Ark Nova

In Ark Nova, you will plan and design a modern, scientifically managed zoo. With the ultimate goal of owning the most successful zoological establishment, you will build enclosures, accommodate animals, and support conservation projects all over the world. Specialists and unique buildings will help you in achieving this goal.

Each player has a set of five action cards to manage their gameplay, and the power of an action is determined by the slot the card currently occupies. The cards in question are:

CARDS: Allows you to gain new zoo cards (animals, sponsors, and conservation project cards).

BUILD: Allows you to build standard or special enclosures, kiosks, and pavilions.

ANIMALS: Allows you to accommodate animals in your zoo.

ASSOCIATION: Allows your association workers to carry out different tasks.

SPONSORS: Allows you to play a sponsor card in your zoo or to raise money.

255 cards featuring animals, specialists, special enclosures, and conservation projects, each with a special ability, are at the heart of Ark Nova. Use them to increase the appeal and scientific reputation of your zoo and collect conservation points.

—description from the publisher

Awards & Honors

2023 Gra Roku Expert Game of the Year Nominee

2023 As d’Or – Jeu de l’Année Expert Winner

2023 As d’Or – Jeu de l’Année Expert Nominee

2023 American Tabletop Complex Games Nominee

2022 Tric Trac Nominee

2022 Tric Trac Expert Nominee

2022 Tric Trac d’Or Expert

2022 Tric Trac d’Or

2022 Swiss Gamers Award Winner

2022 Swiss Gamers Award Nominee

2022 Nederlandse Spellenprijs Best Expert Game Winner

2022 Nederlandse Spellenprijs Best Expert Game Nominee

2022 MinD-Spielepreis Complex Game Winner

2022 MinD-Spielepreis Complex Game Nominee

2022 Kennerspiel des Jahres Recommended

2022 JUG Adult Game of the Year Winner

2022 JUG Adult Game of the Year Finalist

2022 Jogo do Ano Nominee

2022 Japan Boardgame Prize Voters’ Selection Winner

2022 Japan Boardgame Prize Voters’ Selection Nominee

2022 International Gamers Award Two-player Winner

2022 International Gamers Award Two-player Nominee

2022 International Gamers Award Solo Nominee

2022 International Gamers Award Multi-player Nominee

2022 Guldbrikken Best Expert Game Winner

2022 Goblin Magnifico Nominee

2022 Dragon Awards Best Science Fiction or Fantasy Board Game Nominee

2022 Deutscher Spiele Preis Best Family/Adult Game Winner

2022 Bulgarian Board Game Awards Expert Game of the Year Nominee

2022 Board Game Quest Awards Game of the Year Nominee

2022 Board Game Quest Awards Best Strategy/Euro Game Winner

2022 Board Game Quest Awards Best Strategy/Euro Game Nominee

2021 Meeples Choice Award Winner

2021 Meeples Choice Award Nominee

2021 Golden Geek Heavy Game of the Year Winner

2021 Golden Geek Heavy Game of the Year Nominee

2021 Golden Geek Best Solo Board Game Nominee