Code Clues
Two teams, one word grid, and a single word to link them.
Free in beta · host account required: you'll sign in before the room opens. Host a free game as a guest instead
Code Clues
Two teams, two spymasters, one grid of words. Give one-word clues to find your agents first.
- Recommended players
- 4–20
- Session length
- 15–25 min
- Best for
- Team-versus-team sessions, and departments who want a rivalry
Before you host
Free in beta · host account required. During beta, accounts receive Pro access free: up to 30 players and unlimited sessions. No payment card is required. Guest hosts use the Free game list, up to 8 players and 2 sessions per week on this browser. The engine requires at least 4 players to start this game. Recommended group sizes describe the experience, not a plan entitlement; the host’s plan sets the room limit, including the host.
Participants join with a room code and display name; no account or download is required. Hosts can use Free games without an account. Other games require a host account and the relevant access.
Play in a current browser on a laptop, tablet or phone. A larger screen helps with images and matching. Use your usual video or voice call to talk; Fun Friday does not include a call. Everyone plays on their own device. Screen sharing is optional; keep private answers and roles off a shared screen.
The hosting button opens setup with Code Clues selected. Enter a display name or sign in if needed, then choose Create room. Invite colleagues with the link or code, check the settings and press Start when the group is ready. Opening setup creates no room.
Full plan detailsWhat is Code Clues?
The room splits into two teams, each with a spymaster who can see which words on the grid belong to their side. The spymaster gives one word and a number; their team has to work out which squares they meant.
It is the most tactical game in the catalogue and the only genuinely team-versus-team one, which makes it the right pick when you want two departments playing against each other rather than fifteen individuals.
How to play Code Clues online
- 1
The host starts a session and shares the room code.
- 2
Players are split into two teams, each with a spymaster.
- 3
Spymasters privately see which grid words belong to their team.
- 4
They give a one-word clue plus a number of matching words.
- 5
Their team picks squares — hit your agents to score, hit the other team's to help them.
New to Fun Friday? See how a session works or compare plans.
Example grid and clues
Twenty-five words on a shared grid. Only the two spymasters know which belong to which side, and a clue is one word plus a number:
- A grid might hold: APPLE, BANK, BEACH, BELL, BOND, BRIDGE, BUG, CRANE, DECK, DIAMOND…
- “Water, 3” could point at BEACH, BRIDGE and DECK — or send your team straight to BANK.
- CRANE is the classic trap: a bird, a machine and an origami shape.
- BOND is a spy, a chemical bond and a financial instrument, depending who is listening.
- The best clues link two words nobody else would connect. The worst link four and lose the game.
When to run Code Clues
Two departments who want a rivalry
It is the only genuinely team-versus-team game here. That makes it the right pick when you want engineering against sales rather than fifteen individuals against each other.
A team that likes thinking hard
It is the most tactical game in the catalogue and the slowest-burning. Rounds run long because people are actually deliberating, which is either exactly what you wanted or not at all.
Uneven numbers, four to twenty
Teams do not have to be the same size — who takes the spymaster role matters far more to balance than the count on either side.
Code Clues questions
Do players need an account or a download?
Participants join with a room code and display name; no account or download is required. Hosts can use Free games without an account. Other games require a host account and the relevant access.
Do you need an even number of players?
No. Teams do not have to be the same size — the spymaster role matters far more to balance than the count on each side.
More team games
See all 22 games →Trivia Blitz
Fast-paced team trivia. Answer quickly for bonus points, build a streak, and spend your one 50/50 wisely.
Imposter
One player is the imposter who does not know the secret word. Find them before time runs out!
Emoji Story
Describe a phrase using only emojis. Can your team decode the message?
Run Code Clues with your team this Friday.
Create a session, share the room code, and everyone joins from their browser. No downloads, no IT tickets.
Set up Code Clues →