Codenames: Ultimate Buyer's Guide for Expansions

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. However, the developers didn't stop there; they've expanded the Codenames universe with various versions, including the cooperative Codenames: Duet for two players.

Navigating the different Codenames releases can be challenging. This guide provides an overview of the various versions, highlighting their key differences. It's worth noting that there's no truly "wrong" starting point; the core gameplay remains consistent across iterations, with minor variations in theme, player count, and age appropriateness.

The Core Experience: Codenames

Codenames

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

The game involves two teams, each with a spymaster who provides one-word clues to help their teammates identify their secret agents (codenames) on a 5x5 grid. The challenge lies in crafting clues that only point to the correct agents, avoiding those belonging to the opposing team or the assassin. Spymasters choose the number of agents their team attempts to guess, balancing risk and reward.

While playable with 2-8 players, Codenames shines with even-numbered groups of four or more.

Expanding the Universe: Codenames Spin-offs

Codenames: Duet

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

Codenames: Duet offers a cooperative experience for two players. Both players act as spymasters, using a shared key card to guide their teammate in identifying their agents without encountering the assassin cards. It includes 200 new cards compatible with the base game and stands alone as a complete experience.

Codenames: Pictures

• MSRP: $24.95 USD
• Age: 10+
• Players: 2-8
• Playtime: 15 mins

This version replaces words with images, offering a visually engaging alternative. The imagery expands descriptive possibilities and may be more accessible to younger players. It's a standalone game but its cards are compatible with the original.

Codenames: Disney Family Edition

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

This themed edition features words and images from Disney films. Cards are double-sided, allowing for gameplay similar to the original or Codenames: Pictures. It includes a simplified 4x4 grid mode without an assassin card for easier play.

Codenames: Marvel Edition

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

This Marvel-themed version uses images and words from the Marvel universe. Teams represent 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

This cooperative two-player game follows the Duet gameplay, using images and words from the Harry Potter universe.

Larger-Than-Life: XXL Versions

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

These versions feature oversized cards, ideal for players with visual impairments. They are otherwise identical to their standard-sized counterparts.

Digital Delights: Online Play

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

Discontinued Versions

Several Codenames versions are no longer in print, including adult-themed editions and themed versions like Codenames: The Simpsons Family Edition.

Conclusion

Codenames is a versatile and engaging party game suitable for various group sizes and preferences. The diverse range of versions caters to different age groups and thematic interests, ensuring there's a Codenames experience for everyone.