Tabletop Triumph: Ultimate Guide to "Codenames"

Codenames: A Comprehensive Guide to the Word Association Game

Codenames' simple rules and quick playtime have made it a top party game choice. Unlike many games limited to a few players, Codenames shines with four or more. Beyond the original, several versions cater to different group sizes and preferences, including a cooperative two-player variant, Codenames: Duet.

Navigating the various Codenames releases can be tricky. This guide clarifies the differences, noting that each version retains the core gameplay with minor adjustments. Some are better suited for younger players, while others offer themed experiences based on popular franchises like Marvel, Disney, and Harry Potter.

The Core Experience: Codenames

Codenames

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

Two teams compete, each selecting a spymaster. The spymasters view a key card revealing the locations of their team's spies (nine per team) and an assassin card on a 5x5 grid of codenames. Spymasters provide one-word clues to help their teammates identify 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 clue precision with the number of codenames to guess. Optimal player count is four or more.

Codenames Variations: Spin-offs and Expansions

Codenames: Duet

• MSRP: $24.95 USD
• Age: 11+
• Players: 2
• Playtime: 15 mins

A cooperative two-player version. Both players act as spymasters, using different sides of a shared key card to guide each other toward their 15 shared spies, avoiding three assassin cards. Includes 200 new cards compatible with the base game.

Codenames: Pictures

• MSRP: $24.95 USD
• Age: 10+
• Players: 2-8
• Playtime: 15 mins

Replaces words with images, broadening descriptive possibilities and potentially lowering the age requirement. Uses a 5x4 grid and is otherwise identical to the base game. Cards can be mixed with the original version.

Codenames: Disney Family Edition

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

A family-friendly version with Disney-themed words and images. Double-sided cards allow play with words, images, or a combination. Includes an easier 4x4 mode without the assassin card.

Codenames: Marvel Edition

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

Marvel-themed words and images. Teams are S.H.I.E.L.D. and HYDRA. Plays like the base game or Codenames: Pictures.

Codenames: Harry Potter

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

A cooperative two-player game similar to Codenames: Duet, featuring Harry Potter-themed words and images.

Larger Card Versions: XXL Editions

All three core versions (Codenames, Duet, and Pictures) have XXL editions with double-sized cards for better visibility.

Online Play

A free online version is available, allowing for remote play with friends. A mobile app is planned for future release.

Discontinued Versions

Some past versions, like Codenames: Deep Undercover (an adult version) and Codenames: The Simpsons Family Edition, are no longer in print but may be available secondhand.

Conclusion

Codenames is a highly-regarded party game, easily learned and played quickly. While best with four or more players, the Duet and Harry Potter versions cater to smaller groups. Themed editions and XXL versions provide further variety. Many versions are often available below MSRP at various retailers.