Codenames

Codenames is a popular party game in which two teams compete as enemy spy networks, aiming to contact all their own secret agents. This award-winning game is celebrated for its simple mechanics that demand player concentration, yet it remains highly enjoyable to play.

How to play Codenames

The Pathfinder game follows tactical tabletop gaming, where you will get to tell heroic stories in a world of monsters, magic and treasures. The core mechanics rely on a simple 3-action system:

Two teams must group as field operatives to be the first to identify all 15 top-secret agents, using the one-word clues from the team spymaster!
You’ll need to gather four or more friends or family to play, with at least 2 players per team.
To get your Codenames game started, you’ll need to place 25 of the Codenames cards in a 5x5 grid, with the words facing up
Select a key card and place it so only the spymasters can see it, choose which team will start the game, and get ready to play!

Play the Codenames your way

The creators of the iconic Codenames board game have also considered how people might want to play it in a smaller group. Introducing Codenames Duet - all of the fun of Codenames but in a simple two- player format for when it’s just the pair of you. Codenames Duet features the same core word-association gameplay: work together to identify all agents while being mindful of the merciless time limit, which is certainly not on your side! You can also enjoy several other Codenames versions, including Codenames Pictures, Codenames XXL and Codenames Back To Hogwarts.

Want to play in a smaller group?

Codenames: Duet

A party game of wordplay and deduction!

Codenames XXL

Inspired by the Wizarding World

Back to Hogwarts

Decode clues & trust your instincts

Codenames: Pictures

Codenames FAQs

How many people do I need to play the Codenames board game?

The game is best played with 4 or more people, with 2 players per team. Check out Codenames Duet if you’re looking for a two-player version of this addictive game.

What is the age rating of Codenames?

The official age rating for the Codenames game is 14+, although it is often played by people aged 10 and above.

Is Codenames a good game to play at a party?

Yes, Codenames is the ideal party board game, bringing friendly competitive fun to the evening

Are the Codenames rules the same for different versions and expansions?

The core rules remain the same across Codenames versions, except for specific ones like Pictures or Duet, which is a reconstructed version designed for 2 players only.

Codenames

How to play Codenames