Codenames vs Patchwork
Side by side comparison of two top board games
Codenames
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.
Patchwork
Patchwork is a two-player abstract game about creating a quilt. Players take turns acquiring fabric patches and placing them on their personal boards. The game is simple but strategic, requiring careful resource management and spatial planning. Each patch costs buttons (currency) and time, creating a tight puzzle.
Specification Comparison
| Spec | Codenames | Patchwork |
|---|---|---|
| BGG Rank | 145 | 131 ✓ |
| Rating | 7.6 | 7.6 |
| Year Published | 2015 | 2014 ✓ |
| Price | 20 ✓ | 25 |
| Min Players | 2 | 2 |
| Max Players | 8 ✓ | 2 |
| Play Time (min) | 15 ✓ | 30 |
| Min Age | 10 | 8 ✓ |
| Complexity (1-5) | 1.29 | 1.64 ✓ |
Codenames wins in 3 categories, Patchwork wins in 4 categories.