Codenames: Game Guide & Expansions

Codenames has rapidly become a favorite party board game, thanks to its simple rules and quick gameplay. Unlike many games that struggle with larger player counts, Codenames thrives with four or more players. But the creators didn't stop there; they also developed Codenames: Duet, a cooperative version perfect for two players.

Navigating the various Codenames spin-offs can be tricky. This guide will help you explore the different versions. It's worth noting that there's no truly "wrong" starting point; the core gameplay remains consistent across versions, with minor adjustments. Some are better suited for younger players, others for older, and many 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. Twenty-five codenames are arranged in a five-by-five grid. Spymasters secretly view a key card revealing 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 goal is to identify all your spies before the other team or before encountering the assassin card.

The challenge lies in crafting clues that only guide your team. Incorrect guesses might help the opponent or lead to an immediate loss. Spymasters choose the number of words their team attempts to guess, balancing risk and reward. This simple word association game becomes surprisingly strategic, requiring careful consideration of both your own and your opponent's moves.

While the box suggests 2-8 players, Codenames truly shines with even-numbered groups of four or more. For two-player fun, consider Codenames: Duet.

Codenames Spin-offs

Codenames: Duet

MSRP: $24.95 USD
Age: 11+
Players: 2
Play Time: 15 mins

Codenames: Duet offers a cooperative experience for two players. Both players act as spymasters, using different sides of a shared key card to guide each other. The objective is to identify 15 shared spies without encountering one of three assassin cards. This version 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 replaces words with images, offering more descriptive possibilities and potentially lowering the age barrier. It uses a five-by-four grid and is otherwise identical to the original game. Picture and word cards can even be mixed for a unique experience. This is also 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 for gameplay similar to the original or Pictures versions, or a combination of both. It also offers a simpler four-by-four grid mode without an assassin card, making it more accessible 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 based on the Duet gameplay. It features images and words from the Harry Potter universe.

Other Versions

Codenames: XXL, Codenames: Duet XXL, Codenames: Pictures XXL

These versions are identical to their standard counterparts but feature larger cards for improved readability.

How to Play Codenames Online

Czech Games Edition offers a free online version of Codenames, allowing for online play with friends or random players.

Discontinued Versions

Several Codenames versions are no longer in print, including Codenames: Deep Undercover (an adult-themed 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 experiences. Themed versions cater to various franchise fans, and XXL versions provide larger cards for better visibility. Check for deals to find these games at great prices.