How to Play Root

Introduction

Root is a board game of woodland might and right for 2-4 players aged 10 and up. The game centers on the struggle between four factions: the Marquise de Cat, the Eyrie Dynasties, the Woodland Alliance, and the Vagabond. Each faction has unique abilities and objectives, making for a highly replayable and strategic gaming experience.

Gameplay Overview

Before we delve into the gameplay, let’s familiarize ourselves with the components included in the Root box:

1. Game Board: The central component, featuring a lush woodland map.

2. Player Boards and Meeples: Each player receives a player board and matching meeples to represent their faction.

3. Cards: There are three types of cards in Root: Action Cards, Law Cards, and Vagabond Cards.

4. Tokens and Cubes: These components represent resources, victory points, and other game elements.

5. Rules and Reference Sheets: These provide detailed instructions and reminders for the game’s rules and mechanics.

Setup

1. Select Factions: Each player chooses a faction and takes the corresponding player board, meeples, cards, and tokens.

2. Place Starting Pieces: Players place their starting pieces on the game board as indicated by their faction’s setup instructions.

3. Shuffle Cards: Shuffle the Action and Law Card decks and place them face down near the game board.

How to Play Root Step-by-Step

1. Player Turn Phases: On their turn, a player goes through five phases:

   a. Draw Cards: Draw cards from the Action Card deck.

   b. Take Actions: Play Action Cards to move your meeples, gather resources, build structures, and more.

   c. Resolve Law Cards: If any Law Cards are active, resolve their effects.

   d. Gain Resources: Collect resources based on the spaces your meeples occupy.

   e. Score Victory Points: Gain victory points based on your faction’s objectives.

2. End of Turn: After completing all five phases, your turn ends, and the next player takes their turn.

3. Game End: The game ends when one faction reaches 30 victory points or a pre-determined number of turns have passed. The player with the most victory points wins.

Strategies for Victory

1. Dominance: Build structures and expand your territory to control key areas of the game board.

2. Diplomacy: Forge alliances with other factions to gain advantages and weaken your opponents.

3. Conflict: Engage in battles to eliminate your opponents’ meeples and structures.

4. Resource Management: Carefully manage your resources to fuel your actions and build your economy.

Tips for Kids and Beginners

1. Start with a Simpler Faction: The Eyrie Dynasties and the Cats are considered more beginner-friendly factions due to their straightforward abilities.

2. Focus on Objectives: Keep your faction’s objectives in mind throughout the game and tailor your actions accordingly.

3. Learn the Card Abilities: Familiarize yourself with the effects of different Action Cards and Law Cards to make informed decisions during your turn.

4. Practice Regularly: Play Root regularly to improve your understanding of the game mechanics and develop effective strategies.

Root is a complex and rewarding board game that offers a captivating woodland warfare experience. With its unique factions, strategic gameplay, and beautiful components, Root is sure to captivate gamers of all levels. So gather your friends or family, choose your factions, and embark on a journey through the mystical world of Root!