Codenames: Board Game Buying Guide and Spin-Offs

Codenames: A Comprehensive Guide to the Word Association Game

Codenames' simple rules and quick playtime make it a top party game choice. Unlike many games that struggle with larger player counts, Codenames shines with four or more players. Beyond the original, several versions cater to different group sizes and preferences. While each iteration shares the core gameplay, minor adjustments cater to various age groups and feature popular franchises.

The Core Experience: Codenames

Codenames

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

Two teams compete, each with a Spymaster providing one-word clues to guide their teammates to identify their agents (codenames) on a 5x5 grid. The challenge lies in crafting clues that avoid the opposing team's agents and the assassin. Spymasters choose the number of codenames their team attempts to guess, balancing risk and reward. Optimal player counts are even numbers of four or more.

Codenames Variations: Expanding the Gameplay

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 the same key card to guide each other towards their 15 agents, avoiding 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

Uses images instead of words, broadening descriptive possibilities and potentially lowering the age requirement. Compatible with the base game's word cards for varied gameplay.

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. Offers a simpler 4x4 grid mode without an assassin card. Plays with words, images, or a combination.

Codenames: Marvel Edition

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

Features Marvel characters and imagery. 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 based on the Duet gameplay, using Harry Potter-themed words and images.

Larger-Scale Gameplay: XXL Versions

Codenames: XXL, Codenames: Duet XXL, Codenames: Pictures XXL

These versions offer the same gameplay as their standard counterparts but with larger cards.

Digital Codenames

Czech Games Edition provides a free online version and plans for an app release.

Discontinued Versions

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

Final Thoughts

Codenames is a highly-rated party game, ideal for groups of four or more. The Duet and Harry Potter versions offer excellent two-player experiences. Themed versions cater to specific fanbases, and XXL versions enhance accessibility. With various options available, there's a Codenames experience for everyone.