Codenames: Pictures
Codenames with strange drawings in place of words.
What it is
Two spymasters give one-word clues to lead their teams to the right cards on a grid of 20 odd pictures, while steering clear of the one that ends the game. Each image holds several ideas, so a single clue can reach further than you expect. Vlaada Chvátil designed it for Czech Games Edition in 2016, and a refreshed edition arrived in late 2025. A good pick for families and friends who want Codenames with less reading.
What we love
- No words on the cards, which helps younger players join in
- Mash-up pictures give clue-givers more angles than single words
- About 15 minutes a game, so a rematch is an easy yes
Honest trade-offs
- Spymasters feel the pressure and can take a long time over a clue
- Czech Games Edition now lists it for 4 to 8 or more players
AI summary of player sentiment
Across the tables we polled, players consistently praise the game's approachability and pacing. The most common complaint is spymasters feel the pressure and can take a long time over a clue.
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Content advisory
No content advisory.
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