Ark Nova*
Ark Nova is a strategic board game where players take on the role of zoo planners, aiming to build and manage the most successful modern zoo.
Gameplay Overview
- Zoo Management Theme: Design and operate a scientifically managed zoo.
- Objective: Achieve the highest status as a zoological establishment through various strategies.
- Action Card System: Utilize a set of five action cards, with each card's power influenced by its current slot.
- Key Actions Include:
- CARDS: Acquire new zoo cards, including animals, sponsors, and conservation projects.
- BUILD: Construct enclosures, kiosks, and pavilions, both standard and special.
- ANIMALS: Accommodate different animals in your zoo.
- ASSOCIATION: Deploy association workers for various tasks.
- SPONSORS: Play sponsor cards or raise funds.
- Diverse Card Pool: Over 255 cards featuring animals, specialists, and projects, each with unique abilities.
- Appeal and Reputation: Enhance your zoo's appeal and scientific reputation to gain conservation points.
Conclusion
Ark Nova offers a rich and detailed experience for players who enjoy strategic planning and management in a board game. The blend of zoo building, resource management, and strategic card play provides a unique challenge. Players must balance the development of their zoo's infrastructure, animal collection, and conservation efforts to outcompete their rivals. The game's theme of zoo management combined with its deep strategic elements makes it a compelling choice for players looking for a thoughtful and engaging board game experience.
Nominated for 25 awards and won 13.
- 👥 1 - 4 Players
- ⏱️ 90 - 150 Minutes
- 🧒 14+ years old
- 🧩 Hard to learn
We like Ark Nova so much that we recommend it in the following board game recommendation lists 2026
- Position 9 in All "As d'Or - Jeu de l'Année"🇫🇷 2023 winners & nominees compared.
- Position 39 in The best "As d'Or - Jeu de l'Année"🇫🇷 winners
- Position 5 in All "Deutscher Spielepreis🇩🇪 2022" game award winners & nominees in comparison
- Position 16 in Our predictions for the Winners of the Spiel des Jahres🇩🇪 2022 Award
- Position 55 in All games aus der Top100-"Hunter & Cron Award 2022"-Liste 🇩🇪
- Position 83 in Best games released at SPIEL 2021 in Essen
- Position 12 in Best games where unchosen resources increase in value
- Position 29 in The 50 most popular🌟 board games on BoardGameGeek
- Position 13 in The best "As d'Or - Jeu de l'Année Expert"🇫🇷 winners & nominees. (Expert Game)
- Position 9 in The best Board Games for Hardcore Gamers
- Position 24 in The best "Deutscher Spielepreis"🇩🇪 award winners and nominees
- Position 12 in The Best Games from Feuerland Spiele 🇩🇪🏢
- Position 4 in The best games set on the continent of Africa 🌍
- Position 6 in The best games set on the continent of Asia 🌏
- Position 8 in The best games set on the continent of Europe 🇪🇺
- Position 3 in The best games set on the continent of North-America 🌎
- Position 5 in The best games set on the continent of South-America 🌎
- Position 12 in The best games where unchosen resources increase in value 📈
- Position 22 in The best games with an income
- Position 29 in The best games with irregular and/or unpredictable events
- Position 7 in The best "Goblin Magnifico🇮🇹" winners and nominees
- Position 4 in The best "Jogo do Ano🇵🇹" winners and nominees
- Position 16 in The best "Jogoeu User's Game (J.U.G.)🇵🇹" winners and nominees
- Position 50 in The Best New Card Game Releases
- Position 9 in The Top ${items.length} games🥇 on Boardgamegeek (BGG)
- Position 27 in The top 100 highest-rated board games
Expansions for Ark Nova
Already own Ark Nova and want more? These expansions bring fresh variety to your games:
Games similar to Ark Nova
You like Ark Nova and are on the lookout for a similar game? Then we recommend the following board games:
*