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 playtime. Unlike many games that struggle with larger player counts, Codenames excels with four or more players. Beyond the base game, several iterations exist, including the cooperative two-player version, Codenames: Duet. This guide navigates the various Codenames versions. It's worth noting that there's no truly "wrong" starting point; the core gameplay remains consistent across versions, with minor adjustments for age range, player count, and thematic reskins (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 who provides one-word clues to their teammates. The spymasters use a key card (hidden from the players) to guide their clues, aiming to have their teammates identify their agents (codenames) on a 5x5 grid. The challenge lies in crafting clues that only point to their team's agents, avoiding the assassin card (which results in an immediate loss). The number of agents to guess per clue adds a strategic layer. Optimal player counts are even numbers of four or more.
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 different sides of a shared key card to guide their teammate. The objective is to identify 15 agents without encountering any of the three 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
Codenames: Pictures replaces words with images, broadening descriptive possibilities and potentially lowering the age requirement. It uses a 5x4 grid but otherwise maintains the core gameplay. Cards can be mixed with the original game's word cards.
Codenames: Disney Family Edition
- MSRP: $24.99 USD
- Age: 8+
- Players: 2-8
- Playtime: Varies
This Disney-themed version features words and images from Disney films. It's playable like the original or Pictures, or a combination of both. It also includes a simplified 4x4 mode without an assassin card for younger players.
Codenames: Marvel Edition
- MSRP: $24.99 USD
- Age: 9+
- Players: 2-8
- Playtime: 15 mins
This Marvel-themed version uses Marvel imagery and words. Teams represent S.H.I.E.L.D. and HYDRA. Play 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 both 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 who prefer larger cards.
Online Play
A free online version allows for online play with friends.
Discontinued Versions
Several versions, including Codenames: Deep Undercover (an adult version) and Codenames: The Simpsons Family Edition, are no longer in print but may be available secondhand.
Conclusion
Codenames is a highly enjoyable party game, best suited for groups of four or more. Duet and the Harry Potter version provide excellent two-player options. The themed versions cater to various fan bases, and XXL versions enhance accessibility.
