A war game where each player leads a different woodland faction with its own rules and way to win.
Start with The Exiles and Partisans Deck.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Usually a better fit for a different kind of group — still fine if it sounds fun.
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.
Rankings are our editorial picks, built from the reviews linked on each expansion page. Last checked 2026-09-27.