Codenames Duet

A cooperative word game built for two. A holiday classic: about 18K Americans searched for it in December, 4× more than in a quiet month. Our call: buy before December.

New in 2026
New in 2026

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By the GiftHeat editors. Data updated 28 October 2026.

Why they'll love it

A cooperative spin on Codenames: you and your partner each see part of a shared key and give one-word clues to find all 15 agents without hitting an assassin. The brand says it is perfect with only two players.

Perfect for

Couples and best friends
People who like word games without a loser
Quiet evenings in

Good to know

Number of players 2+, age 11+, about 15 minutes, designers Vlaada Chvatil and Scot Eaton (per the brand page).
25 word cards in a 5x5 grid; 9 turns, or 11 for beginners.
Includes 400 new words that can be combined with standard Codenames.
Revised word list and new insert; release date Q3 2025 on the brand page.

Our tip: The brand lists about 15 minutes per game, so it fits a weeknight.

See it on Amazon

How popular is it?

Seasonal A holiday classic: about 18K Americans searched for it in December, 4× more than in a quiet month.

Our call: Buy before December

Searches surge every holiday season, so stock gets thin late in the year.

Searches peak: Every year around December.

See the numbers month by month

5.4KOct2025

9.9KNov

18KDec

9.9KJan2026

8.1KFeb

4.4KMar

5.4KApr

4.4KMay

4.4KJun

5.4KJul

6.6KAug

5.4KSep

Monthly US Google searches for “codenames duet”, October 2025 to September 2026.

Search	Sep 2026	12-month peak	Trend
codenames duet	5.4K	18K	Seasonal
codenames duet game	260	1.3K	Seasonal
codenames two player	70	140	Heating up

Questions people ask

Is Codenames Duet still popular?: Yes, every holiday season. A holiday classic: about 18K Americans searched for it in December, 4× more than in a quiet month. Data through September 2026.
When did people search for Codenames Duet the most?: Every year around December.
Is Codenames Duet a good Christmas gift in 2026?: Our call: buy before December. Searches surge every holiday season, so stock gets thin late in the year.