Codenames has rapidly become a favorite party board game, praised for its simple rules and quick playtime. Unlike many games that struggle with larger player counts, Codenames thrives 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 spin-offs can be tricky. This guide helps you understand the different versions. While each iteration offers minor variations, the core gameplay remains consistent. Some versions cater to younger players, others to older ones, and many 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 choosing 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. The challenge lies in giving clues that only lead to their own team's words, avoiding the assassin and the opposing team's words. The first team to identify all their spies wins.
While playable with 2-8 players, Codenames 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 identify 15 spies without hitting an assassin card. It includes 200 new cards compatible with the base game, and is a standalone 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 plays similarly to the original, using a 5x4 grid, and its cards are compatible with the original game. This is also a standalone game.
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 play like the original or Pictures version, or a mix of both. It includes a simpler 4x4 grid mode without an assassin card, making it more accessible 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 Marvel characters and themes. 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, using Harry Potter themes and featuring both images and words.
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 for online play with friends.
Discontinued Versions
Some 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 cater to various franchise fans, and XXL versions provide larger cards for better readability.
Check out our recommendations for the best family board games and our board game deals page for great savings.
