Root similar games & best alternatives

Root

Mac, PC (Microsoft Windows), Nintendo Switch, Android, iOS • 2020

Should you play it?

Might makes right in the wild wood! The award-winning board game of asymmetrical woodland warfare comes to cross-platform digital play! Combine subtle strategy and bold daring to guide your forest faction to victory!

What works
  • Faithful and high-quality adaptation of the board game
  • Deep asymmetric strategy with unique factions
  • Excellent tutorials and solo challenges
  • Active online multiplayer with asynchronous play
  • Charming art and immersive theme
Things to keep in mind
  • Steep learning curve for new players
  • Ai can be predictable and weak
  • Online multiplayer can have bugs and connectivity issues
  • Lack of some expansions and 5-6 player support
  • Some players report toxic behavior in multiplayer

What to play next

Similar games, hidden gems, and fresh directions from this game.

Top picks

Games that feel the closest overall

  • Armello

  • Gremlins, Inc.

  • 100% Orange Juice

  • Nexus 5X

  • ZEPHON

  • Cannon Brawl

  • Worbital

  • Imperiums: Greek Wars

  • Dominions 6 - Rise of the Pantokrator

Hidden Gems

Less popular games with surprisingly high similarity

  • Nexus 5X

  • Worbital

  • Seven Kingdoms 2 HD

If you liked…

Recommendations by what you enjoyed most

Similarity map

Explore nearby similar games and see why they’re close.

How to use the graph
Similarity map

Each dot is a game. They are arranged from the same motivation profile as in the “Why this game works” section below. Closer dots usually mean more similar reasons to play (exploration, competition, relaxation, etc.)—not that one game is “better” than another.

  • Purple star: this page’s game — everything on the map is relative to it.
  • Coloured chips: click to highlight games that mainly differ on that motivation; click again to reset.
  • Dotted line: link between this page’s game and the one selected for comparison.
  • Hover a dot for a screenshot preview, score, and top score gaps; click to compare in the panel on the right.
  • Scroll or double-click the chart to zoom out and see more games.

Why don’t the axes read like a score? This view uses t-SNE: it only keeps who is close to whom. The scales are not “good to bad” or hours played—they separate groups on the map. Read distance between dots, not the axis numbers (hidden on purpose).

Root: A very typical example of its motivational profile. Motivations that often define this kind of title include Competition, Fellowship, Status, Cooperation. Here, the score leans higher than usual among comparable games on Story, Fantasy. It leans lower than usual among comparable games on Exploration.

Why this game works

A motivational profile of the game, with the closest similar game for each player motivation.

  • Autonomy

    Game with the same Autonomy vibe

    4

    "Players have freedom to choose factions with unique playstyles and make strategic decisions on campaign and battle maps."

    Capsule for Total War: WARHAMMER Total War: WARHAMMER

    "Players have freedom to choose factions with unique mechanics and strategies, allowing control over their playstyle."

  • Competence

    Game with the same Competence vibe

    4

    "The game features a high skill ceiling with complex mechanics, unique civilizations, and strategic depth requiring mastery."

    Capsule for Age of Empires III: Definitive Edition Age of Empires III: Definitive Edition

    "The game offers a high skill ceiling with complex asymmetric factions and strategic depth, rewarding mastery."

  • Competition

    Game with the same Competition vibe

    4

    "Strong multiplayer focus with asynchronous play, ranked matches, and strategic rivalry against other players."

    Capsule for Dominions 6 - Rise of the Pantokrator Dominions 6 - Rise of the Pantokrator

    "Strong competitive multiplayer focus with ranked and asynchronous play, encouraging comparison and challenge against others."

  • Continuation

    Game with the same Continuation vibe

    4

    "Players report long playtimes, high replayability, and habitual engagement with the game."

    Capsule for Shadows Over Loathing Shadows Over Loathing

    "Players report long playtimes, habitual engagement, and repeated play due to high replayability and faction variety."

  • Cooperation

    Game with the same Cooperation vibe

    1

    "Some cooperative elements exist (e.g., audience voting, group discussions), but most games focus on individual contributions and competition."

    Capsule for The Jackbox Party Pack 5 The Jackbox Party Pack 5

    "Some cooperative elements exist (e.g. co-op vs AI), but the game is primarily competitive and individualistic."

  • Creativity

    Game with the same Creativity vibe

    2

    "Players experiment with different faction bonuses, belief combinations, and strategies but within fixed game structures."

    Capsule for 50 years 50 years

    "Players experiment with different faction strategies and tactics, though the game structure is fixed."

  • Domination

    Game with the same Domination vibe

    2

    "Some players express dominance through skillful play and defeating others, but interactions appear mostly respectful."

    Capsule for Graphwar Graphwar

    "Players aim to dominate the board and outsmart opponents, but interactions are balanced and respectful."

  • Escapism

    Game with the same Escapism vibe

    3

    "Players enjoy immersive fantasy world and tactical combat as a form of engaging distraction from real life."

    Capsule for Aarklash: Legacy Aarklash: Legacy

    "The game provides immersive fantasy woodland warfare that offers distraction and engagement from real life."

  • Expectation

    Game with the same Expectation vibe

    -3

    "Players engage voluntarily out of interest and intrinsic motivation rather than obligation or external pressure."

    Capsule for Beholder 2 Beholder 2

    "Players engage voluntarily out of interest and intrinsic motivation rather than obligation or pressure."

  • Experimenting

    Game with the same Experimenting vibe

    4

    "Multiple factions, strategies, and political/economic systems encourage experimentation and trying new tactics."

    Capsule for Dune: Spice Wars Dune: Spice Wars

    "High experimentation with different factions, strategies, and challenges is encouraged and common."

  • Exploration

    Game with the same Exploration vibe

    -2

    "Game map and mechanics are fixed; limited discovery but players explore strategic possibilities."

    Capsule for 270 | Two Seventy US Election 270 | Two Seventy US Election

    "The game map and mechanics are fixed; exploration is limited to strategic discovery rather than new areas."

  • Expression

    Game with the same Expression vibe

    2

    "Customization mainly through faction and sub-faction choice; limited avatar or cosmetic personalization."

    Capsule for Command & Conquer™ 3: Kane’s Wrath Command & Conquer™ 3: Kane’s Wrath

    "Customization is limited but players express themselves through faction choice and strategic style."

  • Fantasy

    Game with the same Fantasy vibe

    4

    "Strong fantasy elements with anthropomorphic animals, mythical creatures, and imaginative roleplay."

    Capsule for Animal Jam Animal Jam

    "Strong fantasy theme with anthropomorphic woodland creatures and imaginative asymmetric factions."

  • Fellowship

    Game with the same Fellowship vibe

    3

    "Active online community and multiplayer fosters social connection and group identity."

    Capsule for Through the Ages Through the Ages

    "Active online community and multiplayer modes foster social connection and group identity."

  • Growth

    Game with the same Growth vibe

    4

    "Players learn complex mechanics, faction differences, and improve strategic skills over time."

    Capsule for Conquest of Elysium 4 Conquest of Elysium 4

    "Players develop strategic skills and learn complex faction mechanics over time."

  • Health

    Game with the same Health vibe

    -5

    "Sedentary digital board game with no physical activity."

    Capsule for Splendor Splendor

    "Sedentary digital board game with no physical activity component."

  • Idle

    Game with the same Idle vibe

    -3

    "Requires focused attention and strategic thinking; not suited for idle or background play."

    Capsule for Faeria Faeria

    "Requires focused attention and strategic thinking; not suited for idle or background play."

  • Intimacy

    Game with the same Intimacy vibe

    1

    "Some social interaction and communication in multiplayer, but limited emotional closeness."

    Capsule for DEFCON DEFCON

    "Some social interaction and communication in multiplayer, but limited emotional closeness."

  • Leadership

    Game with the same Leadership vibe

    1

    "Some players lead groups or guilds but much of the gameplay is cooperative without strict leadership roles."

    Capsule for Champions Online Champions Online

    "Players lead their own faction but multiplayer is mostly balanced without strong hierarchical leadership."

  • Progression

    Game with the same Progression vibe

    3

    "Players accumulate resources, unlock achievements, and build structures progressing through levels."

    Capsule for 12 Labours of Hercules IV: Mother Nature (Platinum Edition) 12 Labours of Hercules IV: Mother Nature (Platinum Edition)

    "Players accumulate victory points, craft items, and build structures as part of progression."

  • Relaxation

    Game with the same Relaxation vibe

    1

    "Some players find flow and enjoyment, but the game can also be challenging and demanding."

    Capsule for Anarchy Online Anarchy Online

    "While strategic and challenging, some players find the game flow smooth and enjoyable."

  • Sensation

    Game with the same Sensation vibe

    2

    "Enjoyable art, music, and animations provide sensory stimulation, though not highly intense."

    Capsule for Yi Xian: The Cultivation Card Game Yi Xian: The Cultivation Card Game

    "Appealing art, animations, and music provide sensory enjoyment though not intense stimulation."

  • Status

    Game with the same Status vibe

    2

    "Online leaderboards provide recognition and social status among players."

    Capsule for DX-Ball 2: 20th Anniversary Edition DX-Ball 2: 20th Anniversary Edition

    "Online leaderboards and competitive play offer recognition and social status opportunities."

  • Story

    Game with the same Story vibe

    2

    "Game has lore and narrative elements, including mission briefings and faction backstory, enhancing immersion."

    Capsule for Angels Fall First Angels Fall First

    "The game has thematic narrative elements and faction lore enhancing immersion."

  • Strategy

    Game with the same Strategy vibe

    5

    "Core gameplay revolves around deep strategic planning, problem solving, and tactical decision-making."

    Capsule for Sid Meier's Civilization® V Sid Meier's Civilization® V

    "Core gameplay revolves around deep strategic planning, problem solving, and tactical decision-making."

  • Thrill

    Game with the same Thrill vibe

    3

    "Tense moments and suspense arise from political intrigue, battles, and uncertain outcomes."

    Capsule for Solium Infernum Solium Infernum

    "Tense moments and suspense arise from competitive interactions and asymmetric faction dynamics."

  • Value

    Game with the same Value vibe

    4

    "Players feel they get good value from gameplay depth, replayability, and educational content."

    Capsule for Wingspan Wingspan

    "Players perceive good value due to faithful adaptation, tutorials, multiplayer, and DLC content."

  • Violence

    Game with the same Violence vibe

    3

    "Combat and defeating enemies are central mechanics, though stylized and puzzle-oriented."

    Capsule for Desktop Dungeons: Rewind Desktop Dungeons: Rewind

    "Combat and area control are central mechanics, though presented in a stylized, non-gratuitous manner."

  • Survival

    Game with the same Survival vibe

    2

    "Players manage resources and avoid defeat; survival elements exist but are not dominant."

    Capsule for Crystal Clash Crystal Clash

    "Players manage resources and avoid defeat, but the game is more about strategic dominance than survival."

Last update: 01/06/2026