Board Meeting - Root

My take on Root

2 min read

Root is an asymmetrical strategy board game that takes place in a vibrant woodland setting. Designed by Cole Wehrle and published by Leder Games, it offers a unique and engaging experience for players. With its combination of adorable animal factions, deep gameplay mechanics, and strategic decision-making, Root has quickly become a favorite of mine.

One of the standout features of Root is its asymmetrical gameplay. Each player takes on the role of a different faction within the woodland realm, and each faction has its own distinct abilities, goals, and play style. This creates an intriguing dynamic where each player has unique objectives and strategies, leading to a high level of replayability. Whether you're playing as the rebellious woodland creatures known as the Marquise de Cat, the insurgent Eyrie Dynasties, the guerrilla-warfare Vagabond, or the secretive Woodland Alliance, each faction offers a completely different experience.

Root's gameplay mechanics strike a great balance between accessibility and depth. While it may take a few plays to fully grasp the intricacies of each faction's abilities and the strategic possibilities, the core rules are relatively easy to understand. However, mastering the game and making optimal decisions requires careful planning and adaptability. The interaction between the factions is a key element of the game, as players compete, negotiate, and form temporary alliances, leading to dynamic and unpredictable gameplay sessions.

One aspect of Root that may be seen as a potential drawback is its learning curve. Due to the asymmetrical nature of the game, it can take some time for players to become familiar with the unique strategies and mechanics of each faction. This can create a significant disparity in skill levels between experienced players and newcomers, which might lead to imbalanced gameplay. However, for those who are willing to invest the time and effort to learn and explore the game's intricacies, this learning curve becomes part of the rewarding experience.

TLDR:

  • Root is a fantastic board game that delivers a captivating and immersive experience through asymmetrical gameplay.

  • High level of replayability

  • Steeper learning curve

  • Best enjoyed with larger player counts (3+)

  • If you enjoy strategic and interactive board games, Root is definitely worth adding to your collection.

  • Don't let me be the Woodland Alliance