Codenames has rapidly become a favorite party board game, praised for its simple rules and quick gameplay. Unlike many games that struggle with larger player counts, Codenames thrives 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 breaks down the different versions. While each iteration offers a slightly different experience, the core gameplay remains consistent. Some are better suited for younger players, others for older audiences, and many feature popular franchises like Marvel, Disney, and Harry Potter.
The Base Game
Codenames
See it at Amazon
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. The spymaster gives one-word clues to help their team guess their spies. The challenge lies in providing clues that only guide their own team, avoiding the assassin and the opponent's spies. The first team to identify all their spies wins.
While the game supports 2-8 players, it shines with even-numbered groups of four or more. For two-player gameplay, see Codenames: Duet below.
Codenames Spin-offs
Codenames: Duet
See it at Amazon
MSRP: $24.95 USD
Age: 11+
Players: 2
Play Time: 15 mins
Codenames: Duet is a cooperative two-player experience. Both players act as spymasters, using different sides of the same key card to guide each other towards their 15 shared spies, while avoiding three assassin cards. It includes 200 new cards compatible with the original game and is a standalone purchase.
Codenames: Pictures
See it at Walmart
MSRP: $24.95 USD
Age: 10+
Players: 2-8
Play Time: 15 mins
Codenames: Pictures replaces words with images, offering broader descriptive possibilities and potentially lowering the age requirement. It uses a 5x4 grid and is otherwise identical to the original, with the option to mix word and picture cards for varied gameplay. This is also a standalone game.
Codenames: Disney Family Edition
See it at Barnes & Noble
MSRP: $24.99 USD
Age: 8+
Players: 2-8
Play Time: Varies
Codenames: Disney Family Edition features words and images from Disney animated films. Double-sided cards allow for gameplay like the original or Pictures, or a combination of both. It includes a simpler 4x4 grid mode without an assassin card, making it more accessible for younger players.
Codenames: Marvel Edition
See it at Walmart
MSRP: $24.99 USD
Age: 9+
Players: 2-8
Play Time: 15 mins
The Marvel Edition features Marvel characters and words. Teams are represented by S.H.I.E.L.D. and HYDRA. Gameplay is identical to the base game or Codenames: Pictures depending on card side selection.
Codenames: Harry Potter
See it at Walmart
MSRP: $24.99 USD
Age: 11+
Players: 2
Play Time: 15 mins
Codenames: Harry Potter is a cooperative two-player game similar to Duet, using images and words from the Harry Potter universe.
Other Versions
Codenames: XXL
See it at Amazon
MSRP: $39.95 USD
Identical to the base game, but with larger cards for improved readability.
Codenames: Duet XXL
See it at Amazon
MSRP: $39.95 USD
Larger card version of Codenames: Duet.
Codenames: Pictures XXL
See it at Tabletop Merchant
MSRP: $39.95 USD
Larger card version of Codenames: Pictures.
How to Play Codenames Online
See it at Codenames
Czech Games Edition offers a free online version of Codenames, allowing for online play with friends or others.
Discontinued Versions
Several Codenames versions are no longer in print, including Codenames: Deep Undercover (an adult version) and Codenames: The Simpsons Family Edition.
Bottom Line
Codenames is a fantastic party game, easy to learn and quick to play. While best for groups of four or more, Duet and the Harry Potter version offer excellent two-player options. Themed editions and XXL versions cater to various preferences.
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