Codenames Duet (2025 Edition)

A cooperative thrill — bring the spy‑game home, just for two (or more)

If you love word games, teamwork and a bit of tension, Codenames: Duet (2025 Edition) is the perfect pick. In this version, you’re not competing — you and your partner are secret agents working together to root out hidden contacts before time runs out.

What is it

Codenames: Duet is a cooperative word‑association game originally built on the concept of the classic Codenames — but adapted for two players (or small groups). Each round, players give each other one‑word clues (plus a number) and try to guess words on a shared 5×5 grid, working against a hidden key that marks which words are their “agents,” which are innocent bystanders — and which are deadly “assassins.” The goal: uncover all 15 secret agents without triggering an assassin before your turns run out.

What’s new in the 2025 Edition

• Refreshed word list — updated vocabulary to keep things fresh and surprising, whether you’re a first‑time operative or a seasoned veteran.
• Polished new art & design — updated visuals and layout give the game a clean, modern look.
• Streamlined rulebook & better components — easier to learn and quicker to teach to new players, with improved box insert for neat storage.
• All‑in co‑op dynamic — more focused on collaboration, communication and shared suspense than on competition.

Why you’ll love it

• Perfect for 2 players (also works with more) — ideal for couples, friends, or small game nights when you don’t have a full group.
• Tense and cooperative — the hidden key and shared stakes make every clue and guess meaningful; you’re in it together.
• Quick & replayable — around 15 minutes per game; with many word combinations and fresh challenges every round.
• Accessible but thoughtful — easy to grasp even for newcomers, yet rewarding for players who enjoy lateral thinking, word‑play and subtle deduction.

 What’s in the box

• 25 word cards to create a 5×5 grid for each session
• A double‑sided key card (with a stand) — each player sees only their side (agents, innocents, assassins)
• Agent tokens (for 15 agents total), bystander tokens, assassin token — to mark revealed cards
• Timer / “time‑bank” tokens (typically 9, with optional extras for easier play)
• A rulebook — freshly updated for the 2025 edition with clear, streamlined instructions

Final thoughts

Codenames: Duet (2025 Edition) takes everything great about the original word‑association/bluffing game and flips it: instead of teams against each other, you and your partner face a shared challenge. It’s clever, tense, quick — and endlessly replayable. Whether you’re new to Codenames or a longtime fan, this 2025 edition offers a polished, cooperative experience that hits that sweet spot between challenge and fun.