Codenames has quickly risen to prominence as one of the best party board games due to its easy-to-teach rules and fast-paced gameplay. Unlike many party games that struggle to accommodate larger groups, Codenames shines with four or more players. However, the creators at Czech Games Edition didn't stop there; they also introduced Codenames: Duet, a cooperative version tailored for two players, expanding the game's versatility.
Navigating through the myriad of Codenames spin-offs and re-releases can be overwhelming. This guide aims to simplify your choice by detailing the various versions. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned player, there's no wrong starting point with Codenames. Each version offers subtle variations, catering to different age groups and preferences, including themed editions inspired by popular franchises like Marvel, Disney, and Harry Potter.
The Base Game
Codenames
30 See it at Amazon
MSRP: $24.99 USD
Age: 10+
Players: 2-8
Play Time: 15 mins
Each game of Codenames starts with players dividing into two teams and arranging 25 cards in a five-by-five grid. Each team appoints a spymaster who gives one-word clues to guide their team towards identifying their spies, hidden among the codenames. The spymasters, seated together, use a secret key card to track their spies' locations. The objective is to find all nine spies before the opposing team. The challenge lies in crafting clues that accurately point to your team's spies without inadvertently aiding the opponents or revealing the assassin card, which results in an instant loss. Codenames offers strategic depth as spymasters decide how many guesses to risk with each clue, balancing caution and boldness. While the game supports two to eight players, it truly excels with groups of four or more, though the two-player variant, Codenames: Duet, caters to smaller gatherings.
Codenames Spin-offs
Codenames Duet
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MSRP: $24.95 USD
Age: 11+
Players: 2
Play Time: 15 mins
Codenames: Duet transforms the original competitive format into a cooperative experience for two players. Each player takes turns as the spymaster, aiming to uncover 15 spies without triggering any of the three assassin cards. While Codenames thrives as a party game, Duet delivers the same engaging gameplay for couples or close friends. It also comes with 200 new cards compatible with the base game, enhancing its value. Duet is a standalone game, perfect for those seeking intimate gaming sessions. For more two-player options, explore our list of the best two-player board games and the best board games for couples.
Codenames: Pictures
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MSRP: $24.95 USD
Age: 10+
Players: 2-8
Play Time: 15 mins
In Codenames: Pictures, players use images instead of words, broadening the scope for clue-giving. This variation not only makes the game more accessible to younger audiences but also adds a new layer of creativity to the gameplay. The game retains the core mechanics of the original, but with a five-by-four grid. It's a standalone game, though players can combine it with the word-based version for a unique challenge. For more family-friendly options, check out our picks for the best board games for kids.
Codenames: Disney Family Edition
0 See it at Barnes & Noble
MSRP: $24.99 USD
Age: 8+
Players: 2-8
Play Time: 15 mins
Codenames: Disney Family Edition brings the magic of Disney's animated films into the game, with cards featuring both words and images. Players can choose to play with words, images, or a mix of both, adding versatility. This version also introduces a more accessible four-by-four grid without an assassin card, ideal for younger players and newcomers. It's the perfect blend of fun and family-friendly gameplay.
Codenames: Marvel Edition
0 See it at Walmart
MSRP: $24.99 USD
Age: 9+
Players: 2-8
Play Time: 15 mins
Codenames: Marvel Edition immerses players in the Marvel Universe, with teams representing S.H.I.E.L.D. and HYDRA. The game offers dual-sided cards with words and images, allowing players to choose their preferred style of play. It retains the strategic depth of the original while adding a thematic layer that fans of the franchise will appreciate.
Codenames: Harry Potter
0 See it at Walmart
MSRP: $24.99 USD
Age: 11+
Players: 2
Play Time: 15 mins
Codenames: Harry Potter follows the cooperative format of Duet, making it an ideal choice for two players. The game integrates elements of the magical world, with cards featuring both images and words for added variety. For more enchanting experiences, explore our list of the best Harry Potter board games.
Other Versions
Codenames: XXL
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MSRP: $39.95 USD
Codenames: XXL is essentially the base game but with cards that are twice the size, enhancing visibility and accessibility for players with vision challenges. It's a great option for those who prefer larger cards but still want the classic Codenames experience.
Codenames: Duet XXL
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MSRP: $39.95 USD
Similar to Codenames: XXL, Codenames: Duet XXL offers the cooperative gameplay of Duet with larger cards, making it easier for players to engage with the game, especially in a more intimate setting.
Codenames: Pictures XXL
0 See it at Tabletop Merchant
MSRP: $39.95 USD
Codenames: Pictures XXL brings the image-based gameplay to a larger scale, perfect for those who enjoy the visual challenge but need larger cards for better visibility.
How to Play Codenames Online
0 See it at Codenames
Czech Games Edition offers a free online version of Codenames, allowing players to join rooms or invite friends for a digital gaming experience. While it may lack the physical interaction of in-person play, it's an excellent solution for remote gaming, especially when paired with communication tools like Discord. An app version for iOS and Android is also in the works, promising even more accessibility.
Discontinued Versions
Over the years, several Codenames iterations have been discontinued, including Codenames: Deep Undercover and Codenames: The Simpsons Family Edition. The former, with its adult-themed content, saw a 2.0 release for improved balance, while the latter, themed around The Simpsons, remains available from secondhand sellers despite being out of print.
Bottom Line
Codenames stands out as a top choice among party games, offering quick, engaging gameplay that's easy to learn. While it excels with groups of four or more, the Duet and Harry Potter versions cater well to two players. With various themed editions and XXL versions, there's a Codenames game for every type of player and occasion. For more family fun, explore our recommendations for the best family board games. Don't forget to check our board game deals page for great discounts on these and other popular titles at retailers like Amazon and Target.
