Codenames has rapidly emerged as a top pick among best party board games due to its simple rules and swift gameplay. Unlike many games that falter with larger groups, Codenames excels with four or more players. Yet, the creators at Czech Games Edition didn't stop at perfecting the party game experience; they also launched Codenames: Duet, a cooperative version tailored for two players.
Navigating the plethora of spin-offs and re-releases in the Codenames series can be daunting. That’s why we've prepared this comprehensive guide to help you understand the various versions. No matter which edition you pick, you can't go wrong with Codenames. The core gameplay remains consistent across iterations, with minor adjustments to cater to different age groups or to incorporate themes from beloved franchises like Marvel, Disney, and Harry Potter.
The Base Game
Codenames
30See it at AmazonMSRP: $24.99 USD
Age: 10+
Players: 2-8
Play Time: 15 mins
In Codenames, players divide into two teams and arrange 25 codename cards in a 5x5 grid. Each team selects a spymaster who gives clues based on a secret key card visible only to them, revealing the locations of their team's spies. The spymaster's challenge is to craft one-word clues that guide their team to identify as many spies as possible. The game concludes when one team uncovers all nine of their spies. However, selecting the wrong card can benefit the opposing team or trigger an instant loss by revealing the assassin card. The genius of Codenames lies in the strategic decision-making: spymasters can choose how many cards their team attempts to guess, balancing risk and reward. While the game officially supports 2-8 players, it's most enjoyable with groups of four or more. For duos, Codenames: Duet offers a tailored experience.
Codenames Spin-offs
Codenames Duet
8See it at AmazonMSRP: $24.95 USD
Age: 11+
Players: 2
Play Time: 15 mins
Codenames: Duet transforms the original into a cooperative experience for two players. Players alternate as spymasters, using different sides of the key to guide each other to their 15 spies while avoiding three assassin cards. Duet stands alone but also adds 200 new cards compatible with the base game. For more two-player options, check out our best two-player board games and best board games for couples.
Codenames: Pictures
0See it at WalmartMSRP: $24.95 USD
Age: 10+
Players: 2-8
Play Time: 15 mins
Codenames: Pictures replaces words with images, expanding the possibilities for clues and potentially lowering the age requirement. The gameplay remains the same, but with a 5x4 grid. You can mix picture and word cards for a varied experience. For younger players, explore our best board games for kids.
Codenames: Disney Family Edition
0See it at Barnes & NobleMSRP: $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 themed words and images. Players can use either side of the cards to play like the original or Pictures. It also features a simpler 4x4 grid without an assassin card, making it more accessible for families and new players.
Codenames: Marvel Edition
0See it at WalmartMSRP: $24.99 USD
Age: 9+
Players: 2-8
Play Time: 15 mins
Codenames: Marvel Edition immerses players in the Marvel universe, with teams represented by S.H.I.E.L.D. and HYDRA. Like the Disney edition, it offers dual-sided cards for flexibility in gameplay.
Codenames: Harry Potter
0See it at WalmartMSRP: $24.99 USD
Age: 11+
Players: 2
Play Time: 15 mins
Codenames: Harry Potter follows the cooperative gameplay of Duet, set in the magical world of Harry Potter. It features dual-sided cards for added variety. For more magical fun, see our best Harry Potter board games.
Other Versions
Codenames: XXL
0See it at AmazonMSRP: $39.95 USD
Codenames: XXL offers the same gameplay as the base game but with cards that are twice the size, enhancing visibility for players.
Codenames: Duet XXL
0See it at AmazonMSRP: $39.95 USD
Codenames: Duet XXL applies the larger card format to the cooperative two-player version, ensuring easy readability.
Codenames: Pictures XXL
0See it at Tabletop MerchantMSRP: $39.95 USD
Codenames: Pictures XXL brings the image-based gameplay to a larger scale, making it perfect for those who prefer bigger cards.
How to Play Codenames Online
0See it at Codenames
Czech Games Edition offers a free online version of Codenames, allowing players to join or create rooms. While it lacks the physical interaction of in-person play, it's ideal for connecting with distant friends, especially when paired with voice chat on platforms like Discord. An app version for iOS and Android is also on the horizon.
Discontinued Versions
Over the years, several versions of Codenames have been discontinued, such as Codenames: Deep Undercover and Codenames: The Simpsons Family Edition. Deep Undercover is an adult-themed version with risqué content, and its 2.0 edition offers improved balance. The Simpsons edition, themed around the iconic TV show, can still be found from secondhand sellers.
Bottom Line
Codenames stands out as one of the best party board games thanks to its ease of learning and quick playtime. Ideal for groups of four or more, it also offers engaging two-player options with Codenames: Duet and the Harry Potter variant. Themed editions cater to fans of popular franchises, and XXL versions provide better visibility for all players. For more family-friendly options, explore our best family board games. Don't miss out on great deals; keep an eye on our board game deals page for savings on your next purchase.
