Root
- Players
- 2-4
- Best withThe player count this game plays best at.
- 4 players
- Play timeHow long a full game runs once everyone knows the rules.
- 90 min
- AgeThe minimum age printed by the publisher.
- 14+
- ComplexityHow demanding the rules are, from 1 (very light) to 5 (very heavy).
- 3.8 / 5
- Year
- 2018
About the game
Root sets a whimsical woodland at war, as up to four asymmetric factions fight for control of the forest. The militaristic Marquise de Cat expands her industrial empire, the woodland Alliance foments guerrilla rebellion, the Eyrie squabble over ancient rules of succession, and wandering Vagabonds chart their own path. Each faction plays by fundamentally different rules and pursues a different path to victory, creating asymmetric matchups unlike almost anything else in the genre. Multi-use cards keep the system streamlined despite the depth of faction-specific abilities. It's a gorgeous, story-generating game of shifting alliances and area control.
Hobbli's Notes
Hobbli's team is consistently impressed by how well Root pulls off true faction asymmetry: no two seats at the table feel remotely similar. The charming Redwall-esque art style belies a genuinely cutthroat, high-interaction strategy game underneath. New players often need a full game or two before the different factions click, and downtime can be an issue while others take complex turns. Still, it's one of the standout asymmetric strategy designs of the last decade.
What we like
- Genuinely asymmetric factions each play by their own distinct rules.
- High player interaction keeps every turn relevant to the whole table.
- Gorgeous woodland art style with strong character.
- Excellent replayability from swapping factions and combinations.
Keep in mind
- Steep learning curve since each faction must be learned separately.
- High downtime, especially with new players still learning their factions.
- Can feel swingy or punishing for less experienced players.
Who it's for
Best for experienced strategy gamers (14+) who enjoy high player interaction and asymmetric faction design, in groups of 2-4.
