When Were Microtransactions Added to Among Us?

by

Among Us went from a little-known indie title to one of the biggest multiplayer sensations in the world almost overnight. Along the way, its monetization model evolved as dramatically as its player base. One of the most frequently asked questions by fans is: when were microtransactions added to Among Us? The answer involves looking back at the game’s humble beginnings in 2018 and tracing how it adapted to explosive global popularity in 2020 and beyond.

TL;DR: Microtransactions were present in Among Us from its original launch in 2018 on mobile devices. Players could remove ads and purchase cosmetic items like pets and skins through small in-app purchases. When the game skyrocketed in popularity in 2020, the developers expanded cosmetic options and later introduced larger content bundles. Despite these changes, Among Us has remained free-to-play on mobile and never adopted pay-to-win mechanics.

The Original Launch in 2018

Among Us was developed and published by the small independent studio Innersloth. It officially launched on June 15, 2018, on iOS and Android devices. A few months later, in November 2018, it arrived on PC via Steam.

From the very start, the monetization model was simple and transparent:

  • The game was free to download on mobile.
  • It contained ads between matches.
  • Players could pay a small fee to remove ads permanently.
  • Optional cosmetic items like pets and skins were available for purchase.

This means that microtransactions were not something that appeared later—they were there from day one on mobile platforms. However, they were extremely limited in scope and focused exclusively on cosmetic customization.

How Microtransactions Worked at Launch

At its core, Among Us was built around a straightforward philosophy: no pay-to-win mechanics. Every player, whether they spent money or not, had access to the same gameplay features and opportunities to win as either a Crewmate or an Impostor.

The early microtransactions focused on:

  • Pet bundles – Small alien companions that followed players around.
  • Skins – Costume sets that changed the appearance of the astronaut.
  • Hat packs – Fun and quirky headgear options.
  • Ad removal – A one-time purchase to eliminate advertisements.

On PC, the situation was slightly different. Players paid a modest upfront price to purchase the game, and in exchange, they received several cosmetic packs bundled in. Some DLC cosmetic packs were available for additional purchase, but there were no aggressive monetization tactics.

This balanced system helped establish trust within the small but loyal community that initially formed around the game.

The 2020 Explosion and Changing Monetization

For nearly two years, Among Us flew under the radar. Then in mid-2020, popular Twitch streamers and YouTubers began streaming the game during global COVID-19 lockdowns. Suddenly, player counts skyrocketed into the millions.

Image not found in postmeta

With massive growth came new opportunities—and challenges. The servers struggled to keep up. Innersloth had to quickly scale its infrastructure, hire staff, and deliver updates faster than ever before.

Although microtransactions already existed, the explosion in popularity led to:

  • New cosmetic content drops.
  • Additional themed skins and hats.
  • Expanded DLC packs on PC and consoles.

Importantly, Innersloth maintained its original philosophy: cosmetic-only monetization. There were still no boosts, special abilities, or gameplay-altering purchases introduced.

The Introduction of Accounts and Cosmetics Overhaul (2021)

One of the most significant changes related to monetization came in 2021 when Innersloth introduced an account system. This update laid the groundwork for more advanced customization options and progression features.

Later in 2021, the game added the Cosmicube system.

Image not found in postmeta

Cosmicubes functioned like themed cosmetic progression trees. Players could:

  • Purchase a Cosmicube.
  • Earn in-game currency by playing matches.
  • Unlock cosmetics within that Cosmicube’s tree.

This was arguably the biggest evolution of microtransactions in Among Us since launch. While still cosmetic-only, it introduced a progression-inspired system that encouraged longer engagement.

Even then, the developers ensured:

  • No gameplay advantages were tied to purchases.
  • Some cosmetics could be earned purely through play.
  • Players could still enjoy the full game without spending money.

Console and Expanded Platform Releases

As Among Us expanded to Nintendo Switch, Xbox, and PlayStation platforms between 2020 and 2021, its monetization strategy adapted slightly for each ecosystem.

On consoles:

  • The game was usually a low-cost upfront purchase.
  • Some cosmetic DLC packs were sold separately.
  • Certain promotional cosmetics were bundled with platform launches.

However, the philosophy remained consistent across platforms: monetization was focused entirely on appearance rather than performance.

Why Microtransactions Were Necessary

Some players might wonder why microtransactions were included at all, especially in a game developed by a small team. The answer largely comes down to sustainability.

In 2018, Among Us was created by just three developers. Keeping servers running, fixing bugs, and developing new content required ongoing funding. Offering optional cosmetic purchases allowed:

  • Mobile players to access the game for free.
  • The studio to earn revenue beyond the modest PC price tag.
  • Continued development support even before the 2020 boom.

Without those early microtransactions, it’s possible the game might not have survived long enough to become a global hit.

How Among Us Avoided Pay-to-Win Pitfalls

Microtransactions in multiplayer games are often controversial. Many titles introduce systems that create competitive imbalance. Among Us avoided that entirely.

Winning in Among Us depends on:

  • Deduction skills.
  • Communication and persuasion.
  • Observation and strategy.

Since none of these skills can be purchased, the integrity of the experience remains intact. A player wearing a premium pet has no advantage over someone using the default character.

This design decision played a critical role in maintaining community goodwill—even during its peak player surge.

Comparing 2018 Microtransactions to Today’s System

To understand how microtransactions evolved, it helps to compare the launch model with the current system:

2018 Model:

  • Basic skins and pet bundles.
  • One-time ad removal purchase.
  • Minimal cosmetic variety.

2026 Era Model:

  • Multiple Cosmicubes with themed progression.
  • Frequent limited-time cosmetic events.
  • Crossover collaborations and special promotions.
  • Expanded wardrobe customization categories.

While the scope has grown considerably, the underlying principle remains the same: aesthetics only, not power.

The Community’s Reaction

Overall, player response to microtransactions in Among Us has been relatively positive compared to other multiplayer titles.

Common community sentiments include:

  • Appreciation for the lack of pay-to-win elements.
  • Support for developers through optional purchases.
  • Enjoyment of creative and humorous cosmetic additions.

There have been occasional debates around pricing or event-exclusive cosmetics, but nothing approaching the backlash seen in more aggressively monetized games.

So, When Were Microtransactions Added?

The simple answer is this: microtransactions were present at launch in June 2018 on mobile devices. They included ad removal and optional cosmetic purchases.

However, they became far more visible and expanded significantly after the game’s viral success in 2020. The 2021 introduction of Cosmicubes marked the biggest structural shift in how cosmetic purchases were handled.

Despite these developments, Among Us has consistently upheld its original design philosophy:

  • No gameplay advantages for paying players.
  • Affordable optional cosmetics.
  • Accessibility across multiple platforms.

Final Thoughts

Among Us offers an interesting case study in ethical microtransactions. Instead of reacting to popularity with aggressive monetization, Innersloth gradually expanded cosmetic offerings while protecting competitive fairness.

Microtransactions were not a late addition or a sign of corporate shift—they were part of the game’s original blueprint in 2018. What changed wasn’t their existence, but their scale and sophistication as the player base grew into the millions.

In a gaming landscape filled with controversial monetization tactics, Among Us stands out as an example of how microtransactions can support development without compromising gameplay integrity. And perhaps that balance is one of the many reasons the game remains beloved years after its unexpected rise to fame.