Codenames

One-word clues, hidden agents, and one card that ends the game instantly.

👥 2–8 playersapprox. 15 min🪄 Rules in 5 min10+
7.4 · BGG #161

Who it's for

Any group that enjoys wordplay and deduction — from families to game nights.

Not for you if…

You want individual strategy or dislike word association games.

🦊

Vibe's take

Clever, social, electrically tense.

About this game

Give one-word clues to help your team identify secret agents on a grid of 25 words — without touching the assassin. Codenames is the rare party game that rewards intelligence over luck, and the best clue that links four unrelated words creates genuine moments of genius. Works for almost any group, any time.

Word GameTeamsAny Group Size

Get it

from €21

from €21 · Amazon.deAd · affiliate linkBGG
By the numbers

Players

Best at 6, 8 playersWorks with 4–8

Duration

15 min

Ages 10+

Complexity

1.3 / 5 — Very Light

BGG Rating

7.4/10

Rank #161

103k ratings

Published

2015

Language

Language essential

Designed by

Vlaada Chvátil

Published by

MINDOK, DiceTree Games, Czech Games Edition (CGE), Kaissa Chess & Games, White Goblin Games, Goblin Gaming, Brain Games, Nordic Games ehf, Lex Games, Hobby Japan, Feelindigo, More Fun Co., Ltd., Pridemage Games, Gém Klub Kft., MIPL, Broadway Toys LTD, One Moment Games, Boardgame Space, Enigma (Bergsala Enigma), GaGa Games, SuperHeated Neurons, Rebel Sp. z o.o., Brädspel.se, TWOPLUS Games, Liam Games, Fantasmagoria, Golden Egg Games, Gaming Library, Heidelberger Spieleverlag, Cranio Creations, Ponva d.o.o., Land of Beautiful Mind (سرزمین ذهن زیبا), HeidelBÄR Games, IELLO, Devir, Lautapelit.fi, Cuaca Cerah Games, asmodee

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