Codenames: Board Game Buying Guide and Spin-Offs

Codenames has swiftly become a favorite party board game, thanks to its simple rules and quick playtime. Unlike many games that struggle with larger groups, Codenames shines 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. 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 starts with two teams, each selecting a spymaster. 25 codenames are arranged in a five-by-five 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. The challenge lies in giving clues that only lead to their own team's codenames, avoiding the assassin and the opponent's codenames. The number of codenames to guess is determined by the spymaster, balancing risk and reward. The first team to identify all their spies wins.

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 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 (three total). 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 replaces words with images, offering more descriptive possibilities and potentially lowering the age requirement. It uses a five-by-four grid and plays similarly to the original; cards can even be mixed with the word version for a unique experience.

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 for word-only, image-only, or mixed gameplay. It also offers a simpler four-by-four grid mode without an assassin card for younger players.

Codenames: Marvel Edition

See it at Walmart
MSRP: $24.99 USD

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

Codenames: Marvel Edition uses images and words from the Marvel universe. Teams are represented by 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, similar to Duet, featuring 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

A free online version of Codenames is available, allowing for online play with friends.

Discontinued Versions

Several Codenames versions are no longer in print, including Codenames: Deep Undercover (an adult 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 offer great two-player experiences. 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.