Codenames: Board Game Buying Guide and Spin-Offs

Codenames: A Comprehensive Guide to the Word Association Game

Codenames has rapidly gained popularity as a top party board game due to its simple rules and fast playtime. Unlike many games that struggle with larger player counts, Codenames excels with four or more players. Beyond the original, several spin-offs exist, including the cooperative two-player version, Codenames: Duet. This guide explores the various Codenames editions. It's worth noting that there's no truly "wrong" starting point; core gameplay remains consistent across versions, with variations primarily affecting player count, age appropriateness, and thematic reskins (Marvel, Disney, Harry Potter).

The Core Game: Codenames

• MSRP: $24.99 USD
• Age: 10+
• Players: 2-8
• Playtime: 15 mins

Codenames involves two teams, each selecting a spymaster. 25 codename cards are arranged in a 5x5 grid. Spymasters view a key card revealing their team's spies (nine per team) and the assassin card. They provide one-word clues to help their team identify their spies. The challenge lies in giving clues that only point to their own team's cards, avoiding the assassin card which results in an immediate loss. Spymasters choose the number of cards their team attempts to guess, balancing risk and reward. Optimal gameplay generally involves even-numbered groups of four or more.

Codenames Spin-offs

Codenames: Duet

• MSRP: $24.95 USD
• Age: 11+
• Players: 2
• Playtime: 15 mins

Codenames: Duet is a cooperative two-player version. Both players act as spymasters, using different sides of a shared key card to guide each other. The goal is to uncover 15 spies without encountering the three assassin cards. It includes 200 new cards compatible with the base game and is a standalone purchase.

Codenames: Pictures

• MSRP: $24.95 USD
• Age: 10+
• Players: 2-8
• Playtime: 15 mins

Codenames: Pictures replaces words with images, offering broader descriptive possibilities and potentially lowering the age requirement. It uses a 5x4 grid and is otherwise identical to the original game; cards can be mixed with the original version.

Codenames: Disney Family Edition

• MSRP: $24.99 USD
• Age: 8+
• Players: 2-8
• Playtime: Varies

The Disney Family Edition uses Disney-themed words and images, offering double-sided cards for word or picture gameplay. It features a simpler 4x4 grid mode without an assassin card, making it more accessible.

Codenames: Marvel Edition

• MSRP: $24.99 USD
• Age: 9+
• Players: 2-8
• Playtime: 15 mins

The Marvel Edition uses Marvel-themed words and images, with teams representing S.H.I.E.L.D. and HYDRA. Gameplay mirrors the base game or Codenames: Pictures, depending on card side selection.

Codenames: Harry Potter

• MSRP: $24.99 USD
• Age: 11+
• Players: 2
• Playtime: 15 mins

Codenames: Harry Potter is a cooperative two-player game similar to Duet, using Harry Potter-themed words and images.

XXL Versions

Codenames: XXL, Codenames: Duet XXL, and Codenames: Pictures XXL are identical to their standard counterparts but feature larger cards for improved visibility.

Online Play

Czech Games Edition offers a free online version of Codenames, allowing for online play with friends or random opponents. A mobile app is planned for future release.

Discontinued Versions

Several Codenames versions are no longer in print, including Codenames: Deep Undercover (an adult-themed version) and Codenames: The Simpsons Family Edition.

Conclusion

Codenames is a highly recommended party game, easily taught and played quickly. While best with four or more players, Duet and the Harry Potter version cater to two-player groups. Themed editions and XXL versions offer diverse options, and many are available at discounted prices.