# Root Down > Abstract strategy board game with unique piece movement and capture mechanics. (iPhone/iPad app by Martin Grider.) - Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/root-down/id772166474 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`) - Developer: [Martin Grider](https://appshunter.io/developer/309543466) - Category: Games, Board, Strategy - Price: Free - Rating: 4.00/5 from 3 App Store ratings · 1 written reviews indexed - Age rating: 4+ - Requires: iOS 17.4 · 1 MB - Languages: American English - Released: 2013-12-13 - Data updated: 2026-06-07 - Monetization: free - User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/root-down/id772166474/reviews.md ## What is Root Down? Root Down is an original abstract strategy game designed by Martin Grider for 2-players. It's rules about which pieces you can move are a little quirky, but once you figure it out, it's very quick to play, and has some interesting gameplay mechanics. In Root Down, you have two types of pieces. There are "kicker" pieces that must be next to a "root" piece to move. (Root pieces cannot move.) Kickers can only move exactly as far as the number of kickers next to the root. After a kicker moves, it "kicks" all of the neighboring pieces, then settles down into a new "root" piece. If you kick one of your own root pieces, it becomes another "kicker"! Kicking an opponent's root does the same, and if you kick it again before it has a chance to move, you'll to capture it! The game features an AI player, as well as pass-and-play options. There are several variable setups to chose from. Each one plays slightly different. Please use the "send feedback" button to send me your input, or email me: rootdown@abstractpuzzle.com ## Key features - Abstract strategy gameplay - Unique piece movement rules - AI opponent - Pass-and-play mode - Variable game setups ## Recent user reviews (1 of 1) All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/root-down/id772166474/reviews.md ### 5/5 — Activate this game onto your iPad *2013-12-19* A neat activation mechanic drives this abstract 1v1 original board game for iOS. Looks like a Chess variant at first glance but calls for a new model of thinking about spatial relationships. Martin built this smooth interface in only a matter of hours! ## Frequently asked questions about Root Down ### What are the basic rules of Root Down gameplay? In Root Down, 'kicker' pieces move based on adjacent 'root' pieces. Kickers move a distance equal to the number of adjacent roots. After moving, a kicker becomes a new root, and can capture opponent's roots by kicking them. ### Can I play Root Down against a computer? Yes, Root Down features an AI player, allowing you to practice and play against the computer. ### Does Root Down support local multiplayer? Yes, Root Down offers a pass-and-play option, enabling two players to compete on the same device. ### Are there different ways to set up a game of Root Down? Yes, the game includes several variable setups, each offering a slightly different strategic experience. ### What devices is Root Down available on? Root Down is available on iPhone and iPad devices. ### How often is Root Down updated? The latest version, 2.2, was released on May 27, 2024, indicating active development and updates. ### What is the age rating for Root Down? Root Down has an age rating of 4+, making it suitable for a wide range of players. ### Does Root Down have ads? No, Root Down is ad-free, providing an uninterrupted gameplay experience. ## Version history (last 4 releases) ### 2.2 — 2024-05-27 New variable screen support in this version. iPad UI has been updated and is slightly different from the iPhone design. Also made the additional game options more obvious by opening them on the new game screen by default. Gameplay hasn't changed. ### 2.0 — 2016-03-14 This app has been updated by Apple to display the Apple Watch app icon. - Universal -- now play RootDown from your phone or iPad - AI -- there is now a (relatively simple) computer opponent - new game setups -- the game was always customizable using the "edit" button, but now there are some presets for different game configurations to start playing easily - Lots of bugs fixed, for example, the game over screen now correctly assigns a winner even when scores are identical. If you enjoy playing Root Down, please consider supporting me by purchasing some of my other games in the app store! ### 1.1 — 2013-12-12 Fixed game-over calculations. Minor textual (rules) changes. ### 1.0 — 2013-12-09 No release notes. ## Apps similar to Root Down | App | Rating | Price | Category | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [Sprouts+](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sprouts-plus/id6749350046) | 5.0 (1) | Free | Games | | [Dice Dice Incremental](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dice-dice-incremental/id6765842316) | — | Free | Games | | [Barrier - Strategy Board Game](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/barrier-strategy-board-game/id6762404861) | 5.0 (1) | Free | Games | | [Inti: The Inka Chess Game](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/inti-the-inka-chess-game/id6468368257) | — | Free | Games | | [Tempire](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/tempire/id1488269708) | 5.0 (2) | Free | Games | | [Sprouts: The Graph Game](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sprouts-the-graph-game/id6755640402) | — | Free | Games | ## More apps by Martin Grider - [Catchup - Abstract Strategy](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/catchup-abstract-strategy/id718429890) - [Thrive Board Game](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/thrive-board-game/id1528236222) - [Blither](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/blither/id1640511367) - [Hexagon Grid Generator](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hexagon-grid-generator/id6445898427) All apps by Martin Grider: https://appshunter.io/developer/309543466 ## Related topics [rootdown](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/rootdown) --- *Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-06-07.*