Codenames vs its rivals

Side-by-side comparison against Codenames's closest competitors — identity, store metrics, ratings & sentiment, and strategic intel.

Codenames
This App
Go Quest
Contender
Clank!
Peer
Taboo
Peer
Core Identity
DeveloperCGE Digital s.r.o.MegaJogosDave DyerMarmalade Game StudioGrzegorz DziembowskiMindwalk Corp.Thor Teknoloji Dis Ticaret Ltd StiDire Wolf DigitalTwin Sails InteractiveMarmalade Game Studio
CategoryGamesCardGamesBoardGamesBoardBoardGamesGamesGames
PlatformAndroid, iOSAndroidiOS, AndroidAndroid, iOSiOS, AndroidAndroid, iOSAndroidiOS, AndroidAndroid, iOSiOS, Android
Store Metrics
Rating4.7 / 54.7 / 53.4 / 52.6 / 54.8 / 54.5 / 53.9 / 54.8 / 54.5 / 54.9 / 5
Ratings Count1,029147,89818671,8149,1791,1221,2247,3524,593
PriceUSD4.99FreeFreeFreeFreeFreeFree$6.99$8.99$1.99
Release DateSep 11, 2024Sep 27, 2012Mar 14, 2016Oct 31, 2024Dec 1, 2017Mar 21, 2014Apr 28, 2020Oct 21, 2024Dec 3, 2019Nov 10, 2021
Last UpdatedApr 29, 2026May 13, 2026May 8, 2026May 13, 2026May 4, 2026Apr 14, 2026May 19, 2026Mar 20, 2026Apr 7, 2026May 19, 2026
Sentiment & Reviews
Sentimentmixed-mixednegativepositive--positivenegativemixed
Score45/100-65/10035/10085/100--75/10025/10065/100
Praises
  • Adaptation of the physical board game mechanics provides a refreshing and engaging digital experience
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  • Local couch play functionality allows families to play together using individual mobile devices as controllers
  • Deep, specialized support for complex Gloomhaven campaign tracking that generic dice games cannot replicate.
--
  • Digital adaptation of the board game provides a faithful and highly portable experience
  • Core board game mechanics provide deep strategic satisfaction for long-term hobbyist players
  • Core party game mechanics provide high entertainment value for diverse age groups during social gatherings
Complaints
  • Frequent server connectivity issues and maintenance downtime disrupt active matches and daily challenge progress
--
  • Frequent connection failures between the companion app and the host console prevent players from joining games
  • Game state instability and freezing during active turns force players to abandon matches prematurely
  • Lack of persistent user profiles causes character and train customization to reset after every single match
  • Manual entry requirements for complex Frosthaven rulesets create administrative friction.
--
  • Animations and AI turns consume excessive time even when using the fast mode
  • Frequent application crashes and game state corruption occur during online multiplayer sessions
  • Limited card variety in the base version forces repetitive gameplay after only a few short rounds
Requests
  • Implementation of a turn timer would prevent excessive waiting and improve the pace of matches
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  • Implementation of an undo button to prevent accidental train placement caused by minor physical handling errors
  • Integration of rule documentation within the companion app to allow mid-game reference without exiting
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  • Accessibility options for font scaling would improve readability on smaller mobile devices
  • Implementation of an undo button to correct accidental inputs during complex card actions
  • Customizable house rules and manual score editing features to better match traditional physical board game experiences
Strategic Intel
Strengths
  • Faithful tabletop-to-digital translation sustains core engagement
  • One-time purchase model creates a clean, ad-free environment
  • Dual-role mechanics differentiate the title from generic word puzzles
-
  • Ad-free, non-commercial environment sustains a dedicated, purist user base
  • 100+ game library provides deep content variety
  • Cross-platform utility layer increases value of core game purchase
  • Private hand management solves specific local multiplayer friction
  • Specialized campaign-tracking logic for complex tabletop titles
  • Cross-platform server synchronization for persistent party data
--
  • Faithful digital port of physical board game mechanics
  • Cross-platform multiplayer infrastructure for social play
  • High-fidelity visual immersion compared to static card rivals
  • Faithful board game adaptation sustains organic install velocity
  • Modular DLC strategy increases lifetime value per user
  • In-app video chat enables remote social play
  • Multi-language support facilitates global B2B distribution
Weaknesses
  • Frequent server downtime disrupts daily challenges
  • Forced landscape orientation limits accessibility
  • Lack of offline or AI-based play modes
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  • 0.52 rating gap between iOS and Android platforms
  • Interface lacks tablet-optimized responsiveness
  • Persistent lobby connection failures reported in reviews
  • Lack of persistent user profiles forces repetitive setup
  • 2.87-star rating reflects high-frequency technical instability
  • Manual data-entry overhead for complex scenarios
  • Lack of social features to drive daily active usage
--
  • Sluggish animation pacing causing high-frequency complaints
  • Cramped interface elements on mobile devices
  • Persistent post-match technical instability and crashes
  • Premium $8.99 entry barrier limits casual funnel
  • 0-rating Android base indicates critical platform-specific instability
  • Shallow base card pool triggers repetition
  • $1.99 iOS price creates entry friction
Pricingpaidfreemiumfreefreefreemiumfreefreepaidpaidfreemium
MomentumMaintenance-MaintenanceMaintenanceZombieActive-MaintenanceActiveMaintenance
Update Cadence5 versions, ~10d avg-2 versions, ~1d avg5 versions, ~38d avg2 versions, ~974d avg5 versions-5 versions, 1 majors/6mo, ~9d avg5 versions, 1 majors/6mo, ~15d avg5 versions, 4 majors/6mo, ~38d avg

Compare Codenames head-to-head

Disclosure: Independent intel to help mobile builders succeed.

AI-powered analysis with editorial review, built from publicly available sources. Marlvel.ai is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Codenames, its developer, the app publisher, Apple, or Google Play. All trademarks, logos, and screenshots referenced remain the property of their respective owners.

Data licensed under CC-BY-NC 4.0