Root vs King of Tokyo
Side by side comparison of two top board games

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

King of Tokyo
⭐ 7.1# 533💰 $30👤 2-6
King of Tokyo is a fast-paced dice game where players take on the roles of giant monsters competing to become the King of Tokyo. Roll dice to attack, heal, or earn victory points. The last monster standing - or the first to score 20 victory points - wins. Easy to learn and always exciting.
DiceFantasyFightingScience Fiction
Specification Comparison
| Spec | Root | King of Tokyo |
|---|---|---|
| BGG Rank | 19 ✓ | 533 |
| Rating | 8.1 ✓ | 7.1 |
| Year Published | 2018 | 2011 ✓ |
| Price | 55 | 30 ✓ |
| Min Players | 2 | 2 |
| Max Players | 4 | 6 ✓ |
| Play Time (min) | 60 | 30 ✓ |
| Min Age | 10 | 8 ✓ |
| Complexity (1-5) | 3.68 ✓ | 1.56 |
Root wins in 3 categories, King of Tokyo wins in 5 categories.
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)
King of Tokyo — Time Estimates
2-Player Game30 min
Quick session with a smaller group
6-Player Game30 min
Full table experience
Learning Session60 min
First time playing (includes setup & rule explanation)
Category & Mechanic Comparison
Root
Categories
AnimalsFantasyWargame
Mechanics
Action PointsArea Majority / InfluenceAsymmetric Starting PositionsCard DraftingDice RollingHand ManagementModular BoardPoint-to-Point MovementVariable Player PowersVariable Set-up
King of Tokyo
Categories
DiceFantasyFightingScience Fiction
Mechanics
Dice RollingHot PotatoIncomeKill StealOpen DraftingPush Your LuckRe-rolling and LockingVariable Player Powers
Rating Comparison
Root8.1
King of Tokyo7.1
Frequently Asked Questions
Which game has a higher rating, Root or King of Tokyo?
Root has a rating of 8.1, while King of Tokyo has 7.1. Root is rated higher.
Which game is more affordable, Root or King of Tokyo?
Root costs approximately $55 and King of Tokyo costs approximately $30. King of Tokyo is the more affordable option.
Which game supports more players, Root or King of Tokyo?
Root supports 2-4 players and King of Tokyo supports 2-6 players. King of Tokyo supports more players.
Is Root or King of Tokyo more complex?
On a scale of 1-5, Root has a complexity weight of 3.68 and King of Tokyo has 1.56. Root is the more complex game.
Which game has a shorter play time, Root or King of Tokyo?
Root takes about 60 minutes to play, while King of Tokyo takes about 30 minutes. King of Tokyo is the quicker game.