Codenames Pictures — 2025 second edition, English

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Consider Pictures when your group would rather interpret illustrations than search a grid of written words. It keeps the team clue-and-guess decision: one person guides teammates toward the right cards while the other side tries to find its own. Its appeal depends on enjoying ambiguous visual connections, so choose it for that preference rather than treating it as an automatic replacement for every word game.

Exact box and publisher guidance

This guide covers Codenames Pictures, English 2025 second edition, from Czech Games Edition: model CGE00131, EAN 8594156311315. CGE lists 4–8+ players, ages 10+, and about 15 minutes. It is a standalone game, not an expansion for standard Codenames.

Pictures change the choice, not every communication need

The visible cards use images, while the spymaster still supplies a spoken word clue. That distinction matters for mixed-language groups. Pictures remove the need to read a word printed on every target card, but teammates still need a way to understand the clue and discuss their guesses.

For a family, look at examples of the illustrations together before deciding. Ask whether everyone can comfortably see the details and explain possible connections. That is a more useful check than assuming the age label settles visual access, vocabulary or confidence with giving clues.

Included components and required extras

The publisher lists 140 cards with 280 pictures, 14 agent tiles, one double-agent tile, four bystander tiles, one assassin tile, 60 key cards, a rulebook and a stand. The box provides the game; you do not need standard Codenames or a separate card set.

Check the edition before buying

The current English second-edition package uses the orange-and-purple artwork shown with this guide. Older Pictures packaging and older Amazon links can appear in searches for the same name. Match the second-edition identity and model rather than relying on the title alone. A photograph of an older box does not establish what the selected listing will supply.

The main limitation is the group requirement: this is a contest between teams. If your usual purchase is for two people who want to solve clues together, investigate Codenames Duet instead.

Compare the closest option

Standard Codenames, 2025 English edition uses written words. Choose between them by asking which kind of association your players want to discuss. Neither format removes the importance of a shared way to communicate.

Common questions

Can I play without owning another Codenames box?

Yes. Pictures is playable by itself.

Are the pictures completely language-free?

The target cards are pictures, but the game still uses spoken clues. Do not assume that all language barriers disappear.

Evidence and update

AG101 checked the current publisher factsheet, components and Amazon edition identity on November 2, 2026. This guide explains documented differences and buying considerations; it does not report an AG101 play test. CGE supplies the licensed product image.

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