Root vs Scythe
A side-by-side comparison of two of the most-asked-about board games — using only verified specs from our catalogue. No invented rules, no fluff.
Specs and BoardGameGeek rankings current as of June 2026. Gaps in our data show as a dash (—).
| Root | Scythe | |
|---|---|---|
| Year | 2018 | 2016 |
| Players | 2–4 | 1–5 |
| Playtime | ~60 min | ~115 min |
| Recommended age | 14+ | 14+ |
| Complexity (BGG weight) | 3.8 / 5 | 3.5 / 5 |
| BGG rank | #34 | #26 |
| Designers | Cole Wehrle | Jamey Stegmaier, Morten Monrad Pedersen |
| Key mechanics | Action Points, Action Queue, Action Retrieval, Area Majority / Influence | Area Majority / Influence, Card Play Conflict Resolution, Contracts, End Game Bonuses |
Both games share these mechanics: Area Majority / Influence, Take That, Variable Player Powers, Variable Set-up.
Which should you get?
Based only on the specs above — not on opinion:
- Scythe is the lighter, easier-to-teach game (3.5 vs 3.8 of 5), while Root offers more decision depth for experienced players.
- If table time matters, Root is the shorter game (~60 min vs ~115 min).
- For bigger groups, Scythe stretches further (1–5 players).
- Only Scythe supports solo play in our data.
- On raw BoardGameGeek ranking, Scythe currently sits higher (#26 vs #34).
Both are well-loved games; the "right" one depends on your group. Read the full entries for Root and Scythe.
Where to buy
Scythe
Find Scythe on Amazon →Amazon links are affiliate search links. As an Amazon Associate, EveryGameMade earns from qualifying purchases.
Common questions
Is Root or Scythe harder to learn?
Scythe is the easier of the two to learn — 3.5 of 5 on BoardGameGeek versus 3.8 of 5 for Root.
Which is faster to play, Root or Scythe?
Root is the quicker game at about 60 minutes, versus roughly 115 minutes for Scythe.
How many players do Root and Scythe support?
Root plays with 2–4 players; Scythe plays with 1–5 players.