Best Board Games for Codenames Players 2026: Top 6 Picks
Codenames players will love these top picks! Each game brings laughs, wordplay, and challenges perfect for fans of clever clues.
Looking for the best board games for codenames players? We’ve all gathered around a table, ready to read each other’s minds and laugh at wild guesses. When building our list, we focused on games that offer clever wordplay, team laughs, and moments that make you shout, ‘What were you thinking?!’ If you love the thrill of giving clues and breaking codes, these picks keep that same energy going strong. No boring rulebooks—just fast setups, fun twists, and easy learning curves. Whether you want creative clues, puzzling traps, or pure chaos, these board games for codenames players will keep your group grinning.
On this list:
6 Decrypto
We picked Decrypto because codenames players will get a kick out of guessing words and sending secret messages. This game had us talking in circles, laughing at our own weird clues. One time, we tried so hard to be subtle we confused ourselves! The challenge is to get your teammates to guess the right code without tipping off the other team. It’s tense but never serious, and it hits that sweet spot between clever and silly. Decrypto offers us plenty of replay value and lets creative clues shine. If you’re a fan of mind games and misdirection, this will tickle your codenames-loving brain every time.
5 Trapwords
Trapwords gives codenames players a new twist. Trying to get your team to guess a word without saying any forbidden clues gets chaotic fast. We kept falling into the traps our friends set, and every round had us groaning and laughing. It’s a lively mix of wordplay, quick thinking, and some sneaky sabotage. Plus, the fantasy theme adds fun flavor—it’s like a party game for folks who like to outsmart each other. If you like being clever and watching your friends squirm, this is a must-try for your group.
4 Just One
Just One is pure fun for codenames players who want to be both clue-giver and guesser. Each round, all but one player writes a one-word hint for a secret word—no repeats allowed! We loved seeing the most obvious clues get canceled out, which forced us to get creative. The best part is when the lone guesser gets the answer right (or hilariously wrong) based on our strange set of words. It’s quick, co-op, and great for groups who want laughs and teamwork with an easy learning curve.
3 CrossTalk
CrossTalk makes codenames players feel like super sleuths. You give clues to your team, but the twist is, the other team hears your first clue. So you need to be clever without giving too much away. This led us to some wild clue-giving strategies and a lot of “Wait, what?” moments. The game kept us on our toes and made us think in new ways about word association and double meanings. Plus, the game scales well for different group sizes, and we always finish wanting to play again.
2 So Clover!
So Clover! is a chill, cooperative game that codenames players will love. You get odd combinations of words and have to link them with clues on a clover-shaped board. Our group found this approachable, but the puzzles get challenging fast when you try to connect odd pairings. We cracked up at the clue connections people made—sometimes genius, sometimes… not. It’s perfect for players who enjoy brainstorming and wordplay but don’t want the stress of competition. Great for all ages and a real conversation starter.
1 Wavelength
Wavelength is hands-down the best for codenames players. We chose this as our top pick because it’s all about tuning into your friends’ brains. The game asks you to guess where to place a target on a spectrum (like “Hot-Cold”), based on the clue giver’s hint. The debate around each answer is the real fun—there’s never a dull moment. Our group got way too into the mind-reading part (and invented a few new grudges along the way). The combination of teamwork, clue-giving, and guessing makes it the ultimate choice for any codenames fan looking for the next big hit.
