Codenames has quickly become a favorite party board game, thanks to its simple rules and fast playtime. Unlike many games that struggle with larger groups, Codenames shines with four or more players. But the fun doesn't stop there! The creators also developed Codenames: Duet, a cooperative version perfect for two players.
Navigating the various Codenames releases can be tricky. This guide helps you understand the different versions. While each plays similarly, minor tweaks cater to different age groups and preferences. Some feature popular franchises like Marvel, Disney, and Harry Potter.
The Base Game
Codenames
MSRP: $24.99 USD
Age: 10+
Players: 2-8
Play Time: 15 mins
Codenames begins with two teams, each selecting a spymaster. 25 codenames are arranged in a 5x5 grid. Spymasters secretly view a key card showing the location of their team's spies (nine per team), the assassin, and the opposing team's spies. Spymasters take turns giving one-word clues to help their team guess their spies. Guessing the assassin ends the game in a loss. The cleverness lies in giving clues that only lead to your team's words, while balancing risk and reward in the number of words guessed per clue. While the box suggests 2-8 players, it's ideally suited for even-numbered groups of four or more.
Codenames Spin-offs
Codenames: Duet
MSRP: $24.95 USD
Age: 11+
Players: 2
Play Time: 15 mins
Codenames: Duet is a cooperative two-player version. Both players act as spymasters, using different sides of a shared key card to guide each other. The goal is to identify 15 spies without encountering any of the three assassin cards. It includes 200 new cards compatible with the original game and is a standalone purchase.
Codenames: Pictures
MSRP: $24.95 USD
Age: 10+
Players: 2-8
Play Time: 15 mins
Codenames: Pictures uses images instead of words, offering more descriptive possibilities and potentially lowering the age requirement. It plays like the original, using a 5x4 grid, and its cards are mixable with the original word cards. It's a standalone game.
Codenames: Disney Family Edition
MSRP: $24.99 USD
Age: 8+
Players: 2-8
Play Time: Varies
Codenames: Disney Family Edition features words and images from Disney films. Double-sided cards allow play using words, images, or a combination. It includes a simpler 4x4 grid mode without an assassin card for younger players.
Codenames: Marvel Edition
MSRP: $24.99 USD
Age: 9+
Players: 2-8
Play Time: 15 mins
Codenames: Marvel Edition uses images and words from the Marvel universe. Teams are represented by S.H.I.E.L.D. and HYDRA. Gameplay is similar to the base game or Codenames: Pictures.
Codenames: Harry Potter
MSRP: $24.99 USD
Age: 11+
Players: 2
Play Time: 15 mins
Codenames: Harry Potter is a cooperative two-player game, similar to Duet, featuring images and words from the Harry Potter universe.
Other Versions
Codenames: XXL
MSRP: $39.95 USD
Identical to the base game, but with larger cards.
Codenames: Duet XXL
MSRP: $39.95 USD
Larger card version of Codenames: Duet.
Codenames: Pictures XXL
MSRP: $39.95 USD
Larger card version of Codenames: Pictures.
How to Play Codenames Online
Czech Games Edition offers a free online version of Codenames, allowing online play with friends or others.
Discontinued Versions
Some Codenames versions are no longer in print, including Codenames: Deep Undercover (an adult version) and Codenames: The Simpsons Family Edition. These may be available from secondhand sellers.
Bottom Line
Codenames is a fantastic party game, easily taught and quickly played. While best with four or more players, Duet and the Harry Potter version offer excellent two-player experiences. Themed versions cater to various franchise fans, and XXL versions provide larger cards for better readability.
