Codenames vs Dead of Winter: A Crossroads Game
Side by side comparison of two top board games
Codenames
⭐ 7.6# 145💰 $20👤 2-8
Codenames is a word-based party game where two teams compete to contact their agents first. Each round, a spymaster gives a one-word clue that can point to multiple words on the board. Their teammates must guess the correct words while avoiding the opposing team's agents and the assassin. Simple to learn but endlessly replayable.
Card GameDeductionParty GameSpy/Secret Agent
Dead of Winter: A Crossroads Game
⭐ 7.5# 239💰 $55👤 2-5
Dead of Winter is a cooperative survival game set in a zombie apocalypse. Each player leads a colony of survivors, completing personal and group objectives. The Crossroads system triggers story events that change the game. A traitor mechanic adds suspicion and tension.
BluffingHorrorSurvivalZombies
Specification Comparison
| Spec | Codenames | Dead of Winter: A Crossroads Game |
|---|---|---|
| BGG Rank | 145 ✓ | 239 |
| Rating | 7.6 ✓ | 7.5 |
| Year Published | 2015 | 2014 ✓ |
| Price | 20 ✓ | 55 |
| Min Players | 2 | 2 |
| Max Players | 8 ✓ | 5 |
| Play Time (min) | 15 ✓ | 120 |
| Min Age | 10 ✓ | 14 |
| Complexity (1-5) | 1.29 | 3.03 ✓ |
Codenames wins in 6 categories, Dead of Winter: A Crossroads Game wins in 2 categories.
Codenames — Time Estimates
2-Player Game15 min
Quick session with a smaller group
8-Player Game15 min
Full table experience
Learning Session45 min
First time playing (includes setup & rule explanation)
Dead of Winter: A Crossroads Game — Time Estimates
2-Player Game60 min
Quick session with a smaller group
5-Player Game120 min
Full table experience
Learning Session120 min
First time playing (includes setup & rule explanation)
Category & Mechanic Comparison
Codenames
Categories
Card GameDeductionParty GameSpy/Secret AgentWord Game
Mechanics
Communication LimitsDeductionMemoryTeam-Based Game
Dead of Winter: A Crossroads Game
Categories
BluffingHorrorSurvivalZombies
Mechanics
Cooperative PlayDice RollingHand ManagementHidden RolesRole PlayingScenario / Mission / Campaign GameTeam-Based GameTraitor GameVariable Player PowersVoting
Rating Comparison
Codenames7.6
Dead of Winter: A Crossroads Game7.5
Frequently Asked Questions
Which game has a higher rating, Codenames or Dead of Winter: A Crossroads Game?
Codenames has a rating of 7.6, while Dead of Winter: A Crossroads Game has 7.5. Codenames is rated higher.
Which game is more affordable, Codenames or Dead of Winter: A Crossroads Game?
Codenames costs approximately $20 and Dead of Winter: A Crossroads Game costs approximately $55. Codenames is the more affordable option.
Which game supports more players, Codenames or Dead of Winter: A Crossroads Game?
Codenames supports 2-8 players and Dead of Winter: A Crossroads Game supports 2-5 players. Codenames supports more players.
Is Codenames or Dead of Winter: A Crossroads Game more complex?
On a scale of 1-5, Codenames has a complexity weight of 1.29 and Dead of Winter: A Crossroads Game has 3.03. Dead of Winter: A Crossroads Game is the more complex game.
Which game has a shorter play time, Codenames or Dead of Winter: A Crossroads Game?
Codenames takes about 15 minutes to play, while Dead of Winter: A Crossroads Game takes about 120 minutes. Codenames is the quicker game.