Codenames review

Codenames is the best pick for a big group because it splits any number of people into two teams and still plays in about 15 minutes. Two spymasters share a key card that shows which of the 25 word cards are their team's agents, which are innocent bystanders and which one is the assassin. They take turns giving one-word clues followed by a number, and teammates guess one card at a time; touching the assassin ends the game. The 2nd edition from Czech Games Edition revises the word list, adds new art and an insert, and streamlines the rulebook. GameNerdz lists it for 2 to 8 players and ages 14 and up, and sells it for $24.99, the lowest price on this list. The age rating is the main limit: younger children may struggle with the word associations, and the game needs at least four players to shine.

Who it is for

Large groups and parties of up to 8 players

Price

$24.99 at GameNerdz when checked.

$24.99 + FREE SHIPPING
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 12, 2026.

Key features

• 2 to 8 players in two teams, listed at 15 minutes per game
• 25 word cards per game with a key card that shows agents, bystanders and the assassin
• Spymasters give a one-word clue plus a number
• 2nd edition has a revised word list, new art, a new insert and a streamlined rulebook
• Designed by Vlaada Chvátil, published by Czech Games Edition

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Seats up to 8 players, the most on this list
• Strength: Cheapest pick here at $24.99
• Strength: Games are listed at 15 minutes, so groups can play several rounds
• Weakness: Listed for ages 14 and up, so it suits teens and adults more than young kids
• Weakness: Needs at least four people to play the standard team game well
• Weakness: Word clues favor players with a strong English vocabulary

Key facts

• Publisher: Czech Games Edition
• Designer: Vlaada Chvátil
• Players: 2 to 8
• Play time: 15 minutes
• Age: 14+
• Price: $24.99 at GameNerdz

Where it ranks

Codenames is No. 2 in our Best Board Games verdict.