Root
- Designer Cole Wehrle
- Publisher Leder Games , 2Tomatoes Games , Arclight Games , CMON Global Limited , CrowD Games
- Illustration Kyle Ferrin
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Start for freeWhat to Expect
You control one of several animal factions with unique abilities and victory conditions, vying for territory and using multi-use cards to enable actions. The game blends area majority, action planning and occasional dice-based combat, creating shifting power dynamics and high interaction. Each faction plays differently, so typical moments include contested clearings, card-driven turns and asymmetric objectives driving player decisions.
Who Is This Game For?
Suited to experienced and hobby gamers who enjoy asymmetric systems; age 14+ and a 90-minute playtime point to deeper choices. New players should expect a learning curve to understand multiple faction roles. Not ideal for very casual, short play sessions.
How It Works
Root centers on distinct factions with different action capabilities, combining mechanics like Action Points/Action Queue, Area Majority/Influence and Area Movement. Multi-use cards provide flexible options and drive many effects; Dice Rolling appears in combat resolution. Players expand influence, contest areas and react to opponents’ plans, producing a dynamic, interactive game flow.
What Makes It Special
Designed by Cole Wehrle, Root is notable for its asymmetric faction play. It won several 2018 awards, including Golden Geek Best Thematic Board Game and Board Game Quest Awards Game of the Year. The mix of area control, unique faction objectives and card-driven play sets Root apart from more uniform strategy titles.
Awards
2018
- 2019 Goblin Magnifico — Winner
- 2018 Board Game Quest Awards Game of the Year — Winner
- 2018 Cardboard Republic Striker Laurel — Winner
Pro
- Distinct asymmetrical factions with unique playstyles (designer: Cole Wehrle).
- High replayability due to different faction objectives and roles.
- Rich card and action management (Action Queue / Action Retrieval).
- Recognized with multiple awards in 2018 (e.g., Golden Geek).
Contra
- Steep learning curve learning multiple factions and rules.
- At ~90 minutes, games are relatively long for casual groups.
Setting & Atmosphäre
A fantasy woodland where animal factions vie for dominance and territory; illustrations by Kyle Ferrin reinforce the thematic tone. The conflict is framed as control over the great woodland.
Tipp für Einsteiger
Start by focusing on one faction to learn its systems before trying others; discuss each faction’s basic goals at setup.
Häufige Fragen
Can I play this solo?
No — Root is designed for 2–4 players.
How long does a game really take?
The listed duration is about 90 minutes; teaching and first plays typically extend that time.
What prior experience do I need?
Experience with asymmetric or mid-weight strategy games is helpful; Root is aimed at hobby gamers.
How does this compare to similar games?
Root emphasizes strong asymmetry and multi-use card play, differing from games with uniform faction mechanics.
Is this suitable for families?
With a minimum age of 14 and its complexity, Root fits families with older, experienced players more than casual family groups.
What mechanic makes it special?
The combination of Area Majority/Influence, Action Queue and card-driven choices defines Root’s gameplay.
Fazit
Recommended for players who appreciate asymmetric, strategic board games and are willing to invest time to learn factions. Less suitable for players seeking quick, casual games.
