Ranking the Codenames Games

5 min reading time

Codenames has become a staple in modern board gaming, thanks to its clever blend of deduction, communication, and team play. Designed by Vlaada Chvátil and originally published in 2015, the franchise has expanded into multiple editions, each with a unique spin on the original formula.

We’ve played them all—and here’s how we rank the main Codenames titles, from the timeless classic to the more divisive entries.

🥄 5. Codenames: Deep Undercover (Adult Edition)

Best for: Adult-only groups
Players: 4–8+
Gameplay Time: 15–30 minutes

What’s different:
Same mechanics as the original, but the word list is full of sexual implications, profanity, and mature themes. Marketed as 18+, it pushes boundaries—but not always in a clever way.

Pros:

Can be hilarious in the right company
Might be good for ice-breaking

Cons:

Loses the clever wordplay of the original
Narrow appeal
Crude without adding depth

Verdict: A one-joke variant that lacks the charm, creativity, and class of the rest. Would only work in a very specific group.

🟰 4. Codenames: Harry Potter / Marvel / Disney

Best for: Fans of each franchise, younger players, family game night
Players: 2–8+
Gameplay Time: 15–30 minutes

What’s different:
These are themed versions of either the original or Duet ruleset (e.g., Harry Potter uses the Duet format), featuring characters, items, and locations from each franchise. Word cards are replaced with names or images relevant to the theme.

Pros:

Great for fans of the franchise
Easier entry point for younger or casual players
Fun visuals and thematic immersion

Cons:

Gameplay depth is often reduced
Less replayable if you're not a fan
Some cards can be obscure unless you know the universe well
Ultimately, the limition of its theme is it biggest cons but if you are fan of any of those franchises it can go as high as number one in your private ranking!

Verdict: Fun and accessible, especially for families and fans—but not essential if you already own the base game.

🥉 3. Codenames: Duet

Best for: Couples, 2-player game fans
Players: 2 (or co-op in small groups)
Gameplay Time: ~30 minutes

What’s different:
This cooperative version transforms the game into a challenging puzzle for two players. Players give clues to help each other find 15 agents before running out of turns or triggering an assassin. Each player sees only part of the full solution.

Pros:

Designed for two players
Excellent depth and tension
An optional campaign adds variety

Cons:

Can be brain-burning
Misses the social dynamic of team play

Verdict: Best for those who love strategic cooperation and enjoy a challenge.

🥈 2. Codenames: Pictures

Best for: Visual thinkers, families, kids
Players: 2–8+
Gameplay Time: 15–30 minutes

What’s different:
Word cards are swapped for quirky, abstract images. Gameplay remains the same, but your clues now have to connect drawings—sometimes surreal or whimsical.

Pros:

Easier for non-native speakers
Great with children
Stimulates different thinking

Cons:

Interpretations can be wildly inconsistent
Slightly less tactical than the word version

Verdict: A strong variant, especially for visual learners or younger audiences.

🥇 1. Codenames (Original)

Best for: Game nights, families, casual and hardcore gamers alike
Players: 2–8+
Gameplay Time: 15–30 minutes

Why it’s #1:
The original game is perfectly balanced—simple rules, deep gameplay, and tons of replayability. Two teams race to guess words tied to their agents while avoiding the Assassin. It’s clever, tense, and incredibly fun.

Pros: