Games Like Root

A game of woodland might and right, Root is a charmingly aesthetic strategy wargame that has been praised by players and critics alike. This multi ‘game of the year’ award-winning board game has been recognised for its ‘astounding depth’, labelled as both ‘compelling’ and ‘extremely gratifying’, as well as categorised as ‘one of the best board games’ by many. Whilst potentially a handful for new hobbyists to get to grips with, it comes with amazing looking components, offers fascinating and unique factions, and compelling asymmetric gameplay that enhances the game’s depth and complexity.

Released in 2018, Root was designed by Cole Wehrle, illustrated by Kyle Ferrin, and published by Leder Games. An asymmetrical wargame for 2-4 players, very different factions fight for control of a forest, each with a unique playstyle and different goals from each other. Whilst each faction shares certain rules, they also use different cards, battle differently, and have an additional layer of rules and complexity to them. Even without using any of the almost dozen expansions with new factions and a new challenge, the base game offers a significant amount of replay value and is very much worth every penny.

If you’re into strategy games and like the sound of Root, or have played the game and want to try something similar, below are a handful of games like Root and we’re sure you’ll enjoy just as much.

Asymmetrical Gameplay Mechanics

Asymmetrical gameplay mechanics refer to the design of a game where players have different abilities, goals, or playstyles. This type of gameplay adds a layer of complexity and replayability to a game, as players must adapt to their unique circumstances and interact with other players in meaningful ways. Asymmetrical gameplay mechanics can be found in games like Root, Scythe, and Spirit Island, where players take on different roles with distinct abilities and objectives.

In Root, for example, the Marquis de Cat faction is a powerful and aggressive force, while the Woodland Alliance is a more defensive and cooperative faction. This asymmetry creates a rich and dynamic gameplay experience, as players must navigate their unique strengths and weaknesses to achieve victory. Asymmetrical gameplay mechanics can also be used to create a sense of imbalance or inequality, adding an extra layer of strategy and challenge to the game.

5 Games Like Root

Scythe

By: Stonemaier Games     Players: 1-5     Time: 90-115 Minutes     Ages: 14+

A similarly interesting-looking and beautifully aesthetic board game, Scythe is set in an alternative 1920s. Offering five factions to choose from, players battle across a great looking map for fame, fortune, and leadership of Eastern Europa. 

With the threat of a great war still looming, Europa is in a period of civil unrest. The capitalistic city-state known as “The Factory” has closed and drawn the attention of nearby countries. Each player chooses one of five factions to play as and has their own unique set of resources and a hidden goal to accomplish. The game features a streamlined action-selection system where there are no rounds or phases and the game keeps moving at a brisk pace to reduce downtime and maximise action. There are plenty of things going on within the game: players will draw encounter cards that dictate what they can do, build structures, enlist new recruits, enhance character abilities, and expand their borders. Oh, and there’s mechs too. Big ones. For anyone who likes an immersive strategy game, and one with plenty going on, Scythe is a great choice that boasts solid mechanics and looks amazing too. 

Small World

By: Days of Wonder    Players: 2-5     Ages: 8+     Time: Up to 40 – 80 mins

A simple but enjoyable strategy game, Small World offers a fun experience where players never control the same factions twice.

Small World is all about controlling and expanding influence across as much of the map as possible. There isn’t much in the way of physical conflicts and zero resource management, but instead, players must try and control as much of the map as possible. Containing over a dozen factions, players start the game by shuffling tokens representing the various races in the game. These are matched up randomly with ability tokens that create interesting and unique armies, like flying zombies and seafaring giants. Players will then take turns distributing markers representing these races and score points for controlling more zones on the map. Periodically players can swap out races when their tokens run low and spread their influence further.

By the end of the game, whoever has scored the most points is declared the winner. Small World is great for those that like strategy games that don’t like to be bogged down by rules. Offering endless replay value with the mixing and matching of races and abilities, it’s a great game everyone should enjoy.

Spirit Island

By: Greater Than Games     Players: 1-4     Time: 90-120 minutes     Ages: 13+

Playing as one of several spirits that inhabit a remote Pacific island, players must use their unique abilities and powers to repel invading colonists from taking over.

Spirit Island is a fun thematic, co-operative game where players must defend their home, and island in the Pacific, from colonizing invaders. Players act as a spirit, each with it’s own unique elemental powers. Players simultaneously use power cards that dictate their actions for their turn. Players will be able to upgrade their character as the game goes on in their own way by seeking new powers, reclaiming action cards, or increasing their presence across the island. Invaders will gradually spread across the island, sewing destruction and blight as they do, with the islanders trying to fight back and lending aide to the spirits. The players goal is to work together to frighten the invaders by destroying explorers, towns, and cities, causing them to flee.

With plenty of different ways to play the game and different adversaries that force players to change tactics, there’s plenty of replay value to be had. Not only that but with Spirit Island offering a cooperative rather than competitive experience, it’s fun to play through a game where everyone is working together rather than against each other. Spirit Island also offers solo play, making it accessible for single players.

War of the Ring

By: Ares Games     Ages: 13+     Players: 2-4     Time: 120-180 mins

Take control of the Free Peoples or the Shadow Armies and wage epic battles across Middle Earth. Whilst Sauron sends his forces to conquer the strongholds of man, the Ringbearer and his companions make the treacherous journey to Mount Doom to stop him.

War of the Ring is a game of epic proportions that offers an engaging experience with lots going on. Players take on the role of either the Free Peoples of Middle Earth or Sauron’s Shadow Army. Play predominantly revolves around rolling action dice and using these to determine the actions players will take on their turn. Dice can be used to move units, attack, draw or play event cards, and perform various special actions for each side. Whilst scores of armies clash on the battlefield, the fellowship will be doing their best to avoid detection and corruption from the ring as they’re being hunted by Sauron’s forces. There are special rules that dictate how the fellowship works together and are tracked by the Shadow Armies, as well as a political track to monitor an armies readiness to join the fight.

All this, along with sieging or fortifying settlements (faction dependent) means there’s a lot to plan for when playing War of the Ring. Each faction has very different win conditions and are equally fun and challenging to play as. With so much going on it may make newer hobbyists nervous, but it’s truly a love letter to LoTR that fans will enjoy without question. War of the Ring offers a full game experience with in-depth strategic play and a significant time commitment.

Mice and Mystics

By: Plaid Hat Games     Players: 1-4     Time: 60-90 minutes     Ages: 7+

Although a different type of game from the rest, the theming and aesthetics share a lot of similarities with Root and make for a great cooperative experience. 

In Mice and Mystics, players take on the role of one of several humans who have been turned into mice, each with their own roles, abilities, and skills. The game is divided into eleven missions or ‘chapters’ that are all played out through the aid of a storybook, which also serves as the game board. This book gives a prelude and flavour text to each mission in order to help set the scene and create more of an immersive experience. It also dictates how to set up the tiles and enemies at the start of each game, as well as the players ultimate objectives. Players start the game with equipment and one ability card, but they’ll be able to find more items throughout missions to make themselves more of a threat to their enemies, and more abilities will be unlocked to make them more powerful.

Each mission can be played individually or as part of a long-term campaign, where character will retain their abilities, items, and stat increases. Gameplay is kept simple with easy-to-learn rules and the game focuses on cooperation rather than competition. During battle, an initiative tracker is used to keep track of players’ and monsters turns, and it comes down to everyone to work together and strategise to come up with the optimum plan for the following round. Packed with charming aesthetics, it’s a great game for players of any age.   

So those are a handful of games that share some similarities to Root that we think you’ll enjoy. If there are any we haven’t mentioned that you think deserve to be on this list we’d love to hear about them.  

Choosing the Right Game for Your Group

Choosing the right game for your group can be a daunting task, especially with the vast array of complex board games available. To make the right choice, consider the following factors:

1. Number of players: Make sure the game is designed for the number of players in your group.

2. Playtime: Choose a game that fits within your group’s time constraints.

3. Level of complexity: Select a game that matches your group’s level of experience and comfort with complex gameplay mechanics.

4. Theme and genre: Pick a game that aligns with your group’s interests and preferences.

5. Table presence: Consider the physical components and table presence of the game, as some games may be more suitable for smaller or larger tables.

By considering these factors, you can choose a complex board game that will engage and challenge your group, providing a fun and memorable gaming experience.

Also Read: The Top 10 Most Playable Complicated Board Games

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