# Codenames vs Root Board Game

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Codenames at none against Root Board Game's 6. Codenames also leads on price ($4.99 vs $9.99). Root Board Game's advantage is update cadence (every 4 days vs fortnightly) and rating (4.9 vs 4.7). On ads, chart position and device support there is nothing between them.

Codenames costs $4.99 and Root Board Game $9.99 up front. Root Board Game sells 6 one-off in-app purchases. Codenames asks for nothing beyond the download.

Root Board Game holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 4.7. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 1.1K and 5.4K respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 66% of Codenames's written reviews are positive against 77% of Root Board Game's.

Codenames ships an update fortnightly, Root Board Game every 4 days. Both last shipped on October 12, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Codenames | Root Board Game |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | **$4.99** | $9.99 |
| Rating | [4.7 (1.1K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/codenames/id1055650930/reviews) | **[4.9 (5.4K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/root-board-game/id1439262206/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 1.1K | **5.4K** |
| Positive reviews | 66.4% of reviews | **77.1% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Fortnightly | **Every 4 days** |
| Monetization | Paid | **Free with in-app purchases** |
| Best chart rank | #14 | **#9** |
| Size | 221 MB | 505 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | **13.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 9+ | 9+ |
| Developer | [CGE Digital s.r.o.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1706267473) | [Dire Wolf Digital](https://appshunter.io/developer/815343758) |

## What reviewers say

### Codenames

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

**Currently charting:** #14 Top Paid · Board, #14 Top Paid · Puzzle, #113 Top Paid · Games, #190 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


### Root Board Game

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/root-board-game/id1439262206)

**Currently charting:** #9 Top Paid · Board, #38 Top Paid · Strategy, #91 Top Paid · Games, #149 Top Paid, #193 Top Grossing · Board (US App Store)

Experience a digital adaptation of a popular tabletop board game. Engage in strategic woodland warfare as 2 to 4 players vie for control of a vast wilderness, leading diverse factions to victory.

**Highlights:** Digital board game adaptation, Adventure and war gameplay, 2-4 player battles, Faction control mechanics, Wilderness exploration

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

**In-app purchases (6)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| The Clockwork Expansion | $5.99 | one-time |
| Exiles & Partisans & Vagabonds | $7.99 | one-time |
| The Riverfolk Expansion | $9.99 | one-time |
| Root: The Underworld Expansion | $9.99 | one-time |
| Root: The Marauder Expansion | $9.99 | one-time |
| Hirelings & Landmarks | $9.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Faithful adaptation of the board game
- 🎨 Charming visuals and animations
- 🕹️ Smooth gameplay
- 🧠 Helpful tutorials for learning the game
- 🕹️ Great way to practice and learn the game

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Occasional crashes and bugs
- 🕹️ AI could be improved, makes questionable decisions
- 🕹️ Lack of undo button frustrating
- 🕹️ Replaying opponent moves can be tedious
- 🕹️ Animations can be slow, need option to speed up

**Reported bugs**

- Crashes and freezes during gameplay
- Issues with async game notifications and state
- Bugs with specific faction mechanics (e.g. Vagabond)

**Requested features**

- Add undo button
- Implement option to skip/speed up opponent moves
- Include expansion factions and maps
- Add match history and player stats tracking
- Improve async game notifications and stability


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Codenames free?

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

### Is Root Board Game free?

Root Board Game costs $9.99, and also offers in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Codenames or Root Board Game?

Root Board Game is rated higher. Codenames averages 4.7 out of 5 from 1.1K ratings, while Root Board Game averages 4.9 from 5.4K ratings.

### Do Codenames or Root Board Game have ads?

Neither Codenames nor Root Board Game shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Codenames or Root Board Game?

Codenames ships an update fortnightly, and Root Board Game every 4 days. Most recently, Codenames was updated on October 12, 2026 and Root Board Game on October 12, 2026.

### Which is more popular, Codenames or Root Board Game?

Codenames currently peaks at #14 in the App Store charts, and Root Board Game at #9. Chart position reflects recent download velocity rather than total install base.

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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.*