game profile

Codenames

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BGG · boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/178900

Codenames is a very light game (weight 1/10). Despite the modest rules footprint, the decision space is deep (4/10) — the kind of game that rewards a dozen plays. Decisions come at a steady pace (5/10) — engaged without being exhausting. Interaction is maxed (9/10) — every turn shapes what your opponents can do. Direct attacks are minimal (3/10) — the friction comes from contention, not aggression. Some negotiation matters (negotiation 5/10).

Of every game in our catalog, Codenames is closest to Wavelength (94% profile match) but scores higher on depth (4 vs. 3).

WeightDepthDensityInteractionConflictNegotiationInputOutputCatch-upThemeEngineNarrative
Solo0/10
Fiddly1/10
Players
6P7P8P4P5P1P2P3P

The 12-axis profile

Every score is on a 0–10 scale. The rubric and methodology behind these numbers is documented in the README.

Thinking

how much brainwork?
Weight
1
Depth
4
Density
5

Codenames is a very light game (weight 1/10). Despite the modest rules footprint, the decision space is deep (4/10) — the kind of game that rewards a dozen plays. Decisions come at a steady pace (5/10) — engaged without being exhausting.

Interaction

how multiplayer is the multiplayer?
Interaction
9
Conflict
3
Negotiation
5

Interaction is maxed (9/10) — every turn shapes what your opponents can do. Direct attacks are minimal (3/10) — the friction comes from contention, not aggression. Some negotiation matters (negotiation 5/10).

Luck

where does luck live?
Input
7
Output
4
Catch-up
4

Most variance is input randomness (7/10): luck arrives before your decision and you plan around it. Catch-up is moderate (4/10).

Experience

how does it feel?
Theme
1
Engine
0
Narrative
1

The theme is pasted on (1/10) — you're really there for the systems. Tempo is steady (engine 0/10) — no big-payoff combo turns.

Most variance is input randomness (7/10): luck arrives before your decision and you plan around it. Catch-up is moderate (4/10).

The theme is pasted on (1/10) — you're really there for the systems. Tempo is steady (engine 0/10) — no big-payoff combo turns.

Games like Codenames

Ranked by weighted Euclidean distance across the 12-axis profile, using the default research-weighted lens. Click any game to see its full profile.

Frequently asked

Answers derived directly from Codenames's 12-axis profile.

Is Codenames good solo?
No — Codenames is a strictly multiplayer experience (solo 0/10).
What player count is Codenames best at?
Codenames is at its best at 6P, 7P, 8P; with 4P, 5P also strong; 1P, 2P, 3P are the weakest counts.
Is Codenames a heavy game?
Codenames is very light (weight 1/10). Rules explained in minutes.
How much luck is there in Codenames?
Codenames has high input luck (7/10) and output luck of 4/10 — most variance arrives before you choose, so good play means adapting to what you're dealt.
Is Codenames confrontational?
Codenames is interactive (9/10) but not aggressive (conflict 3/10) — the contention is over shared resources, not direct attacks.

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