Codenames vs Splendor
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.
Splendor
Splendor is a fast-paced gem-collecting game where players take on the role of Renaissance merchants. Players collect gem tokens to purchase development cards, which provide permanent bonuses and prestige points. The game is easy to learn and plays quickly, making it an ideal gateway game for new board gamers.
Specification Comparison
| Spec | Codenames | Splendor |
|---|---|---|
| BGG Rank | 145 ✓ | 207 |
| Rating | 7.6 ✓ | 7.5 |
| Year Published | 2015 | 2014 ✓ |
| Price | 20 ✓ | 35 |
| Min Players | 2 | 2 |
| Max Players | 8 ✓ | 4 |
| Play Time (min) | 15 ✓ | 30 |
| Min Age | 10 | 10 |
| Complexity (1-5) | 1.29 | 1.79 ✓ |
Codenames wins in 5 categories, Splendor wins in 2 categories.