Codenames: A Comprehensive Guide to the Word Association Game
Codenames' simple rules and quick playtime have made it a top party game. Unlike many games limiting player counts, Codenames excels with four or more. Beyond the original, several versions cater to different group sizes and preferences. While each iteration shares a core gameplay loop, minor adjustments target various age groups and incorporate popular franchise themes.
The Core Experience: Codenames
Codenames
- MSRP: $24.99 USD
- Age: 10+
- Players: 2-8
- Playtime: 15 mins
Two teams compete, each selecting a spymaster. 25 codenames are arranged in a 5x5 grid. Spymasters view a key card revealing their team's codenames and the assassin. They provide one-word clues to help their team identify their codenames. Guessing incorrectly can reveal opponent codenames or the assassin, leading to an immediate loss. The strategic element lies in balancing clue breadth and the number of guesses, considering the opponent's progress. While playable with 2-8, optimal experience is with even groups 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 experience. Players alternate as spymasters, using a shared key card with different sides for each player. The goal is to uncover 15 codenames without hitting an assassin card (three in this version). 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 barrier. Uses a 5x4 grid. Cards are mixable with the original game's word cards.
Franchised Fun: Themed Editions
Codenames: Disney Family Edition
- MSRP: $24.99 USD
- Age: 8+
- Players: 2-8
- Playtime: Varies
Features Disney words and images, playable as the original or Pictures version due to double-sided cards. Includes an easier 4x4 mode without an 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 (like Duet), using Harry Potter images and words.
Larger-Than-Life: XXL Editions
Codenames: XXL, Codenames: Duet XXL, Codenames: Pictures XXL
All three base game variations with larger cards for better visibility.
Digital Delights: Online Play
A free online version is available, allowing for remote play with friends. A mobile app is planned.
Discontinued Versions
Note that some versions, like Codenames: Deep Undercover (adult themes) and Codenames: The Simpsons Family Edition, are no longer in print but may be found secondhand.
Final Verdict
Codenames offers a versatile and engaging word association experience. The base game shines with larger groups, while Duet and the Harry Potter edition cater to smaller gatherings. Themed editions add franchise-specific fun, and XXL versions improve accessibility. With various options available, there's a Codenames experience for everyone.
