Ark Nova (2021) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Ark Nova is a board game released in 2021 by Feuerland Spiele. Designed by Mathias Wigge, the game focuses on building a floating wildlife sanctuary to save endangered species from a flood. With stunning artwork by Steffen Bieker, Loïc Billiau, Dennis Lohausen, and Christof Tisch, Ark Nova is set in a post-apocalyptic world where players must work together to protect animals and rebuild civilization.

Game Components of Ark Nova

Hexagon grid game board
Player boards
Animal tiles
Resource tokens
Action cards
Wooden animal meeples
Boat tokens

How To Setup Ark Nova

Set up the hexagon grid game board in the center of the table.
Each player chooses a player board and places it in front of them.
Shuffle the animal tiles and place them face down on the board.
Distribute resource tokens and action cards to each player.
Place the wooden animal meeples and boat tokens within reach of all players.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

In Ark Nova, players take turns performing actions to rescue animals, construct habitats, and earn income. The game is played over several rounds, with players strategically managing their resources and actions to maximize points. The objective is to build the most successful wildlife sanctuary and earn the highest score by the end of the game.

Player Experience

Pros:

Engaging gameplay mechanics that require strategic thinking
Beautiful artwork and thematic elements
Cooperative gameplay that encourages teamwork
Replayability with different strategies to explore

Cons:

Learning curve for new players
Limited player interaction
Long runtime for some players

Personal Thoughts on Ark Nova

Ark Nova is a visually stunning game with a unique theme that stands out in the board game market. The build quality is excellent, with durable components that enhance the gameplay experience. While the game may not be suitable for all players due to its complexity and length, it offers a rewarding challenge for those who enjoy deep strategy games. The pricing may be on the higher end for some, but the value of the game justifies the cost. Overall, Ark Nova is worth your time if you appreciate environmental and economic themes in board games and are looking for a thought-provoking gaming experience. It is recommended for players aged 14 and above who enjoy immersive gameplay and are willing to invest time in mastering the mechanics. However, those who prefer fast-paced, competitive games may want to skip Ark Nova in favor of other options.

Check out my Ark Nova review for more.

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