Researched
Czech Games Edition Codenames (2025 Edition)
A team word-clue party game for 4 to 8 or more players that takes about 15 minutes.
$24.99 at Czech Games Edition · Price checked Oct 6
Prices at other stores may differ · Links go to the retailer
Our verdict
Key details
- Ages 10+
- Small parts
- Games & puzzles
- Czech Games Edition
- Available
More info
- Players: 4–8+ (per CGE)
- Play time: About 15 minutes
- Word cards: 200 cards with 400 codenames
- Key cards: 40
- Tiles: 16 agents, 1 double agent, 7 bystanders, 1 assassin
- Card stand: RE-Wood
- Designer: Vlaada Chvátil
- Item number: CGE00125
- Age (CGE): 10+
Best for and who should skip it
Best for
- Teen groups of four to eight who want a fast game to start a night
- Mixed-age family gatherings where rules need to be short
- Players who enjoy word links and reading how friends think
Skip it if
- You mostly play with two or three people
- You already own the first edition; owners say changes are small
- Your group dislikes word games or long pauses while clues are made
What we like and what to keep in mind
What we like
- Rules take minutes to teach, according to owners
- Everyone stays involved, even on the other team's turn
- 200 double-sided word cards give 400 codenames
Keep in mind
- Works better with larger groups than with three or four players
- Little changed from the first edition, per BGG owners
- Spymaster turns can slow down while clues are worked out
How we reviewed it
What owners say.
- 1 positive
- 2 mixed
Paraphrased from public owner reviews. Each one links to where it was posted.
After 100 plays since 2015, finds it clever at linking words while dodging others, and says it plays well with 8 people and fine with 6. It now comes out less often because smaller groups pick other word games.
Learned and taught it within minutes and says players stay involved whether or not it is their turn. Notes that a few edge-case clue rules sit late in the rulebook and the bystander card art confused a new player.
Asked about upgrading from the first edition, an owner says the differences are small: refreshed art and box, a revised rulebook and a few changed words, so they see no reason to upgrade.
Sources.
What we read for this review, and when we last checked it.
- 01 Czech Games Edition. CODENAMES
- 02 Czech Games Edition. CODENAMES (US store)
- 03 BoardGameGeek. So is it worth the upgrade?
- 04 BoardGameGeek. 100 Plays Review - Codenames
How it compares.
This toy next to the alternatives we suggest, using the maker’s details.
| Detail |
This reviewCzech Games Edition Codenames (2025 Edition)
|
Stonemaier Games Wingspan
|
Ravensburger Pokémon Eevee and Park 1000-Piece Puzzle 12002033
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $24.99 | $55 | $29.99 |
| Maker’s age | Ages 10+ | Ages 10+ | Ages 14+ |
| Category | Games & puzzles | Games & puzzles | Games & puzzles |
| Pieces | – | – | 1000 |
| Good for | Teen groups and family game nights | Teens moving into strategy board games | Pokémon fans ready for a 1000-piece puzzle |
| Stock | Available | Available | Available |
Prices are the list prices we saw on the maker’s site and change often.
