Explore the Woodland Like Never Before: A Look at Root's Marauder and Riverfolk Expansions

Overview

If you love strategic board games and haven't dived into Root yet—or you're already a fan looking to level up your gameplay—you're in for a treat. Leder Games’ Root is a unique asymmetric strategy game where players take control of different woodland factions, each with its own goals, mechanics, and personality. The Marauder and Riverfolk expansions take this award-winning game to new heights by adding fresh factions, deeper strategy, and even more replayability.

Why Add Expansions to Root?

One of the best things about Root is its endless variability. With every new expansion, the game becomes richer, more complex, and even more fun. Whether you enjoy head-to-head combat, economic maneuvering, or playing solo, these expansions bring something new to the table.

Let’s break down the two standout expansions, The Marauder Expansion and The Riverfolk Expansion, and see what they offer.

Root: The Marauder Expansion

What It's All About

The Marauder Expansion introduces two powerful and very different factions to the Woodland: the Lord of the Hundreds, a war-hungry tyrant who dominates through brute strength, and the Keepers in Iron, stoic relic-seekers determined to protect their sacred finds.

But this expansion doesn’t stop at new factions. It also introduces hirelings—mini factions that can be added to the game for more strategic variety. Plus, with a draft-style setup, every match feels new and balanced, no matter how experienced your group is.

Key Features

• Two Brand-New Factions
  
  

• Lord of the Hundreds – Smash and conquer your way through the forest.
  
  

• Keepers in Iron – Play defensively and control ancient relics.
  
  

• Hirelings Mechanic-Add smaller, versatile characters that any faction can control, opening up all kinds of creative strategies.
  
  

• Dynamic Game Setup-A fresh draft system helps players of all levels start with a fair, fun footing.
  
  

• Up to 6 Players-Perfect for bigger game nights with more friends around the table.
  
  

• Replay Value for Days-Mix and match factions and hirelings for a new experience every time you play.
  
  

Root: The Riverfolk Expansion

What It's All About

The Riverfolk Expansion brings commerce and chaos to the forest. Two new factions join the fray: the Riverfolk Company, merchants who profit by selling their services, and the Lizard Cult, a radical religious group that turns discarded warriors into loyal followers.

It also adds three new Vagabond characters, giving solo players more flexibility and variety. And if you’re into solo or co-op play, you’ll love the bot support that lets you play even when no one else is around.

Key Features

• Two Unique Factions
  
  

• Riverfolk Company—Make deals, trade resources, and profit from every move.
  
  

• Lizard Cult—Spread faith and convert enemies to your cause.
  
  

• More Vagabond Options-Three new Vagabond types for different solo adventures.
  
  

• Bot System Included-Adds competitive and cooperative bots for solo play or smaller groups.
  
  

• Supports 6 Players-Makes your game nights more inclusive with larger group support.
  
  

• Endless Combinations—So many ways to mix factions and characters—no two games are alike.
  
  

Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature	Marauder Expansion	Riverfolk Expansion
New Factions	Lord of the Hundreds, Keepers in Iron	Riverfolk Company, Lizard Cult
Max Player Count	6 Players	6 Players
Solo/Co-op Support	Not included	Yes – Includes bots
Hirelings System	Yes	No
New Vagabond Variants	No	Yes – Three new types
Setup Mechanic	Draft-style start	Standard setup
Playstyle Focus	Aggression & Area Control	Economy, Religion, Solo Play

Final Thoughts: Which Root Expansion Should You Choose?

Both expansions bring something fresh and exciting to the Root universe, but which one suits your playstyle?

• Choose the Marauder Expansion if you love aggressive tactics, intense battles, and customizable setup options. It’s great for competitive groups that want something dynamic and balanced right from the start.
  
  

• Go with the Riverfolk Expansion if you enjoy economic strategy, religious manipulation, or want to explore Root as a solo player. It’s ideal for players who love diplomacy, negotiation, or flexibility in faction styles.
  
  

Honestly, if you're a Root fan, both expansions are worth having. They add depth, diversity, and so much replay value, you'll be exploring new strategies for years.