Codenames: Ultimate Buying Guide & Expansions

Codenames has rapidly become a favorite party board game, praised for its simple rules and quick playtime. 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 simplifies things. While each version 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 starts with two teams, each choosing a spymaster. 25 codenames are arranged in a 5x5 grid. Spymasters secretly see a key card revealing their team's spies. The spymaster gives one-word clues to help their team guess their nine spies. The challenge lies in giving clues that only point to their own team's words, avoiding the assassin card which results in an immediate loss. Spymasters choose how many words their team attempts to guess, balancing risk and reward. While playable with 2-8 players, it shines with 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 the same key card to guide each other. The goal is to uncover 15 spies without hitting an assassin card. It's a standalone game with 200 new cards also compatible with the original.

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 similarly to the original, using a 5x4 grid, and cards can be mixed with the word version for varied gameplay. 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 like the original or Pictures version, or a mix of both. It offers an easier 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, with teams represented by S.H.I.E.L.D. and HYDRA. Gameplay mirrors 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, using 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 for better visibility.

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

A free online version is available from Czech Games Edition, allowing online play with friends.

Discontinued Versions

Some versions, like Codenames: Deep Undercover (an adult version) and Codenames: The Simpsons Family Edition, are no longer in print but may be available secondhand.

Bottom Line

Codenames is a fantastic party game, easy to learn and quick to play. While best with four or more players, Duet and the Harry Potter version offer great two-player options. Themed versions and XXL versions provide additional choices for various preferences.