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 gameplay. Unlike many games that struggle with larger player counts, Codenames excels with four or more players. Beyond the original, several versions exist, including the cooperative two-player Codenames: Duet. This guide navigates the various Codenames iterations. While each version offers a similar core experience, minor adjustments cater to different age groups and preferences, with some featuring popular franchises like Marvel, Disney, and Harry Potter.

The Core Game: Codenames

Codenames (MSRP: $24.99 USD, Age: 10+, Players: 2-8, Play Time: 15 mins)

Two teams compete, each selecting a spymaster. The spymasters receive a key card revealing the locations of their team's spies (nine per team) among 25 codenames arranged in a 5x5 grid. They take turns giving one-word clues to guide their teammates to identify their spies. The challenge lies in providing clues that only lead to their own spies, avoiding the assassin card (an automatic loss). The number of codenames to guess per clue adds strategic depth. Optimal gameplay occurs with even-numbered groups of four or more.

Codenames Spin-offs

Codenames: Duet

Codenames: Duet (MSRP: $24.95 USD, Age: 11+, Players: 2, Play Time: 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 spies, while avoiding three assassin cards. Includes 200 new cards compatible with the base game.

Codenames: Pictures

Codenames: Pictures (MSRP: $24.95 USD, Age: 10+, Players: 2-8, Play Time: 15 mins)

Replaces words with images, offering broader descriptive possibilities and potentially lowering the age barrier. Plays similarly to the original, using a 5x4 grid. Cards can be mixed with the original game's word cards.

Codenames: Disney Family Edition

Codenames: Disney Family Edition (MSRP: $24.99 USD, Age: 8+, Players: 2-8, Play Time: Varies)

A themed version featuring Disney words and images. Double-sided cards allow for word-only, image-only, or mixed gameplay. Includes an easier 4x4 grid mode without the assassin card.

Codenames: Marvel Edition

Codenames: Marvel Edition (MSRP: $24.99 USD, Age: 9+, Players: 2-8, Play Time: 15 mins)

Features Marvel words and images, with teams representing S.H.I.E.L.D. and HYDRA. Gameplay mirrors the base game or Codenames: Pictures.

Codenames: Harry Potter

Codenames: Harry Potter (MSRP: $24.99 USD, Age: 11+, Players: 2, Play Time: 15 mins)

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

XXL Versions

Larger-card versions (Codenames: XXL, Codenames: Duet XXL, Codenames: Pictures XXL) are available for improved readability.

Online Play

A free online version is available, allowing for remote play.

Discontinued Versions

Several versions, including Codenames: Deep Undercover and Codenames: The Simpsons Family Edition, are no longer in print but may be found secondhand.

Conclusion

Codenames is a highly engaging party game, best suited for four or more players, with excellent two-player options available. The various themed and sized versions cater to a wide range of preferences and ages.