Ark nova is described online several times as one of the best games ever! Well... that's quite a title, and this one is definitely not for nothing! Do you remember the game Zoo Tycoon for PC? You may not know it at all but we could both spend hours building the perfect zoo. The game Ark Nova reminds us of this. With the game, you design a modern zoo, build enclosures for animals, support conservation projects around the world and hire specialists to achieve goals. Sounds like a serious task right? Are you ready to play this game?
What is Ark Nova?
Ark Nova is a board game for fanatical players aged 12 and up. We deliberately use the word fanatical players as the game is often described as an expert themed game. However, with the right dose of enthusiasm and good preparation, this game can be played by anyone.
The average running time is about 90 minutes but the game can also easily last for hours, making it ideal for a nice summer evening at the campsite or one of those annoying rainy days. In addition, you can also play this game multiple times due to the large amount of cards. This allows you to discover new elements every time. What we also find a big plus is that you can also play this game solo! This makes it suitable for everyone and everywhere.
What is the purpose of Ark Nova?
But what exactly is the point? During the game, you design & plan a modern successful zoo. However, you don't do this simply by putting as many animals in boxes as possible. You build stalls, establish friendships with other zoos and complete studies. Ultimately, your goal is to increase popularity and conservation value. When these two tracks meet on the board, the game ends.
General game information
The game consists of the following parts:
- 1 game board
- 1 association sign
- 8 player boards
- 255 playing cards
- 129 wooden parts
- more than 250 tiles and chits
Ark Nova is offered on many different websites. Want to order it safely and quickly online? Click through to the website of Bol.com.
Game information:
- Number of players: 1 - 8 players
- Game duration: 90 minutes
- Age: From 12 years
- Publisher: White Goblin Games
- Language: Dutch
- Awards & nominations:
- 2022 Kennerspiel des Jahres Recommended
- 2021 Golden Geek Heavy Game of the Year Winner
- 2021 Golden Geek Best Solo Board Game Nominee
How to play the game Ark Nova?
As indicated above, your aim is to build a modern zoo. You do this by building enclosures (placing tiles), collecting animals, unique buildings and specialists, and supporting conservation projects.
The aim of the game is to become successful on two different topics namely; popularity and conservation value. In the game, you have several starting points on either side of the board for this purpose. By making these two items rise and intersect with each other, you score points. You do this through the five actions.
The five actions are:
- Cards: obtain new cards from the deck or the central market
- Construction: build pens (standard, special, gazebos, pavilions) to keep your animals
- Animals: place animals in appropriate housing
- Association: let your staff perform different tasks, such as conservation, research or collaborating with another zoo
- Sponsors: play sponsorship cards or raise money
Each time you play an action card, you remove it from its current position and move it to its designated spot. What makes this game so captivating is that you have to think carefully about the actions you perform each time in order to optimise your power.
Some actions you perform will promote the pause track. Once you have ‘unlocked’ several items in this, there is a pause where players receive income and discard cards. The card market and association board are also refreshed. As soon as one of the players crosses his pawns, the end of the game begins and each player has one last turn to finish.
How to play Ark Nova Solo?
The solo version of the game basically plays the same way as the multiplayer version and lasts about 90 minutes. The objective is still to build a zoo. The difference is that the small solo board has to be used. Also with this solo board, you eventually have a break where you receive income and can discard cards. This means that next round you have six actions before the break, the next five and so on. As soon as you have two cubes left, you play the final round and determine whether you have won the game. Points are additionally determined in the same way as in a regular game, by crossing tracks.
Ark Nova reviews
An awful lot of reviews can be found about the game Ark Nova. This is partly because of the various awards and nominations it has received in recent years.
Because the game has many different game elements such as cards, pawns and a board, it is a bit complicated to understand right away. You will really have to grab the manual before you start. In addition, we read a lot that the 255 unique cards in this game have an advantage but also a disadvantage. It brings a lot of variety that allows you to play the game often but, on the other hand, it can also cause some unusual actions. For example, you may never draw a sponsor card or you may only have 1 blue card. This limits your options in the game which prevents you from progressing. On the other hand, this also makes the game extra exciting especially if you play with multiple players.
What makes this game so cool is that you never know exactly what you are going to do. Because you can't decide on tactics in advance. Before you know it, you have a zoo with only cuddly animals or it is filled with lizards and birds. You will have to adapt and devise strategies to make the game challenging and fun! Are you ready to play the most challenging and coolest game of 2022?
Are you looking more for travel games for when travelling? Then check out our blog: 14x Great travel games for 2 people | For unforgettable moments!
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