The role

What is the Stunk?

Updated June 2026 · by The Stunkelstein Team · ~3 min read

What is the Stunk in Stunkelstein?

The Stunk is the hidden role in Stunkelstein — the one player who isn't told the secret word that everyone else shares. The Stunk has to give convincing clues from context alone and blend in, while the rest of the room tries to sniff them out. It's the same idea as the "spy" in Spyfall or the "imposter" in the imposter word game, but with a name and personality of its own.

Every round, one player becomes the Stunk. They don't know the word. Everyone else does. That gap is the whole game.

How do you win as the Stunk?

You win in one of two ways:

How to bluff like a pro

How do you catch the Stunk?

If you're not the Stunk, your job is to expose the faker without handing them the word:

Think you can spot a Stunk?

There's only one way to find out. Gather the room and deal the roles.

Frequently asked questions

Does the Stunk know they're the Stunk?

Yes — the Stunk is told they're the Stunk, they just aren't told the secret word. Everyone else sees the word but not who the Stunk is.

Can there be more than one Stunk?

The classic round has a single Stunk, which keeps the deduction tight. Larger groups can raise the stakes by adding a second.

Why is it called the Stunk and not the spy or imposter?

Because Stunkelstein is its own game with its own character. "Spy" and "imposter" are generic; the Stunk is the one you'll actually remember accusing your best friend of being.

Player Forum

What players say about Stunkelstein — feedback from our launch playtest

M
Michael · Singapore
★★★★★
The new drinking feature is honestly genius. Great way to keep everyone involved.
Z
Zoe · Wellington, New Zealand
★★★★★
Super easy to teach new players. Five stars.
J
Jacob · Los Angeles, USA
★★★★★
Downloaded it on a whim and ended up being the highlight of the evening.
L
Lucy · Edinburgh, UK
★★★★★
Very polished. Love the artwork and pacing.
O
Oscar · Stockholm, Sweden
★★★★★
Exactly what party games should be. Fun, fast, and memorable.
E
Emily · Adelaide, Australia
★★★★★
Every update just keeps making it better.

Read all 40 player reviews →