9.0
rating
Ludopedia
8.5
rating
BGG
Our Verdict
A must-have for Root fans seeking deeper tactical depth and organized chaos. Its biggest strength is how it adapts to different player counts.
Highlights
- New layers of asymmetric strategy
- Improves dynamics for 2-3 player games
- Powerful special abilities in larger games
- Excellent organization box
Keep in mind
- Requires mastery of the base game
- Some components may need translation
RECOMMENDED
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Ever looked at the Root map and felt like you needed that extra 'spark' to mess with your opponents' plans? That's exactly where the Hirelings come in. This expansion introduces fierce and fiery allies to the woodland, adding tactical layers that shift the game's dynamics based on your player count. It's not just about adding more pieces; it's about introducing new ways to manipulate the board.
In smaller games, hirelings fill the void, creating new friction points and forcing players to rethink their movements and positioning. In larger games, the experience evolves: certain hireling cards flip over to reveal powerful special abilities, unlocking unique strategies and high-impact combos that can swing the momentum of the match. The pack features a variety of new recruits, including Flame Bearers, Rat Smugglers, Vault Keepers, Badger Bodyguards, and both the Popular and Street Bands, each bringing their own brand of chaos to the struggle for forest dominance.
Beyond the gameplay additions, the set comes with a lovely storage box to keep all your hirelings organized, putting an end to the chaos of loose bags. It's the perfect upgrade for those who have mastered the base game and want to explore deeper nuances of asymmetry and area control. If you enjoy meticulous planning but love it when an unexpected ally arrives to cause some havoc, this pack is a must-have. Get ready to make the woodland wilder and more competitive than ever!
In smaller games, hirelings fill the void, creating new friction points and forcing players to rethink their movements and positioning. In larger games, the experience evolves: certain hireling cards flip over to reveal powerful special abilities, unlocking unique strategies and high-impact combos that can swing the momentum of the match. The pack features a variety of new recruits, including Flame Bearers, Rat Smugglers, Vault Keepers, Badger Bodyguards, and both the Popular and Street Bands, each bringing their own brand of chaos to the struggle for forest dominance.
Beyond the gameplay additions, the set comes with a lovely storage box to keep all your hirelings organized, putting an end to the chaos of loose bags. It's the perfect upgrade for those who have mastered the base game and want to explore deeper nuances of asymmetry and area control. If you enjoy meticulous planning but love it when an unexpected ally arrives to cause some havoc, this pack is a must-have. Get ready to make the woodland wilder and more competitive than ever!
GALLERY
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In English
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Mechanics
Categories
Families
Publisher
Leder Games, 2Tomatoes Games, CMON Global Limited, CrowD Games, Fox in the Box, Matagot, MeepleBR, Portal Games, Spielworxx, Tower Tactic Games, YOKA Games
Designer
Cole Wehrle, Joshua Yearsley, Nick Brachmann, Patrick Leder
Artist
Kyle Ferrin
Do I need the base game to use this pack?
Absolutely! This is an expansion, so you'll need the Root base game to play.
Do the hirelings significantly change the gameplay?
Yes, they introduce new tactical options and abilities that can shift how you manage territory control.
Does it work with any player count?
Yes! They are versatile: in smaller games they add map presence, and in larger games they unlock special abilities.
Does it make the game much more complex?
Complexity increases slightly due to the new abilities, but it's nothing daunting for anyone already familiar with Root's mechanics.
What's in the box besides the cards?
You get the new hirelings (miniatures/tokens) and a dedicated organizer box to keep everything tidy.