Great Western Trail vs Root

Side by side comparison of two top board games

Great Western Trail

Great Western Trail

⭐ 8.3# 14💰 $65👤 2-4

Great Western Trail puts players in the role of cattle ranchers driving their herd from Texas to Kansas City. Players manage their hand of cattle cards, hire staff, build buildings, and upgrade their train to transport cattle efficiently. The game features a unique multi-use card system and a dynamic rondel-style action selection.

American WestEconomicTrains
Root

Root

⭐ 8.1# 19💰 $55👤 2-4

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.

AnimalsFantasyWargame

Specification Comparison

SpecGreat Western TrailRoot
BGG Rank14 ✓19
Rating8.3 ✓8.1
Year Published2016 ✓2018
Price6555 ✓
Min Players22
Max Players44
Play Time (min)12060 ✓
Min Age1210 ✓
Complexity (1-5)3.683.68

Great Western Trail wins in 3 categories, Root wins in 3 categories.

Great Western Trail — Time Estimates

2-Player Game90 min
Quick session with a smaller group
4-Player Game150 min
Full table experience
Learning Session150 min
First time playing (includes setup & rule explanation)

Root — Time Estimates

2-Player Game60 min
Quick session with a smaller group
4-Player Game90 min
Full table experience
Learning Session105 min
First time playing (includes setup & rule explanation)

Category & Mechanic Comparison

Great Western Trail

Categories
American WestEconomicTrains
Mechanics
Deck ConstructionHand ManagementIncomeMulti-Use CardsOpen DraftingRondelSet CollectionWorker Placement

Root

Categories
AnimalsFantasyWargame
Mechanics
Action PointsArea Majority / InfluenceAsymmetric Starting PositionsCard DraftingDice RollingHand ManagementModular BoardPoint-to-Point MovementVariable Player PowersVariable Set-up

Rating Comparison

Great Western Trail8.3
Root8.1

Frequently Asked Questions

Which game has a higher rating, Great Western Trail or Root?
Great Western Trail has a rating of 8.3, while Root has 8.1. Great Western Trail is rated higher.
Which game is more affordable, Great Western Trail or Root?
Great Western Trail costs approximately $65 and Root costs approximately $55. Root is the more affordable option.
Which game supports more players, Great Western Trail or Root?
Great Western Trail supports 2-4 players and Root supports 2-4 players. Root supports more players.
Is Great Western Trail or Root more complex?
On a scale of 1-5, Great Western Trail has a complexity weight of 3.68 and Root has 3.68. Root is the more complex game.
Which game has a shorter play time, Great Western Trail or Root?
Great Western Trail takes about 120 minutes to play, while Root takes about 60 minutes. Root is the quicker game.

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