Spirit Island vs Root

Side by side comparison of two top board games

Spirit Island

Spirit Island

⭐ 8.4# 11💰 $65👤 1-4

Spirit Island is a cooperative game where players are spirits defending their island from invading colonizers. Unlike most cooperative games where players are the underdog, here players grow increasingly powerful as the game progresses. Each spirit has unique powers and abilities, offering high replayability.

FantasyFightingMythologyTerritory Building
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

SpecSpirit IslandRoot
BGG Rank11 ✓19
Rating8.4 ✓8.1
Year Published2017 ✓2018
Price6555 ✓
Min Players1 ✓2
Max Players44
Play Time (min)12060 ✓
Min Age1310 ✓
Complexity (1-5)4.06 ✓3.68

Spirit Island wins in 5 categories, Root wins in 3 categories.

Spirit Island — Time Estimates

1-Player Game90 min
Quick session with a smaller group
4-Player Game120 min
Full table experience
Learning Session135 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

Spirit Island

Categories
FantasyFightingMythologyTerritory Building
Mechanics
Action PointsAction QueueArea Majority / InfluenceCooperative PlayHand ManagementModular BoardSimultaneous Action SelectionVariable Player Powers

Root

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

Rating Comparison

Spirit Island8.4
Root8.1

Frequently Asked Questions

Which game has a higher rating, Spirit Island or Root?
Spirit Island has a rating of 8.4, while Root has 8.1. Spirit Island is rated higher.
Which game is more affordable, Spirit Island or Root?
Spirit Island costs approximately $65 and Root costs approximately $55. Root is the more affordable option.
Which game supports more players, Spirit Island or Root?
Spirit Island supports 1-4 players and Root supports 2-4 players. Root supports more players.
Is Spirit Island or Root more complex?
On a scale of 1-5, Spirit Island has a complexity weight of 4.06 and Root has 3.68. Spirit Island is the more complex game.
Which game has a shorter play time, Spirit Island or Root?
Spirit Island takes about 120 minutes to play, while Root takes about 60 minutes. Root is the quicker game.

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