ROOT Board Game: VAGABOND Strategy Guide / How to Win / STRATEGY TIPS

Many experienced players argue that the Vagabond is hands down the best faction in the game, but I’d also argue they are the hardest to learn. So today, I’m going to teach you how to win with the Vagabond, when you should and shouldn’t help your opponents, and I’ll break down the relative merits of each of the leaders. Hang around to the end of the video and I’ll share some secrets to counter this very powerful faction.

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=TIMESTAMPS=
0:00 Introduction
0:45 Items
2:20 Item Management
3:19 Leaders
5:48 Initial Placement
6:52 Aid
7:41 General Advice
8:20 Map Location
9:00 Alliances
10:16 Crafting
11:01 Quests
12:02 Taking Damage
13:26 Countering the Vagabond
14:59 Final Thoughts
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Root is a game of adventure and war in which 2 to 4 (1 to 6 with the 'Riverfolk' expansion) players battle for control of a vast wilderness.

The nefarious Marquise de Cat has seized the great woodland, intent on harvesting its riches. Under her rule, the many creatures of the forest have banded together. This Alliance will seek to strengthen its resources and subvert the rule of Cats. In this effort, the Alliance may enlist the help of the wandering Vagabonds who are able to move through the more dangerous woodland paths. Though some may sympathize with the Alliance’s hopes and dreams, these wanderers are old enough to remember the great birds of prey who once controlled the woods.

Meanwhile, at the edge of the region, the proud, squabbling Eyrie have found a new commander who they hope will lead their faction to resume their ancient birthright. The stage is set for a contest that will decide the fate of the great woodland. It is up to the players to decide which group will ultimately take root.

Root represents the next step in our development of asymmetric design. Like Vast: The Crystal Caverns, each player in Root has unique capabilities and a different victory condition. Now, with the aid of gorgeous, multi-use cards, a truly asymmetric design has never been more accessible.

The Cats play a game of engine building and logistics while attempting to police the vast wilderness. By collecting Wood they are able to produce workshops, lumber mills, and barracks. They win by building new buildings and crafts.

The Eyrie musters their hawks to take back the Woods. They must capture as much territory as possible and build roosts before they collapse back into squabbling.

The Alliance hides in the shadows, recruiting forces and hatching conspiracies. They begin slowly and build towards a dramatic late-game presence--but only if they can manage to keep the other players in check.

Meanwhile, the Vagabond plays all sides of the conflict for their own gain, while hiding a mysterious quest. Explore the board, fight other factions, and work towards achieving your hidden goal.

In Root, players drive the narrative, and the differences between each role create an unparalleled level of interaction and replayability. Leder Games invites you and your family to explore the fantastic world of Root!

—description from the publisher

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[przemekbozek]

Thanks for the overview. I also agree with your statement on Beaver > Guardian > Thief. I try to get better with the other 2 lately.

Additional tip I'd add is quest early if possible - I tend to try to maximize refresh/turn, so usually try to do quests is first few turns to do 1 torch (ruins) and 1 quest for VP - this sets me up for high-VP quests later on.

Also, on countering Vagabond the main thing I think is to focus on some items. I never craft Hammers, Crossbows and Swords, as all are too powerful. I really like crafting coins (3 VPs), the remaining ones are situational - craft whatever Vagabond doesn't need..

In most our online games we tend to play as a Beaver - I'll try your strategy of attacking him early if I can😁

[AntherAnn]

Ranger main here.
In my games, that I win anyways I usually wind up making a dedicated enemy in either the cats or birds early on. Depends on who leaves an early building open, if people aren't leaving buildings open I usually wait till I have two swords, I even offer to not attack the person who crafts me a sword. Once you have two swords and a crossbow the other players basically can't protect their buildings at that point unless they dedicate a large amount of troops.
Also always attack the woodlands sympathy, they'll hate you for it but it's free points and insures you wont catch a revolution to the head.

I usually just get in quests whenever they're convenient, if there's no better point options and nobody that I can set back.
And the ruins are nice if they're around but if it's a chance to disrupt someone or maybe an item I want, I'll take the disruption every time.

[johnmarkle]

New to the game, but I'm really enjoying playing as the Tinker. I think you're underestimating the scoring potential of the quests, especially once you've completed multiple and start gaining 3+ VP each. If things fall your way you can complete multiple 3 VP quests in one turn. Crafting the favor cards is also devastating for the other players.

[wholesomematt]

What a beautiful video. First time seeing your channel. Thanks for the tricks and great edit friend!

[JackBenge-jdqn]

13:26 I needed this to counter my mom who keeps winning as the adventurer every time she is a vagabond😭😅

[moleman]

Good video, hard to find a video just to explaining how to play it

[nguyennamanhkhoa]

I think Tinker is the hardest vagabond since he had to balance with othets, try not to beat them before you get the 3 hammer.The best way to counter Tinker is that Eyrie or WA may hide their hammer in the decree or support Deck

[BluDarren]

Your guides helps a lot in understanding the game better! Did I miss sth or there isn't a guide for marquise de cats yet?

[minhdajca]

Hi, Can I ask a question? Is there any official rule of Root neft that Vagabond's tea only allows for 1 more exhausted item to be refreshed instead of 2 exhausted items?

[xivivix]

I've watched this video several times and I still can't get the hang of playing the vagabond. I get blown out even on the easy AI. It seems like I start strong by exploring the ruins, then I stall out. My equipment is always broken and exhausted and I can only get one point per turn by picking off a lone enemy. I've been at it for days and I'm still not making any progress with this faction. Any advice as far as what I'm doing wrong?

[republikadugave]

Vagabond is like a balance keeper and if unchecked he will steamroll the game

[samojolbo]

powerfull in our games they are often last.

[MutedAndReported]

My first VB game:
*picks Ranger
*Doesn’t attack anyone until lategame
*Somehow wins anyway??

[zigoter]

Tinker favour card rush.
Step 1 - Pick tinker
Step 2 - search all of the ruins and look for hammer card in discard pile, or try to convince someone to craft them.
Step 3 - use your ability to gather a favor card from a discard pile and craft it in the same turn as you took it, so noone will beat you up.
Notes: good players usually tend to beat up tinker more often.
Get some swords as fast as you can, so people will think twice before attacking you, or take a bird ambush card from DISCARD pile, so everyone sees that you have it, and won't attack you. Try to use favor as a game ending card to get alot of points and win really quickly by jumping high in score with just one card.