Root Reviews

One of the best board games in digital format. The digital version is the best way to learn all the mechanics without feeling overwhelmed so I recommend it to newcomers most. Best with friends but randoms online are always welcoming and chill.

I own the board game, and wish I had more friends to play with. This really helps with learning the game and understanding scoring

Very cool and faithful adaption of the board game.

such a good board game, this digital version makes it really easy to learn and practice

If you like board games like risk, axis & allies etc. this should be your next purchase. It's the best board game in this category in my opinion.

I bought this game on sale to give a try before buying the board game and i am thoroughly enjoying it. Super helpful for trying to understand the rules. Just a great adaptation of the board game. Will end up playing this more than the actual board game because of the CPU options.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5) Root is a fun strategy game with unique factions, but it’s not without its issues. The digital version is much easier to learn compared to the board game, which is a huge plus. However, I ran into frequent glitches where the game would freeze, forcing me to restart. Another downside is the battle cutscenes. They’re fun at first, but they get old quickly, and there’s no option to skip them, which would’ve been nice to keep the game flowing. The art is charming and the gameplay is solid once you get past the technical issues, but the glitches and repetitive scenes really hold it back. I feel like Steam should allow more than just thumbs up or down because, while I’m giving it a thumbs down, it’s not a bad game—it just doesn’t quite live up to the original board game experience. Pros: -Easier to learn than the board game itself (can play by yourself) -Fun factions sticking with the original illustrated art Cons: -Frequent game freezes or glitches -No skip option yet for battle cutscenes (becomes repetitive)

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

Board game was already awesome, but the steam game just makes it x100 better for me. It makes my favorite board game portable and very easy to setup/play. I can even play it on the steam deck which has been my favorite thing to do when I am board on a plane/train ride.

best board game to ever exist i would recommend this game to my children and grandchildren.