# Codenames vs Dominion

The clearest difference is price: Dominion at Free against Codenames's $4.99. Dominion also leads on update cadence (every 5 days vs fortnightly) and rating (4.9 vs 4.7). Codenames's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 17) and chart position (#14 vs unranked). On review sentiment, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Dominion is free to download; Codenames costs $4.99 up front. Dominion sells 17 one-off in-app purchases. Codenames asks for nothing beyond the download.

Dominion holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 4.7. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 1.1K and 4.7K respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 66% of Codenames's written reviews are positive against 68% of Dominion's.

Codenames ships an update fortnightly, Dominion every 5 days. Both last shipped on October 12, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Codenames | Dominion |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $4.99 | **Free** |
| Rating | [4.7 (1.1K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/codenames/id1055650930/reviews) | **[4.9 (4.7K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dominion/id1476461085/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 1.1K | **4.7K** |
| Positive reviews | 66.4% of reviews | **68.4% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Fortnightly | **Every 5 days** |
| Monetization | Paid | **Free with in-app purchases** |
| Best chart rank | **#14** | — |
| Size | 221 MB | 423 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | **8.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 9+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [CGE Digital s.r.o.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1706267473) | [Temple Gates Games LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1190675051) |

## 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


### Dominion

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dominion/id1476461085)

Build a powerful deck to expand your kingdom and earn victory points in this acclaimed deck-building strategy game. Explore vast card combinations, compete against AI or other players online, and enjoy endless replayability with numerous expansions.

**Highlights:** Deck-building mechanics, Kingdom expansion, AI opponent, Online multiplayer, Daily puzzles, Cross-platform play, Expansion packs

**In-app purchases (17)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Alchemy | $4.99 | one-time |
| Intrigue | $4.99 | one-time |
| Cornucopia | $4.99 | one-time |
| Guilds | $4.99 | one-time |
| Seaside | $9.99 | one-time |
| Renaissance | $9.99 | one-time |
| Menagerie | $9.99 | one-time |
| Prosperity | $9.99 | one-time |
| Dark Ages | $9.99 | one-time |
| Adventures | $9.99 | one-time |
| Empires | $9.99 | one-time |
| Plunder | $9.99 | one-time |
| Nocturne | $9.99 | one-time |
| Rising Sun | $9.99 | one-time |
| Hinterlands | $9.99 | one-time |
| Launch Bundle | $99.99 | one-time |
| Expansion Bundle | $109.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Smooth gameplay
- 🎮 Faithful adaptation of the board game
- 👍 Challenging AI opponents
- 🎨 Great visual design and animations
- 📱 Convenient mobile experience

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Bugs and glitches (e.g. crashes, card interactions not working as expected)
- 🤖 Inconsistent or overpowered AI behavior
- 💰 Expensive expansion packs
- 🕰️ Slow animation speed for AI turns
- 🔀 Lack of customization options (e.g. disabling certain cards, saving game setups)

**Reported bugs**

- Possession card not working correctly
- Victory points not displayed properly
- Inability to rejoin games after server disconnects

**Requested features**

- Ability to select specific card sets for randomized games
- Option to complete games against AI when opponents forfeit
- More detailed game statistics and player history tracking
- Improved matchmaking filters for online play
- Shareable in-app purchases for family members


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Codenames free?

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

### Is Dominion free?

Dominion is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Codenames or Dominion?

Dominion is rated higher. Codenames averages 4.7 out of 5 from 1.1K ratings, while Dominion averages 4.9 from 4.7K ratings.

### Do Codenames or Dominion have ads?

Neither Codenames nor Dominion shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Codenames or Dominion?

Codenames ships an update fortnightly, and Dominion every 5 days. Most recently, Codenames was updated on October 12, 2026 and Dominion on October 12, 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.*