# Codenames vs Dune

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Codenames at none against Dune's 3. Codenames also leads on price ($4.99 vs $10.99). Dune's advantage is rating (4.9 vs 4.7) and update cadence (every 6 days vs fortnightly). On ads, chart position, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Codenames costs $4.99 and Dune $10.99 up front. Dune sells 3 one-off in-app purchases. Codenames asks for nothing beyond the download.

Dune 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 79% of Dune's.

Codenames ships an update fortnightly, Dune every 6 days. The most recent releases landed on September 23, 2026 and September 22, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Codenames | Dune |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | **$4.99** | $10.99 |
| Rating | [4.7 (1.1K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/codenames/id1055650930/reviews) | **[4.9 (4.7K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dune-imperium/id1575414319/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 1.1K | **4.7K** |
| Positive reviews | 66.1% of reviews | **78.7% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Fortnightly | **Every 6 days** |
| Monetization | Paid | **Free with in-app purchases** |
| Best chart rank | **#13** | #16 |
| Size | 221 MB | 774 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | 15.0 |
| 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:** #13 Top Paid · Board, #20 Top Paid · Puzzle, #161 Top Paid · Games (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


### Dune

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dune-imperium/id1575414319)

**Currently charting:** #16 Top Paid · Board, #61 Top Paid · Strategy, #168 Top Paid · Games (US App Store)

Engage in strategic warfare and political intrigue on the desert planet Arrakis. This award-winning board game adaptation blends deck-building and worker placement mechanics. Compete against AI, other players online, or face unique challenges and rotating game modes.

**Highlights:** Deck-building mechanics, Worker placement strategy, Online multiplayer, Local AI battles, Unique challenges, Rotating Skirmish Mode, Achievement system

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

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Dune: Imperium - Rise of Ix | $9.99 | one-time |
| Dune: Imperium - Immortality | $9.99 | one-time |
| Dune: Imperium - Uprising | $10.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Smooth gameplay
- 🎨 Beautiful implementation
- 💪 Challenging AI
- 🕹️ Great digital adaptation of the board game
- 🕰️ Quick gameplay sessions

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🔒 Obtrusive DRM
- 🕹️ No local multiplayer/pass-and-play
- 🐛 Bugs and crashes
- 🔁 Slow reloading when switching between app and game
- 🔍 Difficulty seeing card details

**Reported bugs**

- Intrigue card issues
- Inconsistent login credentials
- Notification problems
- Victory points reset bug

**Requested features**

- Controller support
- Pass and play mode
- Ability to choose leaders
- Expand card detail visibility


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Codenames free?

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

### Is Dune free?

Dune costs $10.99, and also offers in-app purchases.

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

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

### Do Codenames or Dune have ads?

Neither Codenames nor Dune shows ads.

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

Codenames ships an update fortnightly, and Dune every 6 days. Most recently, Codenames was updated on September 23, 2026 and Dune on September 22, 2026.

### Which is more popular, Codenames or Dune?

Codenames currently peaks at #13 in the App Store charts, and Dune at #16. 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.*