Root (2018)

How to Play Root

Root represents the next step in our development of asymmetric design. Like Vast: The Crystal Caverns, each player in Root has unique capabilities and a different victory condition. Now, with the aid of gorgeous, multi-use cards, a truly asymmetric design has never been more accessible.

The Cats play a game of engine building and logistics while attempting to police the vast wilderness. By collecting Wood they are able to produce workshops, lumber mills, and barracks. They win by building new buildings and crafts.

The Eyrie musters their hawks to take back the Woods. They must capture as much territory as possible and build roosts before they collapse back into squabbling.

The Alliance hides in the shadows, recruiting forces and hatching conspiracies. They begin slowly and build towards a dramatic late-game presence–but only if they can manage to keep the other players in check.

Meanwhile, the Vagabond plays all sides of the conflict for their own gain, while hiding a mysterious quest. Explore the board, fight other factions, and work towards achieving your hidden goal.

In Root, players drive the narrative, and the differences between each role create an unparalleled level of interaction and replayability. Leder Games invites you and your family to explore the fantastic world of Root!

— description from the publisher

Root Official Rules from ledergames.com

Root game review

“…Root is a game with an undeniably high barrier to entry. Wehrle and Leder Games have done what they can to make it accessible, but it’s no gateway game.

However, the beautiful design of the asymmetric factions means there’s more depth here than almost any game on my shelf. I simply cannot see myself getting bored of it. I want to play every faction and I want to play them again and again in all the different combinations you available.”

Ben Garry, board-game.co.uk

“There is little to complain about for me with Root. Overall it’s everything I wish more war games were. It’s beautifully produced, has just the right amount of randomness with the card deck and dice—enough to keep you on your toes and have a contingency plan but not enough to negate your planning.

The rulebook and player aids in Root go a long way in making the game incredibly accessible. The factions have all been interesting and fun to play while feeling different enough to keep the game feeling fresh even after multiple plays in a relatively short time span.”

Andrew Smith, boardgamequest.com

“For players who enjoy a lot of direct player interaction though, Root is a perfect match. The player interaction is a key part of gameplay. Oftentimes, combat and interactions between players end up benefiting both players and is highly encouraged for a successful game.

Overall, I would suggest Root for experienced gamers who enjoy asymmetrical aspects of gameplay. While teaching the game can be difficult, I found that the depth of strategy and replayability made Root one of my favorite games I have played…”

Mackenzie Hoffman, themeeplestreet.com

The content of this article is originally from Board Game Geek. For more information and a better understanding of the game, you can watch the videos below.