Codenames original vs. Codenames: Pictures vs. Codenames: Duet — which should I buy?

Reviewer consensus is split. The original word version is the most universally recommended starting point. Pictures is preferred by reviewers who play with non-native English speakers or want a more lateral, visual puzzle, though some r/boardgames posters say words simply work better for them. Duet is the pick if you mostly play with one other person, since it's cooperative and removes the downtime of team play.