Codenames: Board Game Buying Guide and Spin-Offs

Codenames has quickly become a favorite party board game, thanks to its simple rules and fast playtime. Unlike many games that struggle with larger groups, Codenames shines 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 will help you understand the different versions. While each iteration 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

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. 25 codenames are arranged in a 5x5 grid. Spymasters secretly view a key card showing the locations 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. Guessing the wrong codename could help the opposing team or trigger an immediate loss by selecting the assassin. The strategic element lies in balancing the risk of broader clues with a higher number of guesses against the opposing team's progress.

While playable with 2-8 players, Codenames truly 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 is a cooperative two-player experience. 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.

Duet offers the same engaging gameplay for two players, also including 200 new cards compatible with the original game. It's a standalone game, not requiring the base 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 uses a 5x4 grid and plays similarly to the original, with the option to mix picture and word 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 animated films. Double-sided cards allow play like the original or Pictures, with a simplified 4x4 grid option and no assassin card for easier gameplay.

Codenames: Marvel Edition

See it at Walmart
MSRP: $24.99 USD

Age: 9+
Players: 2-8
Play Time: 15 mins

The Marvel Edition uses Marvel images and words, with teams represented by S.H.I.E.L.D. and HYDRA. Gameplay mirrors 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 for better visibility.

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 of Codenames, allowing players to join rooms or invite friends. A mobile app is planned for iOS and Android.

Discontinued Versions

Some Codenames versions are no longer in print, including Codenames: Deep Undercover (an adult version) and Codenames: The Simpsons Family Edition. These may still be available from secondhand sellers.

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 great two-player options. Themed versions and XXL versions cater to various preferences and needs.

Check out our recommendations for the best family board games and our board game deals page for great prices.