Codenames: XXL (New Edition) (EN)

Big Words, Bigger Fun

There's a particular magic to the moment a Spymaster glances across a grid of seemingly unrelated words, spots a connection only they can see, and offers a single cryptic clue. The table leans in. Teammates debate, second-guess, and finally commit — and then either erupt in triumph or groan in collective defeat. Codenames has been producing that moment at game tables around the world for nearly a decade, and this new XXL edition makes sure nobody in the room misses a single word of it.

What It Is

From Czech Games Edition — the publisher behind the Spiel des Jahres-winning original — Codenames is a team-based word game where two Spymasters know the secret identities of agents hidden behind innocent-looking words. Using one-word clues, they guide their teammates to guess the right words before the other team does — without accidentally uncovering the assassin. It's elegant, fast-moving, and generates the kind of spirited argument that keeps people coming back round after round.

This new XXL edition is a thorough refresh of the oversized format. The word list has been revised for better gameplay, the rulebook has been streamlined to make teaching easier, and a brand-new insert keeps everything neatly organised between sessions. The box is more compact than its predecessor — easier to store, easier to carry — but the font is actually larger than before, making this the most accessible version of Codenames yet.

Who It's For

Codenames XXL is designed with two audiences in mind: players who benefit from large, easy-to-read text — including those with visual impairments — and large groups who need everyone around the table to see the grid clearly without crowding in. It plays two to eight or more players (the sweet spot is four to eight with two balanced teams), suits ages fourteen and up, and lands squarely in the light-to-medium category — easy enough to explain in five minutes, deep enough to spark genuine strategy. It's an excellent choice for game nights with a mixed crowd, holiday gatherings, or anywhere you need a game that scales effortlessly and gets everyone involved.

Features & Highlights

The oversized word cards are the headline feature — dramatically larger than standard Codenames, readable from across a wide table or a living room couch. The revised word list has been carefully updated to remove dated references and improve the quality of clue-giving, which meaningfully improves the experience for returning players. A redesigned insert means setup and teardown are quick and clean, and the updated rulebook gets new players into the action faster than ever. This is the definitive physical version of one of the most celebrated party games of the modern era.