"Codenames: Ultimate Buying Guide & Spin-Offs"

Due to its easy-to-teach rules and quick playtime, Codenames has quickly become a recommended choice as one of the best party board games available. While many games in the genre struggle with or don’t even support more than a few players, Codenames thrives with groups of four or more. However, the team behind Codenames didn’t settle with just creating the ultimate party game; they also released several iterations, including Codenames: Duet, a cooperative version designed for just two players.

With the proliferation of various spin-offs and re-releases in the Codenames series, it can be challenging to navigate through them all. That’s why we've put together this comprehensive guide to help you explore the different versions of the game. It's worth noting that with Codenames, there isn't a wrong starting point. Each iteration maintains the core gameplay with minor tweaks, catering to different age groups and interests. Some versions are tailored for younger gamers, others for older, and some feature popular franchises like Marvel, Disney, and Harry Potter, adding a unique twist to the experience.

The Base Game

Codenames

### Codenames

30See it at AmazonMSRP: $24.99 USD

Age: 10+Players: 2-8Play Time: 15 minsEach game of Codenames begins with players forming two teams and placing 25 cards with codenames on them in a five-by-five grid. Teams then choose one spymaster each who will give clues for that game. The rival spymasters sit next to each other and pull a key card that only they can see, which contains the locations of all the spies on a grid representing the 25 cards. The goal of the spymaster is to give one-word clues that will point to as many of their spies as possible. The spymasters take turns giving clues until one team locates all nine of their spies.

The game's simplicity belies its strategic depth, as spymasters must give clues that lead their team to their spies without inadvertently helping the opposition or uncovering the assassin card, which leads to an immediate loss. The beauty of Codenames lies in the spymasters' ability to choose how many codenames their team should attempt to guess, balancing risk and reward. While the box suggests Codenames is for two to eight players, it truly shines with even-numbered groups of four or more. For those looking for a two-player experience, the creators at Czech Games Edition have also developed Codenames: Duet.

Codenames Spin-offs

Codenames Duet

### Codenames: Duet

8See it at AmazonMSRP: $24.95 USD

Age: 11+Players: 2Play Time: 15 minsCodenames: Duet shifts the gameplay to a cooperative format where both players take turns as the spymaster, guiding their partner to uncover 15 spies without triggering any of the three assassin cards. This version maintains the addictive core mechanics of the original but is designed for two players. Additionally, it comes with 200 new cards compatible with the base game, making it a versatile addition to your collection. As a standalone product, you don't need the original to enjoy Codenames: Duet. For more great two-player games, check out our recommendations for the best two-player board games and the best board games for couples.

Codenames: Pictures

### Codenames: Pictures

0See it at WalmartMSRP: $24.95 USD

Age: 10+Players: 2-8Play Time: 15 minsCodenames: Pictures introduces images in place of words, expanding the possibilities for clues and lowering the age requirement. This version maintains the core gameplay of the original but uses a five-by-four grid. Players can mix picture and word cards for a more challenging experience. Codenames: Pictures is a standalone game that doesn't require other versions. For more games suitable for younger players, see our picks 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 brings the magic of Disney to the table with cards featuring words and images from beloved animated films. This version offers flexibility, allowing players to use words, images, or both. It also includes a more accessible four-by-four grid mode without an assassin card, making it perfect for younger players and newcomers.

Codenames: Marvel Edition

### Codenames: Marvel Edition

0See it at WalmartMSRP: $24.99 USD

Age: 9+Players: 2-8Play Time: 15 minsCodenames: Marvel Edition brings the excitement of the Marvel Universe to the game, with teams represented by S.H.I.E.L.D. and HYDRA. The gameplay remains consistent with the base game or Codenames: Pictures, depending on whether you use the word or image sides of the cards.

Codenames: Harry Potter

### Codenames: Harry Potter

0See it at WalmartMSRP: $24.99 USD

Age: 11+Players: 2Play Time: 15 minsCodenames: Harry Potter adapts the cooperative gameplay of Duet into the magical world of Harry Potter. With cards featuring both images and words, this version adds variety to the cooperative experience. For more magical games, see our list of the best Harry Potter board games.

Other Versions

Codenames: XXL

### Codenames: XXL

0See it at AmazonMSRP: $39.95 USD

Codenames: XXL is simply the base game with larger cards, designed for better visibility and accessibility. While the original cards are sufficiently large, the XXL version caters to those who may need larger text.

Codenames: Duet XXL

### Codenames: Duet XXL

0See it at AmazonMSRP: $39.95 USD

Codenames: Duet XXL follows the same principle, offering the cooperative game with larger cards for enhanced readability.

Codenames: Pictures XXL

### Codenames: Pictures XXL

0See it at Tabletop MerchantMSRP: $39.95 USD

Codenames: Pictures XXL provides the image-based gameplay with larger cards, ensuring everyone at the table can enjoy the game comfortably.

How to Play Codenames Online

### Play Codenames Online

0See it at CodenamesCzech Games Edition offers a free online version of Codenames, allowing players to join rooms or invite friends. While it may lack the in-person interaction, it's a fantastic option for remote play, especially when paired with communication tools like Discord. An app version for iOS and Android is also in the works.

Discontinued Versions

Several iterations of Codenames have been discontinued, including Codenames: Deep Undercover, an adult-themed version with mature content, and Codenames: The Simpsons Family Edition, which is themed around the iconic TV show. While no longer in print, these games can still be found through secondhand sellers.

Bottom Line

Codenames stands out as one of the best party games on the market, with its easy-to-learn rules and quick 15-minute playtime. It's ideally suited for groups of four or more, though Codenames: Duet and the Harry Potter variant offer excellent options for two players. Themed versions cater to fans of various franchises, and the XXL editions ensure accessibility for all.

Explore more great games for all ages in our recommendations for the best family board games. Many of the titles listed above are available at discounts well below MSRP at retailers like Amazon and Target. Be sure to visit our board game deals page to snag great deals on your next purchase.