ROOT: War Games Made Cute

Hello! ROOT is a board game that has consumed me since I started playing it roughly three months ago, and I've immediately dropped a lot of money on it. I think more people should try this bad boy out, so here's a video talking about its mechanics, why I think it's fun, and why I think everyone should try it!
My twitch: / superdude100000
Grabby hand: www.freepik.com/free-photo/cl... (they forced me to attribute the god dang grabby hand, unhappy about it.
Chapters:
00:00 Intro
02:16 War Games
04:01 The Setting
06:16 General Mechanic & Movement
07:41 Combat - Offense
08:34 Cards
10:06 Combat - Defense
11:40 Points & Items
12:35 Dominance
14:07 Playing ROOT
17:22 Start of Faction Overview
18:02 Base Game Factions
20:30 How to Balance the Factions
22:42 The Riverfolk Factions
24:04 The Underworld Factions
25:11 The Marauder Factions
26:57 Why I Like ROOT
28:08 Conclusion
Videos Mentioned:
Ranking ALL Factions in ROOT! - • I RANKED Every ROOT FA...

[@hanstporter]

Dude... thank you, I bought this board game but never played it because im too dumb.

[@spearshaker7974]

Root digital is great u can practice against ai that can’t play birds very well and it teaches u how to play. Once u start winning against ai u can play pvp

[@undercover1921]

Ive had my unplayed copy for a year 😂

[@mrlumberjackman3395]

Me too 😂

[@lucashira337]

I've had some hilarious games with the River Folk were present. The player in question used their resources to build an army and just marched it into the heart of one of the militants, letting anyone put the clearing to the torch for the right price, or forcing the owner to pay out the wazoo to march them out of there.

[@dispensergoinup]

i fucking love war profiteers

[@sushikazuki5945]

The first game I played, the riverfolk player did a whole dramatic come from behind to win the game at the last minute- with music too! It was awesome

[@pallingtontheshrike6374]

this ain’t war profiteering this is mafia lol

[@matt-ti8yw]

This bord-game's aesthetic gives me heavy Redwall vibes, and seeing one of the cards/units be called "Forrmole" made me smile.

[@isaacfranks2272]

Definitely inspired by Redwall. One of the Redwall books literally has a lizard cult lol

[@chesscakee]

Finally, someone talking about one of the best board games I've ever played. It's kind of rare to find someone talk about root outside of a strategy guide.

[@colesrootchannel]

What else would you like to see people talk about? I love talking about the game but haven’t had many ideas for videos that aren’t strategy-related, would love to hear your thoughts

[@austinvanhaitsma6658]

Imagine my delight this morning when I wake up and find that the most creative channel I'm following takes a left turn and drops a video about one of my favorite board games. Thank you for this!

[@littlemormonboy]

Man, I am so glad I found your channel a few months ago. You are one of if not the greatest reviewer of games I have ever watched. Your content is always top notch, deeply intriguing, and rather funny with your random bits of personality you like to throw in. It's amazing to listen to someone that's just passionate about things.

[@jjkthebest]

In my experience, lizards are a very easy way to get really close to completing a domination victory before being ganged up on and finishing last.

[@wingeddangernoodle]

this is also my experience. one day the cult shall achieve victory (not today tho)

[@fyrfn9216]

THIS IS THE FIRST TIME I HAVE HEARD SOMEONE ELSE TALK ABOUT THIS GAME ITS SO GOOD

[@FabioBrachtPlus]

I've been playing videogames since 1989, and obsessing over game design since at least 2005. I always liked board games, but only got more into them around 2 years ago. When I discovered Root, I don't know what happened, but it was like seeing a kind of light I had never seen before. I bought the digital version on Steam on a whim during a sale. I recalled having heard that it was a fantastic board game, but really hard to learn and get to the table, so I ruled out buying it physically - however, I still wanted to learn about it, and I had also heard the tutorials in the digital version were really good, so I gave it a go. Not 15 minutes after, I had the Law of Root PDF loaded on my phone, and I was reading it and thinking "this is the best game design I have ever seen". And I still think it is. It's kinda silly to compare apples to oranges like this, but if someone put a gun to my head I had to answer whether Root is a better design than Breath of the Wild, I'd say "yes" and also "please don't shoot me". There's something you touched upon very briefly in your video, but I think is really key to how good this game is: the thematic coherence of its rules and mechanics. What I mean is, like, when you teach the game, you always have to tell people that the river isn't a path, you can't move through the river. But if someone is playing with the Riverfolk Company, you need to teach the exception to that, which is that the Riverfolk not only *can* move through the river, but they can *always* move through the river, regardless of who has a majority on the clearings they're moving to and from. In writing, this seems like a pain to learn, to remember, to teach, and to remind people during the game. But it makes sense with the theme! The Riverfolk Company are otters, the only aquatic species in the game! If you think about the theme, 99% of the rules will just make sense, which makes them a joy to teach and cinch to remember. Another lovely example of this is the rule of Martial Law: to make a clearing sympathetic to your faction as the Woodland Alliance, you have to spend supporters from that suit, right? Well, the Martial Law says you need to spend one extra supporter if the clearing in question has at least 3 warriors from an enemy faction. This rule is a bitch to remember because at first it seems to arbitrary! But it just makes sense when you think that you're trying to get sympathy to your cause from the citizens of a clearing that is currently being ruled by a different political power. Of course it's going to take more effort! And 3 is easy to remember, because it's the magic number of warriors someone needs to have on a clearing in order to be able to deal all rolled hits from the dice in battle. Anyway, there are certainly dozens of other examples I could give. This game is a masterpiece of game design (for other reasons, as well, of course). Its rule book was a more fascinating read to me than many novels. Here's hoping we'll play together at some point on digital! And please consider joining the official Leder Games Woodland Warriors Discord, where people are always playing together and having fun. Cheers!

[@LordoftheBoard]

Yoooo I was just watching this because I love seeing new perspectives of this game and boy oh boy did you just make my day! Thank you for the shoutout and what a wonderful video. Let me know if you want to start up an async game of digital root sometime!

[@radamantoor6073]

One of my absolute favorite board games. It's awesome to see it get some attention from a channel that isn't mainly board game related!

[@loganlaliberte4511]

I didn't realize that the lizard cult had one of the lowest win rates, which made me kinda sad cause theyre my favorite faction by far

[@MLeleven11]

I just bought this on the Switch a couple weeks ago, so this video came out at the perfect time! Enjoy your content!

[@spoonsweet]

Thank you for such an amazing video, full of personality love and passion. I was laughing along your jokes, and related to the situations you've described regarding board game acquisition and friends commitment to play. I'll guess I have to indoctrinate them by sharing this well-crafted video. Amazing work again!🎉

[@viklore8091]

In all honesty this game is pretty hard for beginners, but this can be said about any wargame.

[@colesrootchannel]

This is an excellent video, thank you for putting Root in the spotlight!

[@Buggyismellow]

My favorite vagabond is the scoundrel. I made it through the whole game being nice and then BURNED EVERYONE. Lol 😂 😅

[@okamiv5]

Its such a visually fun and intriguing game, everyone ive introduced to it cant get enough

[@scottylightheart7180]

OMG THANK YOU i love this game so much i’m so glad you’re spreading the good word

[@zxzx24th]

This game truly deserves more love and attention. As does your channel

[@Nevakanezah_]

17:38 My videos have finally elevated me to the position of "Lord of the board lite™"

[@Belbecat]

Love the game. The way it makes so much sense and the personality of each faction is so amazing.

[@solus5635]

Really good video man! I much enjoyed the little jokes and skits ^^

[@vfanon]

I bought the digital version of Root a couple years ago but never had a chance to really get into it- really hope this video makes sure the online multiplayer is populated

[@ElTunnerTimmy]

I don’t even knew about the game but now I’m very much sold on it, I really love to hear someone talk about topics they like ✨ Love your content dude❤

[@prototypelq8574]

6 months ago this video game me the Root-brain-rabies and they have been laying dormant, up till recently. Planning up a game with friends soon to try this out myself, and I have placed an order for the actual boardgame to arrive. Thank you superdude for covering this gem

[@LynarMatal]

thanks boss I will be rewatching this many times

[@xx_kuus_xx]

A while back I was looking through games and stuff which had anthropomorphic animals in it and something about ROOT pulled my attention, it looked neat and had a bunch of expansions and stuff but I didn't like board games. But now here comes this video which reminded me of its existence again, maybe I'll actually try to play it sometime.

[@craniifer]

The artstyle and the wooden pieces have me wanting to hop into the tabletop version sooo much. It looks tailor meant for me, as I like war games, but I'm by no means good at them.

[@bluehairedemon]

very important detail: almost everything in root is public info, as long as it's not face down you are allowed to look at it, even straight up taking a card from somone else's crafted supply (as long as you return it after reading it) this includes the discard pile (which with enough knowledge allows you to deduce what cards other people have), other players' warrior reserves, other players' action economy and more. the only things that are hidden are other people's hands (including their special hands like the supporter hand or the remaining plot tokens) and the draw pile.

[@pendantblade6361]

Damn I need more board games. Thanks for the rec.

[@sethallen2276]

Great video! I highly recommend trying Cole Werle’s other games, like Oath, Pax Pamir, and John Company

[@captainiceberg8637]

Thanks for this video! A truly fascinating game….next you should play War of the Ring, probably the best board game ever made!

[@oddsandends634]

I don’t have time to watch atm but I’ll drop a like for your algo cuz I trust this is underrated

[@soren9780]

In response to asking about complexity, I also do not play war games but I do have opinions on "complexity". I think there are two main features to complexity and not differentiating them is very troublesome. Root is not an easy game to teach in my opinion. With it requiring a decent understanding of how your individual character works and when its worth spending your turn crafting,fortifying, etc. which also varies with character. So imo its a game that is complicated to teach. However, when it comes to density of rules I would not say that it really has all too much more complexity than many other games. I find it actually rather easy to play once people understand the rules and the rules with which their character plays by. So, no I dont think Root is a complicated game, when it comes to introducing other players to the game I do consider it to be one of the more challenging ones.

[@em6392]

First you make a video on Coop board shooters and now you make a video on my favorite board game? Take my sub.

[@MattyDoesGameDev]

I just wanted to let you know that my heart skipped a beat when I heard a son from the Oblivion soundtrack at ~21:00. Loved the video!

[@2ethefirst318]

this is by far me and my friend's most played boardgame as a group. its so much fun

[@derpmaster9430]

Hey love the video and I would like to recommend another digital board game, Armello. A purely digital board game described as "game of thrones with anthropimized animals". It is in my opinion a well balanced game where the game is not over until the very last turn.

[@luitennant06]

background music taste is impeccable brother

[@caomouse8829]

Me: Playing war game Grandpa: *Vietnam war flashback"

[@ExploreImagineDefineCreate]

Seems cool. Thanks for this

[@viliussmproductions]

This and Tooth and Tail makes me wonder why cutesy animals and war themes go so well together

[@chatyxd6078]

We started a game night but we almost exclusively play root at this point. Its such a fun game, i love the assymetrical design. While i personally dont care for these kind of army builder games, the factions like the vagabond(my favorite), lord of hundreds, or keepers of iron are militant factions that let me just do my own thing.Vast the crystal caverns is another game thats asymmetrical in nature and is fairly similar, but good luck trying to get your hands on a copy.

[@icecrystal7965]

19:41 That's a vibe Best faction

[@theAirborne17th]

Root is one of my favorite board games! I always try to jam the Lizard Cult for the fun and challenge of it if there is enough reach already. Otters are great for a couple of my friends who aren't into tactics but are definitely talkers. The various different strategies usually means people can find a faction to vibe with. Just wish the vagabond was tuned a bit better, too easy to win.

[@misomiso8228]

Fantastic video ty. Please can you post some full games of five player root? I ask as five seems *just enough of a push to make the game really dynamic without it going nuts, and it would be really interesting to see how some of the faction combinations work. Maybe: 2 Militants 1 Vagabond 2 Insurgents But no Lord of Hundreds.

[@keiyangoshin3650]

Adam Millard brought me here, and I couldn't be happier for it! I really like your style, voice and sense of humor. That's a bonus from the interesting subjet of your video. You managed to make me want to try Root lol. Instant sub.

[@CrabOnABeach]

root is a fantastic game and one i have brought to boardgame nights for years. Possibly my all time favorite boardgame! I've played every faction extensively *except* vagabond (i am here to play a wargame not skyrim lol) and riverfolk (who i picked up once, had the "no buyers" situation happen, and never touched again because it just does not work in a wargame). On the complexity level bit, compared to something like warhammer it's probably considered "simpler" but it's on the higher end for actual boardgames, mostly due to the intense asymmetry.

[@cooly1234]

Otters can work, those players you played with were all kinda collectively throwing by ignoring you. if one didn't ignore you while the others did, and you had good cards (which you should because you can draw like crazy) then they would have an advantage. Also when people do all decide to collectively ignore that advantage, simply throw your game until people buy. Make it a lose lose situation. that being said, otters aren't an amazing faction.

[@RosiePaintsMinis]

i love miniature boardgames myself, i paint them up and the game looks then even cooler

[@SynGirl32]

In terms of Root's complexity, I feel it depends on your context. If you're trying to teach it that's only ever played Pandemic and Settlers of Catan before it will feel complex, but unlike the counters wargames that inspired it, there's a lot less minutiae to keep track of like supply lines and combat modifiers.

[@superdude10000]

Exactly. Complex from the board game perspective. Not from the war game perspective. And speaking personally, I don't think it's complex in terms of the individual factions. The fun is in the faction interactions.

[@dhawkeye4439]

Yo I’m playing this with friends in an hour and a half, perfect timing

[@Sir_Opus]

I played this game with my friends once. I played as the cats and they softlocked me instead of fighting among themselves.

[@z-beeblebrox]

what was the faction makeup?

[@Sir_Opus]

@@z-beeblebrox eyrie dinasties, woodland alliance and lizard cult (which was especially strong against us who didn't know how to deal with it)

[@z-beeblebrox]

@@Sir_Opus oof that's a tricky combo for a first time play

[@psydroscopic3700]

The gtfo desktop background gave me a lil spark of joy, have fearful fun down there in the complex dude 🔨

[@WoodlandDrake]

I REALLY want to see you cover Oath.

[@Hell_O7]

6:57 7:03 Thanks, I think I needed that

[@awaeelnaw]

I just ended a 1year and some change long campaign based on this system, and I have to say it's the best system for my playstyle!

[@shubbyyyy]

the algorithm has blessed this video. praise the youtube powers that be for showing me this game with cool little guys.

[@alwayssleepy2476]

I remember seeing this game at a target and really wanting to buy it for the art.

[@CommissarMitch]

As someone who do play war games I can attest Root was a breath of fresh air for me during a time I just wanted a War Game Lite.

[@CommissarMitch]

Let me put it like this. Warhammer 40k has the Core Rulebook. Then every single faction that is playable have their own separate rule book just for that faction.

[@staticaleel5068]

As someone who enjoys playing axis and allies (the WW2 theme strategy board game) I’m actually interested in trying this. It definitely sounds a little less complex than axis and allies while having some similar rules

[@somerandomguy29]

Yooo! This game stood out to me at a hobby shop, I was wondering what it was like.

[@Janisurai]

Partisian deck is a must!

[@nocapsbb]

yo congrats on the shout out!

[@Starlit_Juno]

I might actually buy this, they should sponsor you.

[@GoblinLord]

In case y'all don't know, there's also a tabletop roleplaying game based on Root (or Root is based on it) that's powered by the apocalypse (popular for Masks, Dungeon World and of course Apocalypse World), it's a fairly good game design wise so if you want a simpler ttrpg to try, you can try it out.

[@warclericwill4]

This game is excellent, my friends adore this game and it’s become our most popular game at fame nights

[@ak6427]

Went to a board game cafe with friends years ago, we took about an hour+ setting the game up only to realize it's too late to actually play it through in time haha. Hoping to actually play it some day..

[@titicad8938]

Nice video!

[@jarman5176]

played this on my birthday and i loved it except for the fact that im terrible at it, so cool that its getting some traction

[@OnixPerson]

There's a single player TTRPG I heard of recently called "Colostle" and I think it looks really neat

[@keyabrade1861]

Ah, yes, Watership Down/Redwall...the playable version.

[@DemonNo667]

Really enjoyed the cat footage ❤

[@Renewablefrog1224]

19:00 Look man I'm trying, royalty is hard :(

[@jim8123]

As a warhammer player, I've been trying to get my girlfriend into Tabletop games for a while. I think this one will be my next attempt, thanks for the video

[@O-01-45]

One of my favourite board games of all time, easily in my top ten, maybe even top 3 board games. I highly recommend anyone thinking about grabbing this game to get it.

[@jucom756]

So basically root is a cute RPG world where you choose what group of RPG people you inhabit. Choosing between the PC, the main enemy, the ancient but evil guy, the townsfolk, the traders,...

[@DangStank]

I’ve been looking into this game because it looked quite enjoyable. And somehow I never knew it had a digital version

[@SourSourSour]

I've played Root exclusively through TTS, I didn't see that the Root video game has all the other expansions now so I might pick that up. Have you tried Oath?! I have the physical board and it's GORGEOUS but has the same problem as root (which is finding groups to play w/)

[@larrytheloner7964]

I love Root! Great video

[@iansmith9762]

Duuuude. I love analog Root. We have lots of content.

[@Carolina-ql1kn]

Thanks to this video I discovered Root. I'll be getting it soon on Steam.

[@darragho6358]

Adam Millard sent me here but this video was actually recommended to me last week since probably because I own root so i think I was destined to end up here either way

[@jinkeloid]

Same lol, I own root and had the video show up before, and is sent here by Adam

[@Notllamalord]

Interesting, underrated channel

[@TheGoblinoid]

Kyle Ferrin is one of my favorite illustrators alive.

[@Hoonters-goona-Hoont]

Okay I need to get this for the sole fact that there's a Raccoon Vagabond. That's like, totally my spirit animal.

[@BigDaddySammyHam]

I was so caught off guard by the Kaguya-sama clip but I GREATLY appreciate it

[@alexandermolberg5577]

Scheduling is not why friend groups dissolve. Car centered infrastructure and time/labour capitalization.

[@RandomGuy-ft3cj]

That's a part of scheduling

[@TheDreadChronicles]

It’s also a TTRPG as well

[@bensdecoypoondummy1189]

Didnt even know they turned it into a pc game.. my work keeps me from being able to have a gaming group so thats awesome

[@Krivoruchka]

Cool video 👍

[@ralyks2350]

It's very hard to get into at first. It's still taking me some time to get it down ( I have had it for a few years and haven't played it) but it is an interesting game over all. My favorite is the vagabond ( because of course I is) he's still hard to get down though (that's just me though)

[@mreed7947]

My favorite game

[@leon02356]

the Art style reminds me of Armello.

[@German_Kraut]

Cool now i just need to force my friends to play :^

[@TheLofren]

22:24 I recommend you use the advanced setup rules

[@Kapelannew]

6 ppl root is a carnival of madness.

[@TheMinecraftandblueyfanlol900]

Reactions from Everyone Me: W H E E Z E Everyone: hmmmm.

[@bomba1905]

Wow, a second root-based fantasy strategy board game. To say the settings contrast with each other though is an understatement.

[@smile-tl9in]

0:41 what is the board game the cat is part of ? It looks fun