Decrypto

Decrypto is a scramble communication game for 3–8 players where your mission is to transmit secret codes to your teammates without letting the opposing team intercept. The challenge isn't just getting your team to understand you — it's making sure the other team doesn't. Two teams compete simultaneously, each trying to decode their opponents' clues while keeping their own secret words hidden.

How to play:

1. Set up — each team slots four keyword cards into their screen, visible only to their own team. These four words are your secret code all game.
2. Give clues — the active player draws a code card showing three numbers (e.g. 4-2-1) and gives a clue for each — one word or phrase per number — that their teammates can match to the right keywords.
3. Teammates guess — your team tries to match your clues to the correct numbers. Get it wrong and you take a black mark.
4. Opponents intercept — from round two onwards, the opposing team also tries to guess your code using the clues they've been listening to all game. If they crack it, they score a white mark.

First team to collect two white marks wins. First team to collect two black marks loses. After eight rounds with no result, teams try to guess each other's secret words outright.

What's good?

• Clues accumulate across rounds — opponents get smarter the longer the game goes
• The tension between being clear enough for your team and vague enough to fool the other is genuinely tricky
• Plays in 15–45 minutes and scales well from 3 to 8 players
• Simple rules, deep play — a strong choice for groups who've outgrown Codenames

Who is it for?

• ✔ Groups who enjoy word and deduction games
• ✔ Fans of Codenames looking for something with more ongoing tension
• ✔ Parties and game nights with 4–8 players
• ✖ Not ideal for fewer than 4 players or younger children

A standalone game — no other products required to play.

Pair with: Browse our Party Games and Party Card Games collections.