What is Codenames Online?
Codenames Online is the official web version of Codenames, the 2015 word party game designed by Vlaada Chvatil and published by Czech Games Edition (CGE). It launched as a free browser game and became a go-to for remote game nights during the pandemic, because all you need to do is send a link.
The rules match the board game. Two teams each have a spymaster who can see which words on a 5 by 5 grid belong to their side. The spymaster gives a one-word clue and a number, and their teammates try to pick the right words without touching the other team's agents or the assassin. CGE says a room can hold up to 64 players, and the site also offers Codenames Duet for two players working together, custom word lists and a daily challenge.
What You Can Do
- Create a private room and invite friends with one link
- Play the classic two-team game or cooperative Codenames Duet
- Use the original word list or add your own custom words
- Try the daily Codenames challenge
- Play in many languages with no download
How to Play Codenames Online
- Go to codenames.game and enter a nickname.
- Create a room and share the link with your group.
- Split into two teams and pick a spymaster for each.
- Take turns giving one-word clues and guessing until a team finds all its agents.
Is Codenames Online Free?
Codenames Online in the browser is free with no account required. CGE sells a separate Codenames mobile app, but you do not need it to play here.
Who Will Enjoy It?
- Friends and families planning a remote game night
- Teams looking for an easy icebreaker on a video call
- Board game fans who already love Codenames
- Word game players who like clever clue-giving
Websites Like Codenames Online
- Skribbl.io: Another free browser party game for groups, built around drawing.
- Lichess: Free head-to-head play with a friend, for chess instead of words.
- Semantris: Word-association play powered by Google's semantic AI.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Codenames Online free?
Yes. The official browser version at codenames.game is free with no sign-up. Only the separate mobile app is paid.
How many people can play Codenames Online?
CGE says a session can hold up to 64 players, and Duet mode works for two.
Do I need to download anything?
No. It runs in your browser, so you just share the room link.