Scythe vs Codenames
Side by side comparison of two top board games
Scythe
Scythe is an engine-building game set in an alternate-history 1920s Europe. Players control factions seeking power and influence through economic development, area control, and combat. Each player builds their economic engine by constructing buildings, farming resources, and deploying mechs. The game features a unique combat system and beautiful artwork.
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.
Specification Comparison
| Spec | Scythe | Codenames |
|---|---|---|
| BGG Rank | 7 ✓ | 145 |
| Rating | 8.3 ✓ | 7.6 |
| Year Published | 2016 | 2015 ✓ |
| Price | 75 | 20 ✓ |
| Min Players | 1 ✓ | 2 |
| Max Players | 5 | 8 ✓ |
| Play Time (min) | 115 | 15 ✓ |
| Min Age | 14 | 10 ✓ |
| Complexity (1-5) | 3.44 ✓ | 1.29 |
Scythe wins in 4 categories, Codenames wins in 5 categories.