ROOT: War Games Made Cute

[@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 😂

[@thesmilyguyguy9799]

Mood

[@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

[@da_chowda]

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.

[@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!

[@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)

[@Ed-1749]

In defense of the wargamers, Root is a complicated board game but not a complicated wargame. Granted, most of these so called "wargamers" have never actually played a real complex campaign based role playing war game. The only people that actually played campaign for north africa are actual historians who got bored. Most just play 40k, which isnt really all that much more complex than root.

[@Bobrzy_kleptoman]

yeah but in 40k you have to keep of up to 23 factions which is significantly larger than root's

[@Bobrzy_kleptoman]

also you do realise that wargames don't have to be a roleplay campaign ? just that it sounded a little like you think that anybody that isn't playing " real " historical wargames isn't a true wargamer

[@Ed-1749]

@@Bobrzy_kleptoman For one, there's a big difference between figurine collectors playing games with their figurines and people who create war simulations. If we're calling Root a "simple" wargame in comparison, the only real competition is a deep simulation. 40k, by far the most popular wargame, is not a deep simulation, and most people who would look down on root as a baby game would be 40k elitists. They're almost certainly the people who were told off in this video. I was making the point that there are very complex wargames, but these people are probably on the shallow end with the rest of us. Either way, root shares far more dna with Diplomacy than 40k, which is a game considered to be very simple to understand but the assymetrical relations between players creates complex social and mathematical issues you have to consider.

[@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!

[@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

[@fyrfn9216]

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

[@viklore8091]

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

[@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!

[@Buggyismellow]

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

[@colesrootchannel]

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

[@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!🎉

[@FBracht]

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!

[@limbobilbo8743]

Fun fact root has an official rpg. An official ttrpg in which you play a band of vagabonds and you get to run around being little guys while a game of root goes on around you.

[@RosiePaintsMinis]

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

[@okamiv5]

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

[@Nevakanezah_]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@caomouse8829]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@smile-tl9in]

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

[@TheLofren]

22:24 I recommend you use the advanced setup rules

[@LutraLovegood]

Armello, Tooth and Tail, Redwall, Fuga, Mouse Guard, Maus, La Bête, Chlorophylle... there are dozens out there, dozens! Riverfolks best folks

[@franslair2199]

Now bloomburrow too

[@zxzx24th]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@keyabrade1861]

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

[@that1guy60]

I just bought it on Steam and I'm addicted. I'm still awful though

[@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

[@fletcherkeel8903]

I want to thank you so much. You introduced me to this game, and now i own every single expansion. I"m hooked

[@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

[@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

[@alwayssleepy2476]

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

[@alexandermolberg5577]

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

[@RandomGuy-ft3cj]

That's a part of scheduling

[@Belbecat]

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

[@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,...

[@Renewablefrog1224]

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

[@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.

[@MLeleven11]

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

[@psydroscopic3700]

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

[@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.

[@scottylightheart7180]

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

[@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.

[@captainiceberg8637]

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

[@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/)

[@BeastnodeG]

14:03 you banned someone from CATS???

[@atlas4733]

I just realised I don't actually want to play it. I want fiction of this brutal woodland conflict :)

[@Jaxck77]

The first published wargame is Chess, even though today we would classify Chess as abstract not a true wargame. Also, you don’t pronounce the “s” in “marquis”, it’s french.

[@superdude10000]

I pronounced it that way because the Root RPG genders the Marquis as female, and in the feminine form, the s IS pronounced. Or was at one point. Honestly, I did a quick check to be sure and they were pronouncing the S, so I did so. Before that, I also gave it the silent treatment. I dunno, I tried.

[@Jaxck77]

@@superdude10000 Fair. In English the “s” is never pronounced (marquis is gender non-specific in modern English), but I could definitely see using the French form explicitly in the context of Root.

[@Notllamalord]

Interesting, underrated channel

[@shubbyyyy]

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

[@viliussmproductions]

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

[@jaakarimiquel8473]

"this is a soda" soda and..?

[@BeastnodeG]

should be mentioned, root and all expansions are available on tabletop simulator

[@Hell_O7]

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

[@Starlit_Juno]

I might actually buy this, they should sponsor you.

[@pipthebadger3723]

This game will replace the hole for furry digital board games in my spirit that's been vacant ever since the community for Armello died

[@dhawkeye4439]

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

[@Strill_]

How are the birds fascist?? You described a theocratic monarchy, not a fascist government.

[@a.fat.pigeon]

sponsorship detected but it worked, it's now on my steam wishlist

[@superdude10000]

Lol, literally not a sponsorship, it'd be cool if it was. I just love this damn ol' thing

[@a.fat.pigeon]

@@superdude10000 lol

[@CrashSable]

I've never understood people complaining about the complexity of Root. It always comes from the asymmetric factions and people will always claim "you need to play every faction before you can start playing the game properly" and I call bull on that every time. Are they just not paying attention to anything else that happens on the board? I feel for anyone whose first game involves some of the more recent expansion factions, but if we're keeping it pure base game, the factions are simple, dude! Marquis - three actions per turn. They'll always be limited and you'll always know what they're capable of Eyrie - ramping actions, but their decree is literally code that they have to follow. Just find a thing you can force them into turmoil over Alliance - they score by spreading sympathy. Just keep removing their tokens and they can't do anything. Vagabond - One little dude who can only win if you leave him alone. Let him aid you a few times and then attack him before he maxes out his reputation meter with you Yeah, there are more advanced strategies we could bring up, but that's true of any game. For a simple overview to be enough to play, you should have a relatively comprehensive knowledge of all the base factions after your first 4 player game. Saying you have to play as each faction at least twice is as dumb as claiming you have to get every role in Deep Rock Galactic up to level 25 before you understand the game enough to be able to function effectively in a team

[@lordprecel8323]

We need to make Root more popular. I love this game. Lizard Wizards must be freed.

[@cameronmcallister7606]

I feel like there's too few somewhat balanced asymettrical boardgames. It isn't perfect, but no game is. As long as it is fun who gives a toss?

[@sammann4242]

you don't just casually play dak: battle for north Africa not that complex lol

[@2ethefirst318]

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

[@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..

[@mothslug4387]

board game

[@XavianBrightly]

Now it is time for campain for north africa. A maybe war game experience that might be possible to play if you really want to.

[@RATSKETCHES]

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

[@em6392]

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

[@somedesertdude1308]

>no humans no i cant relate myself playing this game then :)

[@Granox]

This games us not complex at all compared to Warhammer,

[@MrBig913]

Dark souls brain really is a curse. Ever since I first play Dark Souls way back it has warped how I play games. I see a well laid out path and make sure to go the exact opposite because there could be loot or bosses.

[@German_Kraut]

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

[@Isometrix116]

FYI, I played BG in the only way I know how: optimization and doing absolutely everything. It took me 250 hours to complete the game. Judging by the fact this was posted 2 weeks ago and there’s no BG3 video, I’m gonna go with you’re more like me than a casual player:)

[@BigDaddySammyHam]

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

[@iansmith9762]

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

[@Shura-23]

Hi guys.Thanks for the video.Appreciate 👏 I bought the base game of Root and have no any expansions yet.I'll be able to find only Marauder expansion (no "exile and partisans" and other expansions). Now is it worth buying just the Marauder or it will not make much of a difference? I just bought the base game, I don't even know the rules. In our country there is only one expansion, "Marauder" left on sale, and only one, plus it is too expensive.Now I don't know buy or not... Please reccomend 💚💛💜 Thanks in advance 🙏 P.S: We mostly play as 2 players

[@superdude10000]

As two players, the Marauder expansion's new factions (The Keepers in Iron & The Lord of the Hundreds) are not really balanced for two people to use against each other, but for a larger group, so that's a negative. However, the Marauder expansion also adds four "hirelings," which are like mini versions of the four factions that come with the game. The hirelings are really nice for mixing the game up, and on the Reddit page for Root, it is often said that the marauders expansion is the best expansion for two players because of the hirelings. In short, the two new factions aren't great for two players, but the hirelings are exceptionally good. I recommend playing the game a bit before you get Marauders, but it would be the one to get if you bought any expansion.

[@marloesvaneck9948]

I am almost blind, very fun to get a shoutout

[@fibrisodarkstar4017]

Root one of best VS game ever, cute and nice looking outside, and very very complex war strategy inside, where number of removed figures and movement can be only compared to World war 2 front. In more players it also counts as backstabbing simulator... Play with completive friends, but never ever with family (it can destroy it faster than Monopoly) can only recommend. and with extensions ... oh my titan, ... just say your free time bye bye....

[@javoribence]

Well this is just a wild idea, not really connected to this video, just curious what's your view on this (could work as a video essay *wink wink). Video game sizes and how empty it feels. My idea came from a comparison of Witcher 3 and CP2077, both quite similar leveling mostly consist of % increase, still W3 is loved CP2077 isn't. One of the mayor difference is the game word neither one of them are interactive, no random events, no significant changes by the player actions. On one hand you have an "empty" world with couple of towns, on the other hand you have a "full" world with night city probably same amount (or even more) quest markers, still the world feels barren and empty. (other good examples could be Zelda BotW or Elden Ring, empty world still good exploration)

[@tottemmc3508]

6:05 - One wrong letter and this dude's career is over

[@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

[@myboy_]

Anyone gonna talk about how that's fox and falco

[@myzookin6158]

I think imo Tabletop sim is a better option when it comes to playing board games, then the games themselves. 20$ gets you access to over 1000 community posted games and scripted content for easier automation. If you only play root and only that then the root game is probably your go to, but if you want to play many, then unless you are willing to spend 20$ a board game or have the money Tabletop sim is a must have in my opinion.

[@talzumon101]

I love the editing in this video. Pure Comedy 😂

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@ObiwanNekody]

BG3 can be completed in under 5 minutes, I'm not sure why it is taking you so long.

[@OnixPerson]

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

[@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.

[@Jormungandr633]

Root is incredibly more simple. Try spectating a game of black powder

[@sethallen2276]

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