What the Fairy Tales pack actually adds
Codenames: Fairy Tales is a mini expansion, not a standalone game. It contains 50 new thematic words, 3 new agent tiles (2 for Codenames and 1 for Codenames: Duet), and 4 fairy-tale-themed pictures for Codenames: Pictures. A copy of Codenames or Codenames: Duet is required to play.
The pack is designed to spice up your existing game by adding fairy-tale words and images. You can mix the new cards into your basic set randomly or in whatever ratio you like, or even play two full games using only the 25 cards in this pack.
How to mix the Fairy Tales cards into Codenames
The supplied instructions are simple: shuffle the new cards into your basic word set. There is no fixed ratio, so you can choose how prominent the fairy-tale theme becomes.
- Decide your ratio: Mix the 50 new cards into your basic set randomly or in whatever ratio you like. A higher ratio means more fairy-tale words appear each game.
- Shuffle thoroughly: Combine the cards and shuffle so the new words are distributed unpredictably.
- Set up as usual: Proceed with the normal setup for Codenames or Codenames: Duet, using the mixed word deck.
- Optional: play a full game with only the new cards: You can play two full games using only the 25 cards in this pack. This focuses the entire session on the fairy-tale theme.
Using the new agent tiles
The pack includes 3 new agent tiles: 2 for Codenames and 1 for Codenames: Duet. These are cosmetic or functional replacements for the agent tiles in your base game, but the supplied information does not specify any rule changes. Treat them as alternative components to customize your set.
Adding the fairy-tale pictures to Codenames: Pictures
If you own Codenames: Pictures, the pack includes 4 fairy-tale-themed pictures. These can be mixed into your Pictures deck to customize your games. The supplied information does not specify a recommended mixing ratio, so use your judgment or follow the same flexible approach as with the word cards.
What you get in the pack
- CODENAMES: Fairy Tales Expansion Pack: 50 new words, 3 new agent tiles (2 for Codenames, 1 for Codenames: Duet), and 4 new pictures for Codenames: Pictures. These components let you customize both the word game and the picture version.
CODENAMES: Fairy Tales Expansion Pack - CODENAMES: Fairy Tales Expansion Pack: A copy of Codenames or Codenames: Duet is required to play this Expansion Pack. The pack is not a standalone game, so you need a base game to use it.
Deciding how to use the pack
Because the pack offers flexible mixing, you can tailor it to your group. If you want a subtle change, add a small number of cards. If you want a strong fairy-tale theme, use a higher ratio or play a full game with only the new cards. The agent tiles and pictures are optional extras for those who own the matching base games.
Keep in mind that the pack does not include rules for new mechanics; it simply provides new words and components to blend into your existing game.
