Gloomhaven vs Root
Side by side comparison of two top board games
Gloomhaven
Gloomhaven is a game of tactical combat in a persistent world of shifting motives. Players take on the role of wandering mercenaries with their own specializations, goals, and personal stories. Each scenario in Gloomhaven presents a new challenge, and players must work together to overcome enemies and obstacles. Between scenarios, players improve their characters by gaining new abilities, items, and perks. The game also features a legacy-style component where choices made in one scenario affect future scenarios.
Root
Root is an asymmetrical game where players take on different woodland factions with completely different play styles. The Marquise de Cat rules the forest, the Eyrie Dynasties seeks to reclaim their throne, the Woodland Alliance plots revolution, and the Vagabond plays both sides. Each faction has its own victory condition and unique mechanics.
Specification Comparison
| Spec | Gloomhaven | Root |
|---|---|---|
| BGG Rank | 1 ✓ | 19 |
| Rating | 8.8 ✓ | 8.1 |
| Year Published | 2017 ✓ | 2018 |
| Price | 140 | 55 ✓ |
| Min Players | 1 ✓ | 2 |
| Max Players | 4 | 4 |
| Play Time (min) | 60 | 60 |
| Min Age | 12 | 10 ✓ |
| Complexity (1-5) | 3.84 ✓ | 3.68 |
Gloomhaven wins in 5 categories, Root wins in 2 categories.