Codenames: Board Game Buying Guide and Spin-Offs

Codenames has swiftly become a top choice among party board games, thanks to its simple rules and quick gameplay. Unlike many games that struggle with larger groups, 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 understand the different versions. It's worth noting that there's no truly "wrong" starting point; the core gameplay remains consistent, with minor variations. Some versions cater better to younger players, others to older, 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 choosing 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 giving clues that only point to their own team's words, avoiding the assassin and the opponent's words. The number of words to guess is part of the strategic decision-making. While the box suggests 2-8 players, it's optimally played 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 is a cooperative two-player version. Both players act as spymasters, using different sides of the same key card to guide each other towards their 15 spies, avoiding three assassin cards. It includes 200 new cards compatible with the base game, but is also a standalone game.

Codenames: Pictures

See it at Walmart
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 original game's word cards. It’s 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 films. Double-sided cards allow play with words, images, or a mix. 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 uses images and words from the Marvel universe, with teams representing S.H.I.E.L.D. and HYDRA. Gameplay is similar to the base game 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 (like 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.

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, allowing for online play with friends.

Discontinued Versions

Some 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, Duet and the Harry Potter version are excellent for two. Themed versions and XXL versions cater to various preferences. Check for deals online!

See our recommendations for the best family board games and our board game deals page for great savings.