Top 3 · #2 of 40 in Strategy
Ark Nova
A big euro strategy game where you design and run a modern zoo and carry out species conservation projects. Its own system, combining card drafting with action slot management, made it a worldwide hit after release.
Rules
1. Setup
You take your zoo map and lay your five action cards (Cards, Build, Animals, Association, Sponsors) on slots 1 through 5 in order. Then you set up your starting hand, a small amount of money, and your reputation, and the first round begins.
2. Turn flow
On your turn you pick one of the five slots and take that action. The slot number (1-5) is the strength of the action, and the card you used moves to slot 1 while the other cards slide back.
3. Key rules
To place an animal you must already have built an enclosure of the right size on your zoo map. The Association action is how you take partner zoos and universities and join species conservation projects.
4. End condition
The conservation marker and the appeal (admission) marker move toward each other from opposite ends, and the moment they cross, the round ends and you count final scores.
Rule summaries are reference content written by us, not quotations from the official rulebook. Always check the official rulebook for exact rules.
💡 Master tip
The key is setting off your upgraded (level II) actions efficiently when an action card reaches slot 5. Early on, get sponsor cards that raise your income onto the table quickly to build your engine.
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Tools you can request
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Final crossing score calculator
Converts conservation points into appeal points to work out the crossing score and the final total.
Break checklist
A guide to taking break tokens, discarding cards, and the income step.
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