Codenames vs Viticulture
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

Viticulture
⭐ 7.9# 38💰 $45👤 1-6
Viticulture is a worker placement game where players run their own Italian vineyard. Players plant vines, harvest grapes, make wine, and fulfill orders. The game features a unique visitor card system that offers temporary bonuses. The Essential Edition streamlined the original and added new content.
EconomicFarmingTerritory Building
Specification Comparison
| Spec | Codenames | Viticulture |
|---|---|---|
| BGG Rank | 145 | 38 ✓ |
| Rating | 7.6 | 7.9 ✓ |
| Year Published | 2015 | 2013 ✓ |
| Price | 20 ✓ | 45 |
| Min Players | 2 | 1 ✓ |
| Max Players | 8 ✓ | 6 |
| Play Time (min) | 15 ✓ | 90 |
| Min Age | 10 ✓ | 13 |
| Complexity (1-5) | 1.29 | 2.82 ✓ |
Codenames wins in 4 categories, Viticulture wins in 5 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)
Viticulture — Time Estimates
1-Player Game60 min
Quick session with a smaller group
6-Player Game90 min
Full table experience
Learning Session105 min
First time playing (includes setup & rule explanation)
Category & Mechanic Comparison
Codenames
Categories
Card GameDeductionParty GameSpy/Secret AgentWord Game
Mechanics
Communication LimitsDeductionMemoryTeam-Based Game
Viticulture
Categories
EconomicFarmingTerritory Building
Mechanics
Action DraftingDeck, Bag, and Pool BuildingHand ManagementIncomeSet CollectionTurn Order: Claim ActionWorker Placement
Rating Comparison
Codenames7.6
Viticulture7.9
Frequently Asked Questions
Which game has a higher rating, Codenames or Viticulture?
Codenames has a rating of 7.6, while Viticulture has 7.9. Viticulture is rated higher.
Which game is more affordable, Codenames or Viticulture?
Codenames costs approximately $20 and Viticulture costs approximately $45. Codenames is the more affordable option.
Which game supports more players, Codenames or Viticulture?
Codenames supports 2-8 players and Viticulture supports 1-6 players. Codenames supports more players.
Is Codenames or Viticulture more complex?
On a scale of 1-5, Codenames has a complexity weight of 1.29 and Viticulture has 2.82. Viticulture is the more complex game.
Which game has a shorter play time, Codenames or Viticulture?
Codenames takes about 15 minutes to play, while Viticulture takes about 90 minutes. Codenames is the quicker game.