day.
Ability: Has one healing potion and one poison potion, each usable once per game. After the wolves attack at night, the moderator tells the Witch who died — she can heal them or poison anyone else.
Pro tip: Saving yourself on night 1 is usually wrong — it tells the wolves you exist. Hold poison until the table is split 3-vs-3 and one suspect won't budge.
Ability: When eliminated (by wolves at night or voted out by day), the Hunter may immediately shoot one player, eliminating them too.
Pro tip: Reveal early. A known Hunter is a deterrent — wolves often avoid attacking them at night, which protects you for free.
Ability: Each night, pick one player to protect. That player survives a wolf attack tonight. Cannot protect the same player two nights in a row.
Pro tip: Protect the loudest claimed Seer on night 2. If the Seer survives, you've confirmed both roles.
Wolves win when the number of wolves equals or exceeds villagers. They know each other from night 1 and coordinate one kill per night.
Ability: Each night, the wolves collectively choose one player to eliminate. By day, they pretend to be villagers.
Pro tip: The best wolves lead the vote against another wolf early to build trust, then sacrifice them later. Silence makes you suspicious.
Ability: Once per game, may turn a Villager into a wolf instead of killing them.
Pro tip: Use it on a confirmed-innocent player — converting them late-game can win a lost match.
Ability: When voted out by day, may shoot one other player. (Cannot shoot if killed at night.)
Pro tip: The threat alone changes the table. Once you're suspected, claim Hunter or Witch — the village won't risk voting you if they believe you're a power role.
Ability: On night 1, pair two players as "lovers". If one dies, the other dies of grief. Lovers win together — even across factions.
Pro tip: Pairing two villagers is safest. Pairing a wolf and a villager creates a chaotic third faction.
Ability: If voted out by day, reveals as Idiot and survives — but loses the right to vote for the rest of the game.
Pro tip: Bait the table into voting you. A revealed Idiot is a confirmed villager who can speak freely.
Ability: Before the game starts, sees two extra unused role cards and swaps to one of them.
Pro tip: If both cards are wolves, you must take one — embrace it.
Ability: Elected on day 1 by table vote. The Sheriff's vote counts as 1.5. On death, may pass or destroy the badge.
Pro tip: Don't run for Sheriff as a wolf unless you're confident — losing the campaign marks you instantly.
Wolf Whisper is a free AI-driven Werewolf game — no friends needed, plays in your browser, full role lineup.
Play free against AI →