# Codenames vs Potion Explosion

The clearest difference is rating: Codenames at 4.7 against Potion Explosion's 4.0. Codenames also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 1) and review sentiment (66% vs 40%). Potion Explosion's advantage is price ($3.99 vs $4.99) and iOS requirement (12.0 vs 15.0). On update cadence, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Codenames costs $4.99 and Potion Explosion $3.99 up front. Potion Explosion sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Codenames asks for nothing beyond the download.

Codenames holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 4.0. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 1.1K and 273 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 66% of Codenames's written reviews are positive against 40% of Potion Explosion's.

Codenames ships an update fortnightly, Potion Explosion every 11 days. The most recent releases landed on October 12, 2026 and October 11, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Codenames | Potion Explosion |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $4.99 | **$3.99** |
| Rating | **[4.7 (1.1K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/codenames/id1055650930/reviews)** | [4.0 (273 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/potion-explosion/id1162628471/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **1.1K** | 273 |
| Positive reviews | **66.4% of reviews** | 40.2% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Fortnightly | **Every 11 days** |
| Monetization | Paid | **Free with in-app purchases** |
| Best chart rank | **#12** | — |
| Size | 221 MB | 192 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | **12.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 9+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [CGE Digital s.r.o.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1706267473) | [Horrible Guild](https://appshunter.io/developer/1460296043) |

## What reviewers say

### Codenames

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/codenames/id1055650930)

**Currently charting:** #12 Top Paid · Board, #13 Top Paid · Puzzle, #110 Top Paid · Games, #175 Top Paid (US App Store)

Engage in a strategic word game of deduction and teamwork. Give one-word clues to help your team guess associated words before the opposing team. Enjoy a blend of casual fun and deep thinking with turn-based multiplayer matches.

**Highlights:** Turn-based multiplayer, One-word clue system, Teamwork and deduction, Multiple game modes, Spymaster and Operative roles, Logic and creativity challenges

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Smooth and intuitive gameplay
- 🎨 Excellent visual design
- 💰 Good value for money
- 🕹️ Engaging single-player modes
- 🤝 Enjoyable multiplayer experience

**What reviewers complain about**

- ⏱️ Long wait times for other players
- 🌐 Connectivity issues and server problems
- 🌍 Cultural differences and language barriers
- 🔒 Restrictive clue-giving rules
- 🤖 Jury system allowing questionable words

**Reported bugs**

- Initial launch with only Czech language support
- Occasional app crashes and server disconnections

**Requested features**

- Add Codenames Duet mode
- Implement AI/bot players for faster games
- Allow custom word packs and themes
- Add a 'speed mode' for faster gameplay
- Improve the jury system to maintain game integrity


### Potion Explosion

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/potion-explosion/id1162628471)

This is a digital adaptation of an award-winning puzzle board game where players collect magical ingredients to brew powerful potions. Engage in tactical gameplay, trigger chain reactions, and compete against AI or players worldwide to score the most points.

**Highlights:** Official adaptation of award-winning board game, Solo mode against AI, Online multiplayer with worldwide leaderboard, Tactical gameplay with strategic depth, The Fifth Ingredient expansion available, Magical universe with enhanced digital elements

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Family Sharing, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| The Fifth Ingredient | $1.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🎨 Beautiful graphics and animations
- 🧠 Engaging and strategic gameplay
- 🕹️ Smooth offline experience
- 💰 Good value for the price

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Frequent crashes and bugs
- 🔌 Drains battery quickly
- 🕰️ Online games prone to freezing and synchronization issues
- 🤖 AI opponents too difficult or too easy

**Reported bugs**

- Inability to complete online games
- Incorrect scoring and game state displayed
- Potions and ingredients not functioning as expected

**Requested features**

- Notification system for online games
- Ability to undo moves
- Random selection of professors
- More challenging AI opponents


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Codenames free?

Codenames costs $4.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Potion Explosion free?

Potion Explosion costs $3.99, and also offers in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Codenames or Potion Explosion?

Codenames is rated higher. Codenames averages 4.7 out of 5 from 1.1K ratings, while Potion Explosion averages 4.0 from 273 ratings.

### Do Codenames or Potion Explosion have ads?

Neither Codenames nor Potion Explosion shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Codenames or Potion Explosion?

Codenames ships an update fortnightly, and Potion Explosion every 11 days. Most recently, Codenames was updated on October 12, 2026 and Potion Explosion on October 11, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*