Codenames has quickly become a favorite party board game, praised for its easy-to-learn rules and fast-paced 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, highlighting their unique features. While each iteration shares the core gameplay, subtle differences cater to different age groups and preferences. Some versions 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. 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. Spymasters take turns giving one-word clues to help their team identify their spies. The challenge lies in giving clues that are specific enough to guide their team but vague enough to avoid revealing the assassin or the opposing team's spies. The first team to identify all their spies wins.
While playable with 2-8 players, Codenames shines with even-numbered groups of four or more.
Codenames Spin-offs
Codenames: Duet
See it at Amazon
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 goal is to identify fifteen spies without encountering the three assassin cards.
Codenames: Duet includes 200 new cards compatible with the original game and is a standalone game.
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, broadening descriptive possibilities and potentially lowering the age requirement. It uses a five-by-four grid and is otherwise identical to the original game. Cards can be mixed with the original Codenames cards.
Codenames: Disney Family Edition
See it at Barnes & Noble
MSRP: $24.99 USD
Age: 8+
Players: 2-8
Play Time: 15 mins
Codenames: Disney Family Edition features words and images from Disney films. Double-sided cards allow for gameplay similar to the original or Codenames: Pictures, or a combination of both. A simplified four-by-four grid mode without an assassin card is included for younger players.
Codenames: Marvel Edition
See it at Walmart
MSRP: $24.99 USD
Age: 9+
Players: 2-8
Play Time: 15 mins
Codenames: Marvel Edition uses Marvel characters and themes. Teams are represented by S.H.I.E.L.D. and HYDRA. Gameplay mirrors the original or Codenames: Pictures.
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, following the Duet gameplay. Cards feature both images and words.
Other Versions
Codenames: XXL
See it at Amazon
MSRP: $39.95 USD
Identical to the base game, but with larger cards.
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
A free online version of Codenames is available, allowing for online play with friends.
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 with four or more players, Codenames: Duet and the Harry Potter version provide excellent two-player options. Themed versions and XXL versions offer additional choices. Check for deals at Amazon and Target.
See our recommendations for the best family board games and our board game deals page.
