Among Us' Airship map introduced many new features to the game, and while new content was eagerly accepted by fans, not all of them were happy.

Among Us is the multiplayer social deduction game released back in 2018, and brought to mainstream thanks to the efforts of many content creators throughout 2020. Updates for the game were highly anticipated, but perhaps none more than the Airship map. Despite a generally positive reception, the launch of the Among Us Airship map resulted in some strong distaste from some players in the fanbase.

The arrival of the  Among Us Airship map introduced new tasks, a new layout, and led to the development of new playstyles among crewmates and Impostors. Seeing as there is no tutorial to explain the requirements of each task, the release of the Airship map resulted in crewmates struggling for far longer than average on unfamiliar tasks. Combined with the unfamiliarity of the map, it's no surprise that frustrations were swift to mount among less patient players.

One of the most common complaints is the sheer size of the Airship map. With field of view being a vital component to Among Us' gameplay by allowing players to detect danger (or witnesses), the massive sizes of rooms require more scouting before beginning a task or executing a crewmate. Additionally, there are gaps in pathways that make the journey from one side of the map to the other more difficult. Crewmates are less likely to find bodies, and Impostors are less likely to find victims, forcing the game to last longer than typical match times. Tasks such as the safe, and trivial matters such as opening the door with a keycard, also contribute to frustrations toward the Airship map.

Airship Map: Change Is Never Easy, Even In Among Us

The Airship update introduced many changes to Among Us, like new tasks with numerous levels of difficulty. The very nature of game updates promises new additions to beloved games, and new content is vital for extending the lifespan of video games. Unfortunately, the social aspect of Among Us depends on familiarity, and the ability to convince one another in a communicative setting. Unfamiliarity leads to suspicion, which leads to an increased number of players being jettisoned out into a freefall. With time and experience, players will become more familiar with the changes Airship has introduced, but there are some aspects of the map that can't go away with time.

One of the most frustrating aspects of the Airship map that will likely not be changed is the inconvenience of moving platforms and ladders. Time and time again, crewmates and Impostors will find themselves stranded on the wrong side of the map thanks to moving platforms that cannot be sent back. Ladders pose a similar issue, with crewmates attempting to interact with tasks such as the reactor panel, or Impostors attempting to kill a crewmate but instead ascending or descending a ladder. These two forms of transportation devour precious seconds that players could be using to devise strategic plans, navigate the map, or complete tasks.

While updates to Among Us will only succeed in expanding the game's lifespan, it's impossible to satisfy the entirety of a player base. Change is a difficult thing to accept, but gamers are nothing if not adaptable, and InnerSloth has shown its intent to consistently improve and update Among Us. While the Airship map has been met with mixed results, a lack of new content is more damaging to the game than content that needs improvements.

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