Root expansions
The Homeland Expansion vs The Squires and Disciples Deck
Short answer: buy The Homeland Expansion first. The reviewer calls it the best Root expansion and the first faction box to get. Its swamp map makes 5-6 player games work.
Pick The Squires and Disciples Deck first instead if this sounds more like your table: A cheap swap-in deck that works with just the base game. Players are split on whether it beats Exiles and Partisans, so most should get that one first.
| Question | The Homeland Expansion | The Squires and Disciples Deck |
|---|---|---|
| Our label | Worth it | Worth it |
| Buy order | #2 for Root | #3 for Root |
| What it adds | Three new factions (Lilypad Diaspora, Twilight Council, Knaves of the Deepwood) and two new maps. | Another swap-in deck with cards inspired by the Marauder and Homeland factions. |
| What it fixes | Makes 5- and 6-player games playable on a bigger map. | — |
| Type | Expansion | Mini expansion |
| Players | 2–6 players | 2–4 players |
| Rules load | — | Adds more rules |
| Best for | — | Best for experienced groups |
| You need first | Just the base game | Just the base game |
| Price guide | $60–$100 | Under $20 |
| More | The Homeland Expansion details | The Squires and Disciples Deck details |