Unveiling Codenames: Essential Guide & Offshoots for Board Game Enthusiasts

Codenames: A Comprehensive Guide to the Word-Association Party Game

Codenames has rapidly gained popularity as a top party board game due to its simple rules and quick playtime. 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 explores the various Codenames iterations. It's worth noting that there's no truly "bad" starting point; variations offer minor tweaks, catering to different age groups and featuring popular franchise themes (Marvel, Disney, Harry Potter).

The Core Game: Codenames

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

Codenames involves two teams, each with a spymaster providing one-word clues to identify their team's agents (codenames) on a 5x5 grid. Spymasters must strategically select clues that avoid the opposing team's agents and the assassin card, which results in an immediate loss. The number of agents to guess adds a layer of risk/reward.

Codenames Spin-offs

Codenames: Duet

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

A cooperative two-player version. Both players act as spymasters, using a shared key card to guide their teammate. The objective is to locate all 15 agents without encountering an assassin card. 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. Plays similarly to the original, with the option to combine word and picture cards.

Codenames: Disney Family Edition

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

A Disney-themed version with double-sided cards (words and images). Offers a simpler 4x4 grid mode without an assassin card for younger players.

Codenames: Marvel Edition

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

A Marvel-themed version with images and words. Teams are represented by S.H.I.E.L.D. and HYDRA. Gameplay mirrors 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 Duet, using images and words from the Harry Potter universe.

XXL Versions

Larger-card versions (Codenames: XXL, Codenames: Duet XXL, Codenames: Pictures XXL) are available for players with visual impairments.

Online Play

A free online version is available through Czech Games Edition, allowing for online play with friends.

Discontinued Versions

Some versions, like Codenames: Deep Undercover (adult-themed) and Codenames: The Simpsons Family Edition, are no longer in print but may be found secondhand.

Conclusion

Codenames is a highly recommended party game, easily taught and played quickly. While best with four or more players, Duet and the Harry Potter version offer excellent two-player experiences. Themed versions and XXL variants cater to various preferences.