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 quick playtime. Unlike many party games that struggle with larger player counts, Codenames excels with four or more players. Beyond the original, the creators have expanded the Codenames universe with several spin-offs, including the cooperative two-player version, Codenames: Duet.

Navigating the various Codenames releases can be challenging. This guide will help you understand the different versions, all of which share a similar core gameplay with minor variations. Some are better suited for younger players, others for older, and many feature popular franchise themes like Marvel, Disney, and Harry Potter.

The Core Experience: Codenames

Codenames

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

Codenames involves two teams, each with a spymaster who provides one-word clues to help their team identify their secret agents (codenames) on a 5x5 grid. The challenge lies in giving clues that only your team can understand, avoiding the assassin card which results in an immediate loss. The number of codenames to guess per clue adds a strategic layer. While playable with 2-8 players, optimal gameplay is achieved with even-numbered groups of four or more.

Expanding the Universe: 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 a shared key card to guide each other towards their 15 agents, while avoiding assassin cards. It includes 200 new cards compatible with the original game and stands alone as a complete experience.

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 barrier. It uses a 5x4 grid and is fully compatible with the original word cards.

Codenames: Disney Family Edition

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

This family-friendly version features Disney characters and imagery, with double-sided cards allowing for word or picture gameplay. It offers an easier 4x4 grid mode without an assassin card.

Codenames: Marvel Edition

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

The Marvel Edition uses Marvel characters and themes, with teams represented by S.H.I.E.L.D. and HYDRA. It plays like the base game or Codenames: Pictures, depending on the card side used.

Codenames: Harry Potter

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

This cooperative two-player game follows the Duet gameplay, using Harry Potter imagery and words.

Larger-than-Life: XXL Versions

The XXL versions (Codenames: XXL, Codenames: Duet XXL, Codenames: Pictures XXL) offer the same gameplay as their standard counterparts but with larger cards for improved readability.

Digital Delights: Online Play

Czech Games Edition provides a free online version of Codenames, allowing for online play with friends. A mobile app is also planned.

Discontinued Versions

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

Final Verdict

Codenames is a fantastic party game, easily taught and quickly played. While best for groups of four or more, the Duet and Harry Potter versions cater to two-player groups. The themed and XXL versions offer further variety and accessibility. Many versions are often available below MSRP at various retailers.