Codenames: Ultimate Buying Guide and Variants

Codenames has quickly established itself as one of the best party board games thanks to its easy-to-learn rules and fast-paced gameplay. Unlike many games that falter with larger groups, Codenames thrives with four or more players. Yet, the creators at Czech Games Edition didn't stop there; they expanded the Codenames universe with Codenames: Duet, a cooperative version tailored for two players.

Navigating through the myriad of Codenames spin-offs and re-releases can be daunting. This guide aims to simplify that process, highlighting that no matter where you start, you're in for a treat. Each version maintains the core gameplay with slight variations, catering to different age groups and interests, including themed editions like Marvel, Disney, and Harry Potter.

The Base Game

Codenames

### Codenames

30See it at AmazonMSRP: $24.99 USD

Age: 10+Players: 2-8Play Time: 15 mins

In Codenames, players divide into two teams and arrange 25 codename cards in a 5x5 grid. Each team selects a spymaster who provides one-word clues based on a secret key card visible only to them, guiding their team to uncover their nine spies. The challenge lies in crafting clues precise enough to direct your team to the right spies without inadvertently helping the opponents or hitting the assassin card, which results in an instant loss. The game's brilliance is in the strategic choice of how many cards to guess based on the clue's breadth. Though designed for 2-8 players, Codenames truly shines with four or more, but there's a two-player version for those cozy game nights.

Codenames Spin-offs

Codenames Duet

### Codenames: Duet

8See it at AmazonMSRP: $24.95 USD

Age: 11+Players: 2Play Time: 15 mins

Codenames: Duet shifts the gameplay to a cooperative model where both players take turns as the spymaster, aiming to reveal 15 spies without triggering any of the three assassin cards. While the original Codenames is perfect for parties, Duet brings the same engaging gameplay to pairs. It's a standalone game, but also enriches the base game with 200 new cards. For other great two-player options, check out our best two-player board games and board games for couples.

Codenames: Pictures

### Codenames: Pictures

0See it at WalmartMSRP: $24.95 USD

Age: 10+Players: 2-8Play Time: 15 mins

Codenames: Pictures swaps words for images, broadening the scope for clues and potentially lowering the age barrier. The game uses a 5x4 grid but otherwise follows the original's rules. It's also possible to mix picture and word cards for a more complex experience. For younger players, see our recommendations for the best board games for kids.

Codenames: Disney Family Edition

### Codenames: Disney Family Edition

0See it at Barnes & NobleMSRP: $24.99 USD

Age: 8+Players: 2-8Play Time:

Codenames: Disney Family Edition immerses players in the world of Disney with cards featuring both words and images. It offers a 4x4 grid mode without an assassin card, making it more accessible for younger players and newcomers. The versatility to play like the original, Pictures, or a mix of both adds to its family-friendly appeal.

Codenames: Marvel Edition

### Codenames: Marvel Edition

0See it at WalmartMSRP: $24.99 USD

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

Codenames: Marvel Edition brings the Marvel Universe into play, with teams represented by S.H.I.E.L.D. and HYDRA. It maintains the core mechanics of the base game or Pictures, depending on the card side used, and offers a thrilling experience for Marvel enthusiasts.

Codenames: Harry Potter

### Codenames: Harry Potter

0See it at WalmartMSRP: $24.99 USD

Age: 11+Players: 2Play Time: 15 mins

Following the cooperative model of Duet, Codenames: Harry Potter invites players into the magical world of Harry Potter. With dual-sided cards featuring words and images, it adds variability to the gameplay, perfect for fans. For more magical fun, explore our best Harry Potter board games.

Other Versions

Codenames: XXL

### Codenames: XXL

0See it at AmazonMSRP: $39.95 USD

Codenames: XXL is the base game with larger cards for better visibility, ideal for those who may struggle with smaller print. It's a thoughtful option for accessibility without altering the gameplay.

Codenames: Duet XXL

### Codenames: Duet XXL

0See it at AmazonMSRP: $39.95 USD

Similarly, Codenames: Duet XXL offers the cooperative experience with larger cards, ensuring everyone can enjoy the game comfortably.

Codenames: Pictures XXL

### Codenames: Pictures XXL

0See it at Tabletop MerchantMSRP: $39.95 USD

Codenames: Pictures XXL brings the image-based version to a larger scale, perfect for those who prefer bigger cards.

How to Play Codenames Online

### Play Codenames Online

0See it at Codenames

Czech Games Edition offers a free online version of Codenames, allowing players to connect and play from anywhere. It's a fantastic option for remote gaming, especially when paired with communication tools like Discord. An app version for iOS and Android is also in the works.

Discontinued Versions

Some Codenames editions have been discontinued, such as Codenames: Deep Undercover, an adult-themed version, and Codenames: The Simpsons Family Edition. While no longer in production, they can still be found through secondary markets.

Bottom Line

Codenames stands out as a top choice for party games, known for its simplicity and quick playtime. Ideal for groups of four or more, it also caters to two players with Codenames: Duet and the Harry Potter variant. With themed editions for various interests and XXL versions for accessibility, there's a Codenames for everyone. For more family fun, check out our best family board games. And don't miss out on great deals; bookmark our board game deals page to stay updated on discounts at retailers like Amazon and Target.