One-word clues, hidden agents, and one card that ends the game instantly.
Vibe's take
Clever, social, electrically tense.
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.
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.
Players
Duration
15 min
Ages 10+
Complexity
1.3 / 5 — Very LightBGG 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
Sounds like your kind of game?
One-word clues, hidden agents, and one card that ends the game instantly.
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