Root Reviews

Plays much like the beloved board game! A few bug fixes (like not being able to see warrior counts) and game tweaks (like making the digital faction boards more detailed) would be welcome changes, but overall, I can't recommend this game enough, especially if you love the irl game as much as I do!

While playing in local vs AI, the tutorial popup for scrolling is stuck in the middle of the screen and I can't get it to disappear. Unplayable for me.

This is a really well-made digital version of the famous board game. When learning the game with tutorials, it helps to have the cardboard player boards (JPG) visible for reference, otherwise it is easy to miss something. Sometimes the game rulebook (PDF) gives answers to your "Why can't I do this?" questions too. [b]What I like[/b] [list] [*] The complex rules are automated! [*] Online play [*] The official expansions turned into DLCs [*] The original theme is presented nicely [*] The growing orchestra on the start screen [/list] [b]What I wish[/b] [list] [*] Plays with Vagabond faction should have an option to include the widely-used Despot Infamy house rule which balances the faction (and is even endorsed by the designer of the game) [*] There could be more tooltips about meaning of the symbols, and the reason why certain actions are disabled (possibly even references to sections in the Law) [*] An option to change keyboard bindings of WASD/arrows to better meet left-handed players' needs [*] An option to have the music playing on the main menu only (as it gets repetitive quickly) [*] The upcoming Homeland Expansion! [/list]

Best board game to ever do it. Everyone should learn how to play this game even tho it is one of the more complicated games. I play this game everyday and never get bored of it. This game also has a great community I would highly recommend it. If you ever see me online on root you can join my game to get access to all of the expansions that cost extra.

Pros - It's a great digital version of a great board game. Great to keep playing the game when your friends are away or clear the disputes about the rules. - Raccoons. Cons - Some of the DLCs should be included in the base game (or the physical games should give a steam key in the box). It's pretty expensive to have both the physical and digital version of the game.

The boardgames that are the hardest to learn are often the most fun to play. And this sure is hard to learn, but it's so worth it.

A really fun digital board game to play, even against AI. If you have the physical (or if you just want to see if you like the game before purchase) this is a great companion to that version of the game. While it is missing some of the completeness of the board game, it is close enough that it could be worth owning just to play a quick game here and there without committing to a full setup process.

My favorite board game. I love the asymmetric playing factions. The digital adaption does a good job at keeping pace within the game. Overall, I highly recommend.

Root is hands down the best asymmetrical board game experience I’ve ever had, and the digital version does an excellent job of capturing what makes it so special. Each faction plays completely differently, which gives the game incredible replayability. While I still prefer the feel of the physical tabletop version, the digital edition is perfect for learning. It does a great job guiding you through the rules and interactions without feeling overwhelming, which is a big deal for a game with this much depth and complexity.

Root, the digital adaptation of the acclaimed board game by Leder Games, is a deeply strategic and asymmetric experience that translates its complex tabletop mechanics into a dynamic and engaging digital format. Developed by Dire Wolf Digital, the Steam version preserves the spirit of the original while offering smooth, well-designed interfaces and accessible tutorials to help players navigate the intricacies of faction-based warfare. At its heart, Root is about woodland conflict between vastly different animal factions, each with their own rules, goals, and playstyles, which makes every match feel fresh, challenging, and full of tense decisions. The game takes place in a woodland realm where four (and potentially more, with expansions) factions vie for control of the forest. Each faction plays fundamentally differently—more so than in most strategy games. The Marquise de Cat focuses on industrial dominance, placing buildings and generating wood to expand infrastructure. The Eyrie Dynasties must follow a rigid decree each turn, gaining power quickly but risking collapse if they fail to meet their increasingly demanding orders. The Woodland Alliance spreads insurgency, growing in power from sympathy and rebellion rather than traditional force. The Vagabond operates alone, using stealth and relationships to trade, sabotage, and complete quests. These wildly differing mechanics demand unique strategies and create rich interplay, where understanding your opponent is as important as executing your own plan. What makes Root especially engaging is its commitment to asymmetry. It’s not just cosmetic—the fundamental ways each faction earns points, interacts with the board, and handles conflict are unique. This forces players to learn multiple systems and think on their feet, adjusting their approach depending on who they're up against and how the game develops. Victory points are the shared goal, but the path to achieving them differs so much that it often feels like each player is playing their own mini-game, one that intersects and interferes with the others in surprising and emergent ways. The digital version of Root shines in how it simplifies and clarifies what can be an intimidatingly complex board game. The user interface does a good job of showing necessary information without becoming overwhelming. Tooltips, faction summaries, and guided actions make the game more accessible than the physical version for newcomers. The AI provides a competent challenge for solo players, while the online multiplayer is where the game truly comes alive. Each decision feels impactful, and the presence of human opponents adds layers of deception, alliance, and betrayal that elevate the strategic depth. Visually, the game retains the charming art style of Kyle Ferrin’s original illustrations. The whimsical character designs and vibrant woodland setting contrast cleverly with the brutal political and military struggles at the game’s core. It’s a beautiful presentation, blending playful visuals with sharp mechanics in a way that keeps the tone balanced and engaging. Animations are fluid, and the music adds a lighthearted, woodsy ambiance that complements the gameplay without distracting from it. Every element of the UI is crafted with respect to the board game’s aesthetic, giving the digital version a distinct, faithful personality. As with its physical counterpart, one of Root's most significant barriers is its learning curve. The asymmetry, while brilliant, means that each faction requires a fair amount of study and practice to use effectively. Although the tutorials are helpful and comprehensive, they don’t fully prepare players for the dynamic shifts and strategic interplay that occur in live matches. New players might find themselves overwhelmed in early games, especially when facing more experienced opponents who know how to exploit each faction’s weaknesses. That said, this depth is also what gives Root such incredible replay value—every match teaches something new. The digital version has continued to grow post-launch with expansions like The Riverfolk and The Underworld, which introduce new factions and mechanics. These additions further diversify the game and offer even more strategic possibilities. The developers have done an excellent job of maintaining balance while continuing to support the game with updates and community engagement. Cross-platform support and matchmaking options also help ensure that online play remains vibrant. In conclusion, Root on Steam is a masterful adaptation of one of the most unique and inventive board games of the past decade. Its commitment to asymmetrical strategy, gorgeous art direction, and careful attention to user experience make it an essential experience for strategy fans. It’s a game that demands your attention, rewards your patience, and invites you to keep coming back—not just to win, but to learn, adapt, and see how the ever-shifting balance of woodland power plays out each time. Whether you're a fan of the original or new to the world of Root, this is one of the best digital board game experiences available today. Rating: 9/10