Which Root expansion should you buy next?

A war game where each player leads a different woodland faction with its own rules and way to win.

Base game: 2–4 players60-90 minLeder Games14 expansions checked

Buy order

Start with The Exiles and Partisans Deck.

  1. Number 1: The Exiles and Partisans Deck

    Buy this first

    Adds: A new 54-card deck you use instead of the base deck. Cards give new lasting powers.

    Fixes: Replaces some base cards that many players felt were unbalanced.

    Cheap and easy to add. The reviewer says every Root owner should have it.

    Usually a better fit for a different kind of group — still fine if it sounds fun.

    Mini expansionPrice: Under $20
    DetailsBuy The Exiles and Partisans Deck:Amazon (opens in a new tab)Leder Games (opens in a new tab)
  2. Number 2: The Homeland Expansion

    Worth it

    Adds: Three new factions (Lilypad Diaspora, Twilight Council, Knaves of the Deepwood) and two new maps.

    Fixes: Makes 5- and 6-player games playable on a bigger map.

    The reviewer calls it the best Root expansion and the first faction box to get. Its swamp map makes 5-6 player games work.

    Usually a better fit for a different kind of group — still fine if it sounds fun.

    Expansion2–6 playersPrice: $60–$100
    DetailsBuy The Homeland Expansion:Amazon (opens in a new tab)Leder Games (opens in a new tab)
  3. Adds: Another swap-in deck with cards inspired by the Marauder and Homeland factions.

    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.

    Usually a better fit for a different kind of group — still fine if it sounds fun.

    Mini expansion2–4 playersAdds more rulesBest for experienced groupsPrice: Under $20
    DetailsBuy The Squires and Disciples Deck:Leder Games (opens in a new tab)
  4. Number 4: The Marauder Expansion

    Worth it

    Adds: Two new factions (Lord of the Hundreds, Keepers in Iron), four hirelings and a new setup draft.

    Fixes: Makes 2- and 3-player games feel busier and more alive.

    Best pick if you often play with 2 or 3 people. Has factions for new and skilled players.

    Usually a better fit for a different kind of group — still fine if it sounds fun.

    Expansion2–6 playersFine for any groupPrice: $40–$60
    DetailsBuy The Marauder Expansion:Leder Games (opens in a new tab)
  5. Number 5: The Riverfolk Expansion

    Worth it

    Adds: Two new factions (Riverfolk Company, Lizard Cult), three new Vagabonds, a second Vagabond and a simple bot.

    Fixes: Lets you play with up to 6 players and gives 4-player groups more variety.

    Great if you like trading and table talk, or often teach new players.

    Usually a better fit for a different kind of group — still fine if it sounds fun.

    Expansion1–6 playersFine for any groupPrice: $40–$60
    DetailsBuy The Riverfolk Expansion:Amazon (opens in a new tab)Leder Games (opens in a new tab)
  6. Number 6: The Underworld Expansion

    Worth it

    Adds: Two new factions (Underground Duchy, Corvid Conspiracy) and a new two-sided board with Mountain and Lake maps.

    Fixes: New maps change up the board so games feel fresh.

    Good for players who like flexible plans, sneaky bluffing, or new maps.

    Usually a better fit for a different kind of group — still fine if it sounds fun.

    Expansion2–6 playersPrice: $40–$60
    DetailsBuy The Underworld Expansion:Leder Games (opens in a new tab)
  7. Number 7: Marauder Hirelings Pack & Hireling Box

    Depends on your group

    Adds: Small side factions that any player can control for a while. Marauder pack also has a box to store all hirelings.

    Fixes: Fills the map in small games so 2- and 3-player games feel fuller.

    Get one if you often play with few players. Pick the pack for factions you own least.

    Usually a better fit for a different kind of group — still fine if it sounds fun.

    Mini expansionPrice: $20–$40
    DetailsBuy Marauder Hirelings Pack & Hireling Box:Amazon (opens in a new tab)Leder Games (opens in a new tab)
  8. Number 8: Riverfolk Hirelings Pack

    Depends on your group

    Adds: Small side factions that any player can control for a while.

    Fixes: Fills the map in small games so 2- and 3-player games feel fuller.

    Get one if you often play with few players. Pick the pack for factions you own least.

    Usually a better fit for a different kind of group — still fine if it sounds fun.

    Mini expansionPrice: $20–$40
    DetailsBuy Riverfolk Hirelings Pack:Amazon (opens in a new tab)Leder Games (opens in a new tab)
  9. Number 9: Underworld Hirelings Pack

    Depends on your group

    Adds: Small side factions that any player can control for a while.

    Fixes: Fills the map in small games so 2- and 3-player games feel fuller.

    Get one if you often play with few players. Pick the pack for factions you own least.

    Usually a better fit for a different kind of group — still fine if it sounds fun.

    Mini expansionPrice: $20–$40
    DetailsBuy Underworld Hirelings Pack:Amazon (opens in a new tab)Leder Games (opens in a new tab)
  10. Number 10: Homeland Hirelings Pack

    Depends on your group

    Adds: Small side factions that any player can control for a while.

    Fixes: Fills the map in small games so 2- and 3-player games feel fuller.

    Get one if you often play with few players. Pick the pack for factions you own least.

    Usually a better fit for a different kind of group — still fine if it sounds fun.

    Mini expansionPrice: $20–$40
    DetailsBuy Homeland Hirelings Pack:Leder Games (opens in a new tab)
  11. Number 11: The Vagabond Pack

    Depends on your group

    Adds: Three new Vagabond characters (Ronin, Adventurer, Harrier) and seven matching Vagabond pieces.

    Fixes: Gives each Vagabond its own matching piece.

    For people who love playing the Vagabond or want matching pieces.

    Usually a better fit for a different kind of group — still fine if it sounds fun.

    Mini expansionPrice: Under $20
    DetailsBuy The Vagabond Pack:Amazon (opens in a new tab)Leder Games (opens in a new tab)
  12. Number 12: The Clockwork Expansion

    Most groups can skip

    Adds: Bot versions of the four base factions for solo, co-op or filling empty seats. Three difficulty levels each.

    Fixes: Lets you play Root alone or with too few people.

    Only if you have no one to play with and do not want the digital app.

    Usually a better fit for a different kind of group — still fine if it sounds fun.

    Expansion1–4 playersPrice: $40–$60
    DetailsBuy The Clockwork Expansion:Leder Games (opens in a new tab)
  13. Number 13: The Clockwork Expansion 2

    Most groups can skip

    Adds: Bots for the Riverfolk, Lizard, Corvid and Duchy factions, plus a new trait card for each first Clockwork bot.

    Fixes: Lets you play expansion factions against bots.

    Only for solo players or collectors who already own Riverfolk or Underworld.

    You need Root plus The Riverfolk Expansion or The Underworld Expansion (or both).

    Usually a better fit for a different kind of group — still fine if it sounds fun.

    Expansion1–4 playersPrice: $40–$60
    DetailsBuy The Clockwork Expansion 2:Amazon (opens in a new tab)Leder Games (opens in a new tab)
  14. Number 14: Landmarks Pack

    Most groups can skip

    Adds: Four wooden landmarks you place on the map: Black Market, Lost City, Legendary Forge, Elder Treetop.

    Easy to add but changes little. For collectors or as a small treat.

    Usually a better fit for a different kind of group — still fine if it sounds fun.

    Mini expansionPrice: Under $20
    DetailsBuy Landmarks Pack:Amazon (opens in a new tab)Leder Games (opens in a new tab)

Check before you buy

  • Clockwork Expansion 2 needs Root plus either The Riverfolk or The Underworld.
  • Riverfolk’s bot is replaced by the Clockwork bots, so don’t buy Riverfolk just for solo play.

Stuck between two?

Rankings are our editorial picks, built from the reviews linked on each expansion page. Last checked 2026-09-27.