How many players do you need for Codewords?

Codewords works with 4–12 players. Create a game on KingdomGames, share the link or code, and everyone joins from their browser — no sign-up required.

Is Codewords free to play online?

Yes. Codewords on KingdomGames is completely free — no download, no payment, and no account needed. Create a game and start playing in under a minute.

Can I play Codewords on my phone?

Yes. KingdomGames runs in any mobile browser. Share the room link in your group chat and everyone can play Codewords from their phone or desktop.

How do trophies work in Codewords?

Trophies are earned automatically as you play — things like finishing your first game, racking up wins, or hitting a milestone. Bronze, silver, gold, and platinum trophies are listed above with what they need; some are secret and only reveal themselves once you've earned them. Trophies and points carry over to your KingdomGames profile across every game.

How is Codewords different from Codenames?

Codewords follows the same word-association spy game format — two teams, spymaster clues, and a 5×5 word grid — playable free in your browser on KingdomGames with no board or app required.

How do you play Codewords?

Two teams, Red and Blue, each with a spymaster who can see which words on the 5×5 grid belong to their team. Spymasters take turns giving a one-word clue plus a number, and their operatives guess which words it points to. Guess your own team’s words to win — but avoid the other team’s words and the single assassin word, which loses the game instantly.

What is the assassin word?

One hidden word on the grid is the assassin. If a team guesses it, they lose the game immediately — so spymasters have to give clues that steer their operatives well clear of it. It’s what makes every clue a gamble.

Word spy game·4–12 players

Codewords

The classic word-association spy game online. Red vs Blue — spymasters know the secret key, operatives guess the right words. One wrong pick on the assassin ends it all.

Play free Join with code

Read game rules ↓

Fancy a solo brain-teaser? Try the daily Codeword puzzle →

Codewords is the word-association spy game online — Red vs Blue teams, spymasters who see the secret key card, and operatives who guess words from one-word clues. Hit the assassin word and the game is over. Unlike passing a physical board around, everyone plays from their phone with roles assigned automatically.

Red vs Blue teamsSpymaster clues5×5 word grid

Make it your own

Use our built-in content or upload your own — any theme works.

Download sample CSV →

How it works

Create & join

Host sets up a room — players join and pick Red or Blue plus a role.

Spymasters clue

Starting team spymaster gives a one-word clue and a number.

Guess to win

Operatives tap words — first team to find all their words wins.

Game rules & how to play

Objective

Two teams — Red and Blue — race to identify all of their team’s words on a 5×5 grid.
First team to find all their words wins. Hit the assassin word and your team loses instantly.

Setup

Players join and pick a team plus a role: spymaster or operative.
Each team needs exactly one spymaster. Spymasters see the secret key card; operatives see only words.

How a turn works

The starting team’s spymaster gives a one-word clue and a number (how many words it relates to).
Operatives tap words they think match the clue. Correct guesses let you keep guessing; wrong guesses end the turn.
Revealing a neutral word, the other team’s word, or the assassin ends the turn — assassin ends the game.

Winning

Find all your team’s words before the other team finds theirs.
Avoid the single assassin word hidden on the grid.

Why play on KingdomGames

Two teams, hidden roles

Pick spymaster or operative — spymasters see the full key card, operatives see only words.

One-word clues

Give a clue and a number — your team guesses which words match. Avoid the assassin!

Live results

Votes sync in real time. Reveal round-by-round or all at once.

No sign-up

Create a game and play in seconds — no account needed.

Perfect for

Game nightsTeam buildingWord nerdsBoard game fans

Frequently asked questions

How many players do you need for Codewords?: Codewords works with 4–12 players. Create a game on KingdomGames, share the link or code, and everyone joins from their browser — no sign-up required.

Is Codewords free to play online?: Yes. Codewords on KingdomGames is completely free — no download, no payment, and no account needed. Create a game and start playing in under a minute.

Can I play Codewords on my phone?: Yes. KingdomGames runs in any mobile browser. Share the room link in your group chat and everyone can play Codewords from their phone or desktop.

How do trophies work in Codewords?: Trophies are earned automatically as you play — things like finishing your first game, racking up wins, or hitting a milestone. Bronze, silver, gold, and platinum trophies are listed above with what they need; some are secret and only reveal themselves once you've earned them. Trophies and points carry over to your KingdomGames profile across every game.

How is Codewords different from Codenames?: Codewords follows the same word-association spy game format — two teams, spymaster clues, and a 5×5 word grid — playable free in your browser on KingdomGames with no board or app required.

How do you play Codewords?: Two teams, Red and Blue, each with a spymaster who can see which words on the 5×5 grid belong to their team. Spymasters take turns giving a one-word clue plus a number, and their operatives guess which words it points to. Guess your own team’s words to win — but avoid the other team’s words and the single assassin word, which loses the game instantly.

What is the assassin word?: One hidden word on the grid is the assassin. If a team guesses it, they lose the game immediately — so spymasters have to give clues that steer their operatives well clear of it. It’s what makes every clue a gamble.

Ready to play?

Free forever. No download. Start a room in under a minute.

Create Codewords game

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